5 October 2014 No 23/24 ISSN 1664-7963

Current Concerns PO Box CH-8044 Zurich Current Concerns Switzerland The international journal for independent thought, ethical standards, moral responsibility, Phone: +41 44 350 65 50 Fax: +41 44 350 65 51 and for the promotion and respect of public international law, human rights and humanitarian law

E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.currentconcerns.ch English Edition of Zeit-Fragen

“Where there are conflicts, we have a very important role” The long Swiss humanitarian tradition Interview with Ambassador Martin Dahinden thk. At the end to global challenges such as food securi- What we have accomplished is that we of the month ty, water scarcity or climate change. Fur- are now more broadly supported than be- September the thermore, there are many events that have fore. Today, there is less criticism on the Director of the shaped this time. In 2008, the financial development cooperation. The Parliament Swiss Agen- and economic crisis began, and we saw has increased the credits. This is an ac- cy for Devel- the great humanitarian catastrophe in knowledgment of our work and the im- opment and Haiti, the Arab spring and the outbreak of provements we have made. For me per- Cooperation the conflict in Syria. These were all im- sonally, it is also a success that we have (SDC), Am- portant events in this period. A milestone done well in the examination of the OECD bassador Mar- that I particularly like to remember was countries. The OECD has acknowledged tin Dahinden, the 50th anniversary of the SDC. During that the two bodies, the SECO and the is leaving Swit- one year, namely 2011, we have reflect- SDC, which operate the Federal Govern- Martin Dahinden zerland and is ed the history of our organisation in 50 ment’s development work, do a very good (picture thk) new Swiss Am- to 100 events. There I talked to different job. bassador to the people who played a role in different stag- USA. Despite his big workload and his es in the history of the SDC. This was also You had previously mentioned the work planning of the move to the USA he gave the occasion to think about half a century, in fragile contexts. I think, this is an ac- “Current Concerns” the opportunity for where we came from, what we’ve accom- cent that was developed during your ten- an interview in which he answers ques- plished and where we want to go. ure. What has caused the SDC to engage tions about his work with SDC and more in such a difficult environment? This generally about development coopera- After 6 years you have certainly drawn is something unique, I do not know any tion. a balance. What was successful, what country that engages in such contexts. wasn’t? What have been the important There are two main reasons. In the past Current Concerns: After 6 years you will steps in the development of the SDC for few years we saw in conflict regions, in be leaving the SDC and will be Swiss Am- you? What has given you the most satis- fragile contexts, that no progress has been bassador to the USA. To me it seems a faction? made as to curbing poverty. If your man- big step from the commitment in develop- What I take with me and what I like to date is to overcome poverty, you come to ing countries to Ambassador in an eco- remember, these are especially the many the conclusion that the commitment must nomically advanced country. How do you encounters I had on site with differ- be intensified. The second is that Switzer- feel about that? ent people. I have come to places where land does not pursue any power politics Martin Dahinden: The work in the USA you do not get otherwise: To the slums and thus has opportunities at its disposal will be quite different from the work here in Latin America, to regions of disas- that other countries do not have. Take Af- at the SDC, that is quite clear. But given ter such as Haiti immediately after the ghanistan: When a country is engaged in my background I am a diplomat and I have earthquake, Afghanistan, etc. In addi- a military conflict, it certainly has fewer had a lot of different missions. That’s the tion, there are the many encounters with opportunities to act in a humanitarian one side, the other is, of course, that I was the people there, the conversations, the context simultaneously. But there is also concerned with the USA in different situ- disputes. This sticks in my memory. It is fragility that has nothing to do with con- ations, they played a big role in all regions important when working in Berne that flicts of this latter type, such as in Haiti. where we were working. Also, many is- you always stay in contact with the af- But where there are conflicts, we have a sues that have preoccupied me as Director flicted people in the countries and ulti- very important role to play. This builds on of SDC, will occupy me in the future, in- mately see and visualize why our work is the long Swiss humanitarian tradition, of cluding financial market issues, free trade, useful. The second, and this is very ob- course. etc. As a director I did not “just” have to vious, are all the colleagues here. We are deal with the projects and programes. But working in this framework, in a team. This is also a plea for neutrality, against obviously, it is a different task. It is a very big team. This is also what embedding Switzerland in a power block. troubles me most, leaving all the staff be- The neutrality gives us room for maneu- What did you perceive as the greatest hind. I was very impressed by the profes- vre. We are perceived as a country that challenge in the last 6 years with SDC? sionalism and above all by the great dedi- has