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by Marita Brune-Koch*
(17 October 2025) In most German-speaking cantons in Switzerland, pupils have been taught French in primary school for over twenty years. This has not been successful, as pupils are not learning enough. Some cantons have therefore decided to discontinue early French (Years 5 and 6) and only start teaching French in secondary school (Year 7).
by René Roca*
(10 October 2025) Switzerland remained permanently neutral during the Cold War (1949–1991). This way, it helped to initiate reconciliation processes in many conflicts. Switzerland served not only its own country but also Europe and the world in terms of peace policy. At that time, Switzerland was a diplomatic great power.
by Ursula Cross*
(10 October 2025) Through the informal influence of the EU, Switzerland is also increasingly falling under the spell of an authoritarian surveillance mentality that is gaining ground worldwide. In many areas, we unquestioningly adopt political and constitutional views and attitudes from the EU. Notably not a democratic entity. In the EU, the Digital Services Act (DSA) has become a powerful instrument for monitoring opinion.
(3 October 2025) (CH-S) 1963 marked the height of the Cold War. The two power blocs, NATO and the Warsaw Pact, were locked in irreconcilable opposition, threatening each other with weapons capable of wiping out humanity. In this seemingly hopeless situation, American President John F. Kennedy presented his vision for peace and disarmament at a time of intense global tension. He showed that it is possible and necessary to engage in dialogue with the hated enemy and to create peace despite differing views and opinions.
by Suzette Sandoz,* Pully VD
((26 September 2025) CH-S) The recent decision by the three cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Zurich and St. Gallen to postpone the start of French lessons from middle school (grades 4–6) to secondary school (grades 7–9) has triggered a wide range of reactions in French-speaking Switzerland and in the federal capital of Bern. Disregard for a linguistic minority? A failed experiment with early multilingual teaching? A threat to national cohesion?
by Prof. Michael Hudson,* USA
(26 September 2025) (CH-S) At the summit meeting of the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization” (SCO) in China, discussions focused on the development of a new international economic order based on mutually beneficial trade and investment. Michael Hudson shares his views on the outcomes of the summit and the possible consequences.