Switzerland has increasingly faced propaganda attacks and disinformation campaigns that aim to distort its image internationally, primarily from Russian sources. These campaigns suggest that Switzerland has abandoned its long-held neutrality since 1815, creating a false narrative about its role in global politics.
For instance, Turkish media published misleading articles about Switzerland’s neutrality, and viral claims about protests in Bern misrepresented the situation, with some incorrectly asserting that a synagogue was threatened. Russian media, including RT, further promote the notion that Switzerland is aligning with NATO, undermining its neutrality.
Disinformation also targets issues like migration and security, suggesting that Switzerland is unsafe and discriminatory, which contradicts the reality of its balanced policies.
To combat these narratives, Switzerland emphasizes clear communication through multiple languages and supports reliable media sources. Experts stress the importance of media literacy to help audiences identify manipulation and verify information. In light of a global information war, Switzerland aims to maintain a clear understanding of its neutrality and counteract fake news to protect its reputation.