no hidden agenda and pursues no There were a number of different chal- cation of the staff who were able to adapt power politics. This is an important scope lenges. One of the bigger ones was to pre- to difficult environments. The people at of action and should be exploited. pare the SDC for two new core themes, the SDC work out of conviction. This is which we are pursuing now. One is the not just some job. This has influenced the greater engagement in fragile contexts, culture of the entire organisation. I ap- and the other is to make a contribution preciated that very much. continued on page 3 No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 2 Making the world more humane by Thomas Kaiser What started with the desperate cry “Tutti neva Convention reflects the first attempt to that peace and justice can only be attained fratelli” – “all brothers” and the spontane- set limits to war by rules. This is still an im- if the people want it and also demand it. ous care for the wounded after the bloody portant humanitarian cause today, but also a Hence everyone is needed, we all can con- battle of Solferino in 1859 found its liter- corner stone for the rule of law.” Thus Mar- tribute to the realisation of this great goal, ary and humane reflection in the book “A tin Dahinden outlined the close connec- if we want to. Just as Wilhelm Tell said in Memory of Solferino”, published by the tion between the rule of law principle and the desperate situation of the people of Uri Swiss travelling salesman Henry Dunant in the humanitarian commitment of Switzer- in Friedrich Schiller’s drama: “Hands built 1862. In his writing, the author suggested land. Switzerland was the leading nation it; hands can tear it down”. Which simply the foundation of an international aid organ- in working out the next three Geneva Con- means that humans can decide their own isation providing relief for the unspeakable ventions; it has convened the correspond- fate: what humans have created, humans sufferings of the wounded on the battlefield, ing diplomatic conferences and it has a spe- can change. This conviction determined the with the help of volunteers. Any wound- cial obligation as depositary state. Federal commitment of Jean Mohr, who at almost ed soldier, friend or foe, should be consid- Councillor Didier Burkhalter, OSCE Chair- 90 years of age can now look back at an im- ered a human being who should receive the person-in-Office, in his speech at the NATO pressive work, in which he touches humans necessary aid, for the sake of charity and summit in Newpoint, demanded that a solu- with his pictures and inspires them to act. compassion. To realize this vision, Dunant tion of the Ukraine conflict may never be a The exhibition is impressive and espe- founded, as early as 1863, an organisation, military one but one based on negotiations cially recommendable in the context of the International Committee for Relief to which can only be found “with Russia” and peace education at school. On its home- the Wounded which later entered history may not be directed “against Russia”. This page, the Swiss Federal Department for as the “International Committee of the Red is just the spirit in keeping with the Swiss Foreign Affairs FDFA provides concepts Cross”, short ICRC. It were the founders of humanitarian tradition which is oriented to- for how to work on the subject with stu- this now largest international aid organisa- wards peace and negotiations and not to- dents. It is worthwhile to have a look at tion – including Henry Dunant and the re- wards war and confrontation. the exhibition. In these times, when ma- nowned Swiss General of the Sonderbund In his book “A Memory of Solferi- nipulation and disinformation are daily War, Henri Dufour – who, together with no”, Henry Dunant gave suffering a voice determine our media, it is of huge impor- like-minded persons, set up the rules that which should be heard in the world and tance for us to align ourselves with human should be respected in case of war. They should induce change. Something alike constants which provide a starting point were convinced that, in order to guarantee can be said about Jean Mohr’s photographs. for us when trying to carry more humane- them international respect, internationally In his compassionate way, he captured the ness and desire for peace into our world. • accepted norms were needed which would human suffering, in particular of the civil be respected by all belligerent nations. On population in the war regions. Doing so he 22 August 1964, the founding stone for the did not strive for effects but aimed at de- first Geneva Convention and hence for inter- picting humans in this extraordinary situa- Current Concerns national humanitarian law was laid in a ded- tion, when life has to go on somehow, even The international journal for independent icated session of the Swiss Federal Council while facing the worst hardship and mis- thought, ethical standards, moral responsibility, in Geneva. All these efforts are the result of ery. He would never violate human dignity. and for the promotion and respect of public international law, human rights one man who, out of human concern, em- On 22 August this year, the Vice Pres- and humanitarian law barked on a path which led to the creation ident of the ICRC, Christine Beerli, hon- of a global humanitarian movement. It was oured the creative energy of Jean Mohr Publisher: Zeit-Fragen Cooperative a milestone in the development of mankind who “never abused the trust of his fellow Editor: Erika Vögeli because it required a new view of things and beings and did not additionally expose the