Faculty Sponsor
Christoph Schiessl
Final Abstract for URS Program
This poster presents my research into Switzerland's neutrality during World War II, a topic I found to be considerably more nuanced than commonly understood. While maintaining official neutrality, Switzerland engaged in significant financial transactions with Nazi Germany, including the movement of looted gold through its banking system. These actions, justified as necessary for neutrality, directly supported the Nazi war effort. Furthermore, Swiss refugee policies imposed restrictive measures, resulting in the denial of asylum and forced repatriation of persecuted individuals, notably Jewish and Roma refugees. The lack of post-war scrutiny changed in the 1990s, when revelations surrounding dormant Holocaust-era bank accounts sparked international attention, leading to the establishment of the Bergier Commission. This commission challenged the established narrative of Switzerland's moral neutrality. My research demonstrates that Switzerland's wartime experience highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by neutral states when national interests conflict with humanitarian responsibilities. By critically analyzing these policies and their enduring consequences, I aim to contribute to a broader understanding of the ethical responsibilities of neutral states during periods of global conflict.
Presentation Type
Visual Presentation
Document Type
Article