provides in-depth insights into the procedures and constraints of Swiss foreign policy, answering questions such as: * Why is Switzerland not a member of the European Union? * What are the implications of staying apart and how important is neutrality in today's Europe? * What are the implications of federalism and direct democracy on foreign policy? * How should conflicting interests in foreign policy decision-making be dealt with? The book is essential reading to all those interested in foreign policy analysis, the relationship between democracy and international relations, the significance of being a small state in contemporary Europe and the specificities of the Swiss political system.