Address: Current Concerns, changed people’s way of thinking. The suf- suffering people”. “His intention was to P.O. Box, CH-8044 Zurich fering of the wounded and the combatants spread a sense of humaneness, to arouse Phone: +41 (0)44 350 65 50 impaired by war suddenly became central; us, who have the privilege to live in peace, Fax: +41 (0)44 350 65 51 E-Mail: [email protected] human suffering was no longer perceived as to incite us to think and to act.” an unchangeable fact. For some this seemed The opening event was started by the di- Subscription details: a contradiction, but in consequence it was rector of the Swiss National Museum, An- published regularly electronically as PDF file an attempt to put an end to war. dreas Spillmann, who paid tribute to the Annual subscription rate of SFr. 40,-, € 30,-, £ 25,-, $ 40,- On the same day, but 150 years later, in works of Jean Mohr. The actress Heidi for the following countries: the Landesmuseum Zurich, the parting Di- Maria Glossner added a special note to the Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, rector of the Swiss Agency for Development whole event. Between the speeches she re- Cyprus, , Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hongkong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, and Cooperation, SDC Ambassador Mar- cited poems by Erich Fried and other prom- Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Nether- tin Dahinden, in his speech on the opening inent artists who had expressed the misery lands, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Singapore, ceremony of the photo exhibition – “Krieg of the poor and the suffering of the war- Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab ­Emirates, aus der Sicht der Opfer” (War from the Vic- stricken people with well-placed words. United Kingdom, USA tims’ Perspective) photographs by the re- Annual subscription rate of Her musical and literary performances got SFr. 20,-, € 15,-, £ 12,50, $ 20,- nowned photographer Jean Mohr –, called under the skin and forced the audience to for all other countries. to mind the importance of the small coun- reflect. After all, it has always been individ- Account: Postscheck-Konto: PC 87-644472-4 try Switzerland for the development of and ual personalities who contributed to posi- The editors reserve the right to shorten letters to respect for international humanitarian law. tive changes through their inner conviction the editor. Letters to the editor do not necessarily He pointed out: “For the first time in histo- and their resulting commitment. Henry reflect the views and opinions of Current Concerns. ry, the convention stipulated that wounded Dunant or Jean Mohr are shining examples © 2014. All rights reserved. No reproduction, copy or and sick soldiers, independent of their ori- for this. Thus it was Heidi Maria Gloss- transmission of this publication may be made without written gin, should be cared for. Hence the first Ge- ner’s intention to call attention to the fact permission. No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 3

”’Where there are conflicts …’” living and live in excellent conditions. Wouldn’t it take a global initiative that continued from page 1 Therefore, it is important not to show only aims at declaring war obsolete with re- the horror pictures, but also to show wher- gard to today’s arms and the destruc- On SDC events I noticed that your opin- ever progress has been made. This moti- tion capabilities of modern war and the ions, your votes, your editorials in “Eine vates people to act, because they see that human misery that they cause. Don’t we Welt” (One World) express a great hu- progress is possible, that to achieve im- have to work in this direction? mane commitment. Where does this provements is realistic. What you mention is actually the old de- strong humanitarian concern that you bate between the representatives of the have and that you radiate as a personal- Hunger in this world is still very big and peace movement and supporters of the ity come from? in some countries one has the impres- international humanitarian law. People, At each stage in this field you have to sion that no significant improvement has who focus on peace, maintain that this is be personally convinced of what you been made despite great support. How do crucial and more important than to reg- are doing. That is what I was the last 6 you assess that? What are the factors that ulate the conflicts and to set certain lim- years. Working with SDC was not just a these countries – in spite of the progress its to the conflicts. That’s true of course; job like many other jobs. It is a great op- you have spoken of – do not make signifi- one has to move forward in both direc- portunity if you can work in such a field. cant headway? tions. However, international humanitar- When you can say in case you are suc- The reasons are manifold; it’s a matter of ian law is still very important, as it can cessful: that’s what I want politically and food security. Today, the situation is dif- avoid human suffering or reduce it. In ethically. This has been very important ferent from even a few decades ago, when fact, we have a very comprehensive leg- to me. You mentioned the editorials. I al- huge masses of people literally starved to islation in both areas. So, the UN Char- ways wrote them myself, that is what one death. That time is past. But the basis of ter has prohibited offensive warfare since senses probably. That was very impor- nutrition is often too weak and many peo- 1945. And the UN Security Council is re- tant for my work. ple lack purchasing power. Climate change sponsible