Social: identity and differentiation Political: fragmentation, US–China rivalry Drivers of change Economic: Fourth Industrial Revolution Environmental: climate change FDFA Technological: digitalisation, AI Developing multilateral solutions is becoming more important, but also more challenging. Many actors are aware that global challenges, such as limiting global warming, regulating global trade, reducing poverty, stabilising fragile states and dealing with migration, can only be tackled through cooperation. International organisations are still relevant, as long as they focus on the issues. What is now needed are forms of governance that better integrate non-state actors in the democratic process and make them accountable, and which promote interdisciplinary cooperation. A stable and prosperous Europe is crucial to Switzerland’s prosperity and security. A stable and rules-based relationship with the EU and broad access to the single market is therefore a priority. The developments associated with Brexit, transatlantic relations and the role of Russia in European security also have a direct impact on Switzerland. The profound crisis of confidence between Russia and the West also undermines Switzerland’s security. How successfully Europe as a continent positions itself in the world is also a key factor in Switzerland’s success. The regions south of the Mediterranean are also part of Europe’s extended neighbourhood. The many conflicts in the Middle East, as well as in North Africa and the Sahel, the continued jihadist threat and lack of opportunities for young people in these regions have a negative impact on Europe. Positive economic development in Africa is therefore of strategic interest to Europe. Despite tremendous progress being made in poverty reduction thanks in part to development cooperation efforts, one in ten people worldwide is affected by extreme poverty, and more than half of these people live in sub-Saharan Africa. 8 Foundations In a globalised world, Swiss foreign policy can no longer be primarily defined in geographical terms. A global perspective and thematic priorities are required, to be implemented in the different regions in their respective context. Based on this context analysis, and the provisions of the Federal Constitution, we can derive four thematic focus areas for the current legislative period: > Peace and security: Given the polarisation of world politics, bridge-building actors are highly sought after. Switzerland can make an important contribution through its good offices and its expertise in peace policy. An effective implementing tool for this will be Switzerland’s candidacy for and membership of the UN Security Council in 2023–24. > Prosperity: The international environment is becoming more challenging for the Swiss economy. Switzerland’s commitment to ensuring favourable conditions and market access is crucial, both in Europe and globally. Consolidating the bilateral approach with the EU must take priority. At the same time, focused development cooperation contributes to poverty reduction and sustainable development. > Sustainability: Implementation of the 2030 Agenda will also be a priority for the new legislative period. Switzerland will reinforce its foreign policy commitment to tackling climate change and protecting the environment. > Digitalisation: Switzerland will develop its digital diplomacy profile. As a global centre for shaping digital governance and addressing other future challenges, the role of International Geneva will be bolstered. Switzerland’s profile and its expertise at the interface between diplomacy, technology and science will be specifically developed for the purposes of science diplomacy. As this context analysis shows, foreign policy is becoming more important and more challenging. If Switzerland wants to continue its success story, its foreign policy must be coherent, agile and guided by clear goals, and must be supported by domestic policy. Switzerland intends to actively help shape its context on the basis of its interests and values, and aims to work increasingly with like-minded partners to do so. At the same time, relations with the major powers are gaining in importance. Finally, given the volatility of the current international context, it is important to strengthen our capacity for anticipation and analysis in foreign policy. A permanent strategic overview of foreign policy and a rolling risk analysis are indispensable in order to be able to respond promptly to developing situations and crises.