How the Swiss Department of Defense Contributes to UN Security Council Decision Making

Daniel F. Oriesek

This article explores the strategic-political contributions of the Department of Defense (DoD) to Switzerland’s membership in the United Nations (UN) Security Council, with a particular emphasis on peacekeeping operations (PKO). Drawing from an impulse speech, held in September 2023 in Basel, the article delineates key milestones in Switzerland’s path to joining the Security Council. It examines the preparation phase undertaken by the Swiss government, highlighting the roles played by the DoD in supporting the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Furthermore, the article delves into the setup and activities of the UN Mandate Assessment Team, discussing its objectives, challenges, and deliverables. Lastly, it provides insights into the preparation of military assessments and offers conclusions drawn from both general and personal perspectives.