for the protection of interna- and environmental degradation are another tional peace. International humanitarian I assume that you had this strong commit- reason. Another cause is the lack of trans- law in turn is very important, because it ment, even before you came to SDC. port routes, missing storage facilities, es- can avoid human suffering or reduce it, It is of course not always possible in all pecially in the countries of the South. This if peace cannot be kept. Unfortunately, spheres of activity to the same extent. means that we must try to improve these wars are a fact of life. But between 2000 and 2004 I was Di- basic services with wise policies. Despite rector of the Geneva Mine Centre. This all this, today we see that famines and trag- I completely agree with you. International was immediately after the period when ic situations occur especially in connection humanitarian law must not be neglected the Mine Ban Convention was adopted. with conflicts. In stable countries, it hard- or diminished. How could we ensure that In a way that is comparable. But it was ly happens that people starve to death, be- these principles will be considered? a much smaller and specialized organi- cause they are too poor. We have left this Of course arms are used in conflicts, but sation. historical stage behind us. there are people using them. Therefore, all changes must start in the society and If you look backwards at your life his- We have addressed that earlier, and I in people’s minds. That finally forms the tory, do you remember something that want to come back to it once again, to the limits for what can be achieved by disar- shaped your personality, that pointed humanitarian tradition of Switzerland by mament activities. As already mentioned, the way to this humanitarian commit- means of the ICRC and I would like to I have been involved very much in disar- ment? include the SDC here. This year we cel- mament activities. With regard to the work of the SDC it was ebrate the 100th anniversary of the first important to me to be working in Afri- Geneva Convention, which represented a Recently in a speech you highlighted the ca, but also that I could run a big depart- major breakthrough at that time. How do special responsibility of Switzerland as ment in the FDFA (Federal Department you judge the significance of internation- depositary state of the Geneva Conven- for Foreign Affairs) before that. It’s just al humanitarian law in the world’s politi- tion for international humanitarian law. a major management task. To be incited cal situation today? In what do you see Switzerland’s respon- with enthusiasm is not enough to move I’m sure that the basic principles are still sibility? mountains. valid. But we are challenged to actually There are two levels. As a depositary state, enforce international law. Clearly, this is you have certain duties related to interna- Your work for the poorest of the poor is most important to me. There are new is- tional law, to the Geneva Conventions. This impressive and also characterized by sues that are not explicitly regulated. For is mainly an administrative, formal role. many setbacks. How do you maintain example the legislation concerning Cyber We almost act as administrator of the con- your optimism and faith, to bring some- Warfare and similar developments. How- ventions and in this context we are servic- thing about in situations that are extreme- ever, the main problem is still the need ing the international community. In this be- ly difficult and complex? to enforce international law. The pictures fore-mentioned speech I drew attention to I am convinced that we can make further from the Middle East, where the norms are the consultations concerning Gaza, Swit- progress. It is impressive, how we could being called into question in a complete- zerland is presently conducting. Since the drive poverty back in recent years. Even ly new way; the beheading of this journal- Geneva Convention has its origin in Swit- with regard to violence, all studies suggest ist for instance hopes for a military advan- zerland, the International Committee of the that this is generally getting less in the so- tage, whenever one employs armed force Red Cross is based in Geneva – as well as cieties. There are setbacks, that’s clear, but disproportionately, or one does not distin- the Federation of the Red Cross- and the I am optimistic and believe that there is a guish between military and civilian targets. Red Crescent society – there is in a sense civilized development of mankind, going But this afore-mentioned staging of a bru- also an obligation, a moral obligation to in the right direction. But we must take tal violation of international humanitarian promote respect for international human- care of those people, who are cut off from law has touched me very much. This is a itarian law. Switzerland does this. It sup- this development. It is also an obligation new dimension in a negative sense. So we for us, who have a different standard of have to concern ourselves with that. continued on page 4 No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 4 “Good contact to people who live in extremely difficult conditions” Interview with Jean Mohr Current Con- My father, who was able to translate 16 to get into contact with people well. Espe- cerns: How languages, worked with the ILO, the In- cially, with people who are living in very did you come ternational Labour Organisation. After the difficult conditions. to take photo- Second World War he first was 15 years graphs in this with the Red Cross. We were six children responsive at home, and he never had the