3 2028 Foreign Policy Vision The second chapter outlined the changes happening in the world and showed what they mean for Switzerland, while highlighting the drivers of development. The Foreign Policy Vision translates these changes – at both the global and national level – into options for action. AVIS28 identifies six foreign policy areas for innovation. The vision begins by describing an optimum condition in 2028, before setting out proposals – in the form of building blocks that can be combined to gear foreign policy to achieving this optimum scenario. 3.1. Foreign policy based on clearly defined interests and Switzerland’s value compass In order to continue its success story, Switzerland should define its interests more clearly and pursue them more prominently in future. In Switzerland’s case, interest-driven politics does not mean power politics or unilateralism. And Switzerland must not lose sight of its core values. On the contrary: in Switzerland, interests and values coincide. They are two sides of the same coin. Switzerland’s inner strengths should continue to guide its foreign policy. Switzerland’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law, to dialogue and a culture of compromise, to human rights and gender equity, and to humanitarian principles is a core element of its foreign policy. A Swiss foreign policy devoid of values would lack strength and credibility. Switzerland is known throughout the world for its humanitarian tradition, and solidarity forms part of its understanding of what a state should be and do. However, safeguarding national interests has traditionally been the primary focus of foreign policy. The geopolitical and trade policy developments discussed here will make this task much more demanding for Switzerland in future. Others are envious of the country’s prosperity and, as an independent actor, Switzerland will become the target of more frequent international pressure. What is more, in a multipolar world, the country will be forced to take a position on controversial issues more often than has hitherto been the case. For that reason, Switzerland should take a much closer look at its interests. Only by knowing its 13 2028 Foreign Policy Vision interests can it effectively defend them. With that in mind, Switzerland will be able to have a say in the international arena: pursuing a policy based on interests means exercising influence and shaping decisions. The vision By 2028, Switzerland’s foreign policy will deliver on strategic priorities based on clearly defined interests and its values. Foreign policy will articulate thematic and regional priorities. Switzerland will be consistent in its dealings, including those with the major powers. It will leverage the potential afforded by its independence while pursuing its interests in cooperation with like-minded countries. The vision is based on four main components or building blocks: 3.1.1. A shared understanding of interests The article in the Federal Constitution that sets out the aims of the Swiss Confederation provides the starting point for defining these interests. From a foreign policy viewpoint, Switzerland’s security, welfare and independence are its core interests. Added to these are the long-term preservation of natural resources and the promotion of a just and peaceful international order as the basis for security, welfare and independence. Art. 54 of the Federal Constitution names important sub-areas of foreign policy. It states that “the Confederation shall ensure that the independence of Switzerland and its welfare is safeguarded; it shall in particular assist in the alleviation of need and poverty in the world and promote respect for human rights and democracy, the peaceful co-­ existence of peoples as well as the conservation of natural resources.” In its dispatch on the Federal Constitution, the Federal Council notes that this list is not exhaustive. It also states that Article 101 of the Federal Constitution, according to which the Confederation “shall safeguard the interests of the Swiss economy abroad”, crystallises the