re: "An Alpine Superpower?"

Baron Bodissey at Gates of Vienna ("At the siege of Vienna in 1683 Islam seemed poised to overrun Christian Europe.We are in a new phase of a very old war.") noted a limited outbreak of rationality in Europe.

Money quote(s):

"The European Union’s lack of military capability has made it somewhat of a joke in recent years. Among the various member states of the EU there are some exceptions — Denmark comes to mind — but, generally speaking, Western Europe lacks the capacity to defend itself without the help of the United States. If the American hegemon were to withdraw or collapse, Europe would become vulnerable to foreign predation long before it could rearm.

Not so Switzerland. The Swiss have a long tradition of muscular self-defense, and are now intent on beefing up the size and strength of their army."

Our NATO allies have continued cashing their peace dividend checks long past the end of actual peace. Witness their limited capabilities in support of whatever their Libyan objectives actually were.

So, while in absolute terms calling Switzerland a "superpower" is a bit of a stretch, in comparison with their neighbors, perhaps not so much of a stretch.

"In defiance of all European trends to saving, there will again be 100,000 soldiers prepared to defend the country."

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