opportuni- human way? ty to travel to other countries. That’s why Jean Mohr: I he very much supported my desire to go to graduated at the Middle East, actually he was delight- Geneva Uni- ed. But I had to promise him to write a versity in (the letter to him every week in which I would Jean Mohr (picture thk) study of) Eco- tell him about my experiences in the Mid- nomics with dle East. For a year I did. But after I had a Master’s degree and then worked for purchased this camera, I told myself that a year in the advertising industry. I did it would be so much easier to make one or not like this at all. I often spent my free two photos and then send them. For me, it time with friends in the mountains at that was only a diary then without artistic in- time. One of my friends was working with terest. the ICRC and asked me how I was doing at my new job. I told him that I was not What did you do after your stay in Pal- happy. Then he asked me if I could imag- estine? ine to go to the Middle East for the ICRC, When I returned to Switzerland, I had more specifically to Palestine. I agreed saved up some money, which I used to at- immediately, and two months later, I was tend a school for art painting in Paris for first in Beirut, Lebanon and then in Jeri- almost two years. There I learned a lot, but cho and Hebron in Palestine. I also found out that my works of art were technically very good, but not the way the What caused this insight? Is it there then that you got into photog- painting school thought they should be. I started to work for international aid or- raphy ? When I had to go back to my parents in ganizations and simultaneously wrote No, at this time, I dreamed of becoming Geneva, because I had no money, I started books together with a friend. His name is a painter. I absolutely did not think about on photography. John Berger. We published three or four photography. But I had the opportunity to books together. I published with Edward purchase a camera for little money. Your images have a powerful aura, they Said, as well. touch people’s minds. You were still young, did your parents That was done very unconsciously at first. support this move? But I have found over time that I am able continued on page 5

”’Where there are conflicts …’” young people familiar with this? Are the Finally one more question, which goes continued from page 3 young people less sensitive to these ques- back to the beginning again. You men- tions due to the information flooding them tioned that you were confronted with the every day or have they had different expe- policy of the United States during the ports the dissemination of the idea of the riences? Where do you see starting points, work of the SDC. The role of the Unit- Red Cross and the dissemination of inter- to win the young generation over even more ed States in world politics caused much national humanitarian law. for these humanitarian thoughts? of what subsequently had to be alleviat- I am convinced that the young people ed again by humanitarian organisations Couldn’t Switzerland take a still more of today are interested in these topics. such as the SDC with a lot of passion. neutral position in conflicts, for example Young people very often write that they Isn’t this a difficulty? in connection with the Ukraine, to defend are interested in working in this field. It I’m going to Washington to represent the an independent own position? is not difficult to find young people for a Swiss foreign policy. It is not my task to No, I don’t think so. This is an area of deployment. Today’s young people, as I represent somebody else’s foreign policy. Swiss foreign policy, which plays an ex- see it, have a different approach to these I stand behind the Swiss foreign policy. I traordinary role. There is certainly no topics than my generation, which has have no trouble to comprehend it. country that deals with these issues on a had lots of long-winded political debates. similar scale. But it is of course good to That’s actually not the way. But it would Mr Ambassador Dahinden, thank you envisage even more initiatives. be wrong to conclude that they don’t care very much for the interview. • anymore about politics, humanitarian is- The neutrality and humanitarian tradition sues or development issues. They express (Interview Thomas Kaiser) are determining the foreign policy of Swit- themselves in a different manner. We are zerland in a sense. How can you make more living in a different world today. (Translation Current Concerns) No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 5

Gold means independence A “Yes” to the initiative strengthens the stability of Switzerland and thus our political direct democratic system, so also the economy and last but not least the banking centre Switzerland Interview with National Councillor Luzi Stamm thk. After the at the time was this blackmail from North idea though. But it can always still freely Gold Initi- America. print money and buy for example German ative came or American State bonds; it has no restric- a b o u t i n Where does the gold actually originate? tions at all. However: If it prints money, March 2013 It is a long story. The National Bank was it must invest at least a small part of it in w i t h o v er established in 1907. During the war Swit- gold. 100,000 sig- zerland had to make the bitter experience natures, it that all gold abroad was blocked. The Why must it be 20 percent? Why not will already United States, Canada, the United King- more? The largest security would be if be voted on dom, they all blocked it, also fearing the one covered the entire currency with gold. 30 Novem- gold