Neutrality

Map of the EU showing the countries which are neutral.
Chipmunkdavis | CC BY-SA 4.0

➡️ Neutrality & Nonalignment in International Relations

Neutrality in international relations is a strategic stance that allows a state to abstain from participating in military conflicts or alliances. This position can be advantageous, offering a nation the ability to focus on internal development and maintain diplomatic flexibility.

Historically, countries like Switzerland have epitomised neutrality, prioritising diplomacy and peace over militarisation. Neutral countries must navigate complex global dynamics without compromising their principles or security.

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In a world of shifting alliances and rising geopolitical tensions, neutrality provides a shield but under the pressure of surmounting global challenges. The power of neutrality is an underused tool in a world of conflict and military-first approaches.

Austria, Ireland, Malta, and Switzerland are the only four remaining neutral countries in Europe. However, with the continued expansion of NATO and the recent accession of Finland and Sweden, it is becoming increasingly challenging for countries to remain non-aligned. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 pushed them into the 'safety' net of the world's largest military alliance with the loss of long-term stability in the region.

Switzerland is a permanently neutral power which maintains military and political neutrality. Other countries may have disarmed but still lean towards certain countries in terms of values.

Several countries have coded neutrality into law, such as Costa Rica and Uzbekistan. Others have it written in their constitution, including Turkmenistan, Moldova, and Cambodia. Some countries, such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Panama, Vatican City, and Mauritius, have no armed forces at all.

Neutral countries must remain impartial, neither assisting nor attacking either side. The countries that are actively participating in the war must respect this stance. Not every country that declares itself neutral follows the Hague guidelines of neutrality, for example, Mexico, whose neutrality has been historically questioned.

Benefits of Neutrality

Neutrality allows a nation to focus on its own interests, fund healthcare, education, and other social needs, maintain peace, and avoid entanglement in external disputes. Switzerland and Vatican City have leveraged their longstanding neutral status to serve as mediators and hosts for peace negotiations, thereby aiding the peace process and contributing to conflict resolution.

Neutral countries also facilitate peace and humanitarian organisations, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid into conflict areas and promoting the fair treatment of prisoners of war.

Neutrality can also enhance a country's reputation as a stable and reliable partner in the international community.

Neutrality does not have to be a permanent state. Countries will often choose whether to remain neutral on a case-by-case basis after considering many factors, including economic, political, environmental, and humanitarian factors.

For more insight, read "A Little Neutrality FAQ " by Pascal Lottaz.

Author: Rachael Mellor 28.05.25 licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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