could fall in the hands of the Ger- But that does not seem to be opportune ber. The in- mans in an attack. After 1945 Switzer- today at the permanent expansion of the itiative is of National Councillor land had the 2,590 tons which were avail- money supply? enormous sig- Luzi Stamm (picture thk) able until the end of 1999. Although the 20% of assets would fairly be the stock nificance, be- Federal Council said shortly before the prior to 1999, of which we already have cause if it is adopted it will give back a sale that it was our family silver which sold a large part; with a yes to the Initi- very important sphere of sovereignty to we may never sell. In 1995, the Direc- ative we would return to the status quo our country. National Councillor and in- tor of the National Bank said it was “in ante. The consideration is that it was a se- itiator Luzi Stamm explains the particular no way” planned to sell the gold. In stark rious mistake to sell more than the half of impacts on our country and our economy contrast to all the promises more than the then existing 2,590 tons. in the following interview. half of the gold was huckstered only It was sold after May 2000 without some time later. any political debate. The people were not Current Concerns: What was the occa- questioned in any way, but even in the sion for the Gold Initiative which will be What does it mean for our country that Parliament there has never been a vote on voted on in November? we have sold so many tons of our gold re- whether we want to sell the gold or not. National Councillor Luzi Stamm: The serves? The discussion went off only when the idea was born when we noticed that the Gold is an issue of independence. The question was raised how to distribute the National Bank began to sell gold at an in- higher the gold backing of a currency, the money after the gold was sold. credible pace. The people have never been more a country is independent. The more asked! By the beginning of 2000 Switzer- the National Bank pursues the strategy to Who is actually responsible for the deci- land still had 2,590 tons of gold. From simply print money and buy foreign cur- sion of the gold sales? May 2000 on the National Bank sold a full rencies, the more the country is depend- The Federal Administration and the Na- ton of gold per day. As the sales contin- ent. Gold means independence, you can- tional Bank, where working groups were ued we said to ourselves that we must stop not be put under pressure in financial established. these headless gold sales by all means. issues from abroad. A third point in the Initiative is the issue Do we know why the National Bank con- Again, one hears the argument that the 20 how to store the gold. There was sudden- sidered these sales necessary or was it percent gold coverage intended by the Ini- ly a reply shortly after submitting the In- forced to do so? tiative would restrict the National Bank’s itiative. That was a genuflection to the pressure freedom of action. Is this a foul argument The gold must absolutely be kept in Swit- from abroad. In the late 1990s there was against the Gold Initiative? How do you zerland. Just the present and the last two immense pressure from North America, see that? or three years have shown that boycotts eventually we paid billions. I also note This is a completely inconsistent argu- and extortion increase even in times of that the managers at the National Bank ment. On the contrary, the independence peace. Who seriously believes that we have miscalculated on a gigantic scale of the National Bank will be strength- could get our gold back to Switzerland in because their predictions were totally ened. The National Bank can still print wrong. But the main reason for the sale new money at discretion what is not my continued on page 6

”’Good contact to people…’” China. I am of course pleased that it is years I have worked for international or- continued from page 4 still being read 40 years after the pub- ganizations such as the Red Cross, WHO, lication. UNRWA, etc.. But that was more or less Your books are well-known and are still anonymous. By the pictures I did not be- read today. That is impressive. But back to your pho- come known, only by the books and that The first book was about a country doc- tos once again. They appeal to the human gave me a name in the field of photogra- tor. The second about immigrants. Peo- feeling and incite the viewer to thinking. phy. ple who leave their countries for eco- One senses your humanitarian concern nomic reasons. A third book is still and your human ethos ... Mr Mohr, thank you for the interview. • being published as well in China. It’s Yes ... I hope, I hope that a lot. That’s about the life of mountain farmers in what I want to achieve. During 40 or 50 (Interview: Thomas Kaiser) No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 6 Neutrality must not be put at risk Reflections on the 200 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Russia by Jean A. Mirimanoff, former judge, citizen of Geneva

The Vienna Peace Treaty of 1815 has Is it really necessary to make it harder for 2. Understandably, the withdrawal of guaranteed the independence and neu- him to perform his job? Who is behind the invitation of the President of the trality of our country for almost two cen- these obstructions? Duma [Russian parliament] was per- turies. Neutrality has permanently pro- Three approaches and their compli- ceived as an affront. Barely con- tected us from war and on the other hand ance or non-compliance with our neutral- cealed, this act was justified with allowed us to offer our mediation ser- ity must be discussed publicly, because the argument to avoid disapproval of vices to the international community in neutrality is a Swiss value. It must not be NATO and European Union member many conflicts. The Ukrainian crisis is put at risk without consulting the sover- countries, since the Duma President the latest of these conflicts. eign people. is said to stand on a blacklist there. Is In recent times, Switzerland is the last 1. The decision not to receive the Rus- this compelling for us? What a con- neutral state in Europe, since the other sian squadron in Switzerland would cession, what a lack of courage. This countries preferred to condemn the Rus- be understandable if it had equally ap- time it was our independence, which sian Federation together with NATO and plied to the NATO countries. This or- received a blow. EU1. In Switzerland, our President whole- ganisation is as much involved in the 3. Finally, the way, how many Swiss par- heartedly performs his task inside and out- Ukrainian crisis as Russia, namely by liamentarians want to punish the Crime- side OSCE (Organisation for Security and sending military advisers and other an population for their decision to sep- Cooperation in Europe) by mediating and military support. Why apply double standing up for the restoration of peace. standards? continued on page 7

”Gold means independence” How credible is the information provid- would not have imagined five years ago. continued from page 5 ed by the authorities that the gold is still We definitely need to make every effort available? that we can maintain our independence: Ultimately, everything is an assertion as the laws within our borders are our affair. a real situation of crisis? Therefore, this long as there are no external, truly inde- We need to keep our gold, and of course is also a very important point of our In- pendent investigations. If for example the in our own country. itiative. Canadians would show us the gold how should we know whether they did not What will it mean if the Initiative is ac- The Initiative has obliged the Federal show the Germans the same gold bullion cepted in autumn? Council to tell where the gold is stashed and tell them that this was the German A “yes” to the Initiative will strengthen away. gold? The gold could also be leased or al- the independence of our country and pro- For decades the Federal Council offi- ready pledged. We absolutely need cer- vide more protection of the National Bank cially answered the question where the tainty which gold physically still exists against pressure from the outside. Inter- National Bank gold was by saying “We and who owns it. I hope at least that the nally, the National Bank can do what it don’t know, we don’t want to know, and 1,040 tons reported today as Swiss Gold wants. A “yes” invigorates the stability we don’t need to know, too.” Only at the are still available. of Switzerland and thus our direct dem- very moment when we submitted the ocratic political system, so the economy 100,000 signatures with great effort, the What strategy might be behind the behav- and last but not least the banking centre SNB at last brought itself to tell where ior of the United States? Switzerland. the gold is supposedly stored (there are I hesitate to speculate about possible mo- no external controls). A large part of our tives because you never know. But it is National Councillor Luzi Stamm, thank gold is located in Switzerland, 20 percent a fact that the pressure from the United you very much for the interview. • in Britain and 10 percent in Canada. It States has increased quite dramatical- should be mentioned as an afterthought ly. Just remember how the United States (Interview: Thomas Kaiser) that the SNB has concealed where they have blackmailed 10 billion Swiss francs had stocked the 1,550 tons of gold which (!) from a French bank. These are incred- Popular initiative “Save our they have sold in recent years. It could ible developments. The more boycotts and Swiss Gold” – Therefore vote be that the already sold gold was stored international pressure are increasing, the YES on 30 November 2014! in the United States, and Switzerland did more cautious and certain we must be that The foundation of every stable curren- not get it back from there. Thus, they the gold is in our country and cannot be cy are valuable reserves. Especially in probably had to sell it under pressure; at sold any more. today’s uncertain times, it is of vital least it was sold off at a miserable price. importance for the future of the Swiss Nobody knows whether it had still been It is quite amazing what one has to face Franc that the gold reserves are taken available. Hectic discussions are under by so-called friendly states. care of. That way we may secure our way all over the world. Many Germans Yes, on the basis of the experience of the national wealth even in tough times. believe e.g. that their 3,700 tons, of which recent years you must consider carefully This is what the initiative wants: the major part is supposedly abroad – in with which state you want to get into clos- – No more selling of gold! the United States – even does no longer – Gold reserves are to be stored in the er relations. I note that even with states Switzerland! exist. If the gold were in fact gone (al- which not long ago we could call our best – The gold allotment of National Bank ready sold or pledged) that would be ex- friends, great mistrust should be the order assets must be at least 20%! tremely serious. of the day. We are treated in a way that I No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 7 Genscher criticizes sanctions against Russia

Hans-Dietrich Genscher (FDP) criticized nent military stationing – whereas now de- objective to create a position completely the European Union’s and US sanctions fense positions are being built up – this is different from the weakness known from policy towards Russia. “I have my doubts a fundamental shift.” This has also caused Yeltsin. Doing politics with this big coun- as to whether we will once say that this reactions in Russia. It’s certainly not true try is worth while. There will be no sta- was a very successful operation,” said the that they are only built against Iran, as is bility in Europe without Russia, and cer- former German Foreign Minister in the alleged, of course, they can also be used tainly not against Russia. Due to that it is Phoenix program “Im Dialog” with Al- towards other targets. It doesn’t lead us as well worth while to take seriously what fred Schier. “Sanctions are something like any further to blame each other, Genscher Russia’s representatives think.” a ladder, one can escalate step by step, but says. “We have reached a point where we To Genscher’s mind the current lan- then, suddenly, there are no more steps are asked for an honest word in a small cir- guage use in dealing with Russia and and you step out into empty space. Then cle, as to avoid conflicts and attrition of our Putin is dangerous, and he calls for a one is faced with the question whether forces”. Additionally, Genscher called on to moderation: “I am of the opinion that we to climb back down or to jump down. I go on pursueing the idea of a common free should first disarm the language itself would rather spare us this effort.” trade area including Russia, as it was also […]. Using strong words has never helped Genscher considers Putin’s indigna- mentioned positively by Putin in 2001, in us. I can only repeat that military built ups tion about stationing troops and weapon his speech at the German Bundestag. have often begun with the built ups of the systems on Russia’s western border justi- “It would have been nice if it had words. Every nation expects to be duly re- fied: “Russia accepted, that the newly in- worked. Maybe the question of the spected by its neighboring nations. This dependent states became members of the Ukraine’s association with the EU would also applies to the Russian people”. • European Union. If, however, in addition have been evaluated differently”. To un- Source: http://presse.phoenix.de/gesprae- to the NATO membership, agreements are derstand Putin, it was important to deal che/2014/09/20140919_Dialog_Gen- not met, as is the case with the NATO dec- with his motivations, according to Gen- scher/20140919_Dialog_Genscher.phtml laration of 1997, which ruled out perma- scher: “Putin is a man who has the clear (Translation Current Concerns)

”Neutrality must not…” contrast to the enthusiasm that was ex- one of the first countries. Does self-de- continued from page 6 pressed at the time when it was about termination of people differ depending arate from Ukraine, stands in sharp recognizing the secession of Kosovo as on the region of the world they live in? Have double moral standards which are Federal President Didier Burkhalter on neutrality very common in western policy now in- fected our parliamentarians, too? cc. After the traditional speech of the is needed in the world is true neutrali- Neutrality often requires silence. The Swiss Federal President at the annual ty and there doesn’t exist much of it any leaders of a country who wants to act as meeting of the “Association de la Presse longer. Thus, the question is quickly an- Etrangére en Suisse et au Liechtenstein” swered: I am convinced that with our a intermediary must learn to be silent, (Association of the foreign press in Swit- neutrality we hold a very good position not to judge and – sometimes – to dis- zerland and Lichtenstein, APES) on 8 because it is beneficial to everyone, not please. This is simply a question of cour- September 2014, Didier Burkhalter an- only to us. Of course, certain contradic- age, dignity and independence. This also swered some questions of journalists. tions may emerge, which we must deal applies to the members of our Parlia- The answer to a question on our coun- with. In Switzerland, we have a high ment. A double-tracked neutrality is not a try’s neutrality is documented here. level of security, we also have an eco- deceit, since it deceives no one here, nei- Question by a journalist: Don’t you nomic environment that has been very ther the Swiss people, nor our friends on have the impression that too much neu- stable – currently a bit less – but com- both sides! It is worse: Behind the form trality may compromise neutrality? pared with the rest of the world, our of an oxymoron (contradiction) there is Didier Burkhalter: Quite the oppo- economy is still very stable. Thus, we are site. I just see it the other way round quite attractive, which can always cause the rejection of a fundamental national and that is my inner conviction. You some envy. There will always some faults value: neutrality! • know, we are convinced that it is ben- to be found, for which we will be criti- eficial to the world to encounter some- cized, and that’s a good thing. We will 1 EU’s intervention in Ukraine can not be de- one a little different from time to time. further improve our model and that will scribed as “mediation”, because EU is neither It is not of great interest to have a Swit- make us even stronger in the future. independent (of NATO), nor neutral (it has zerland, which is the 29th state of the Eu- With that we have got no problem – taken sanctions against Russia), nor impartial (it is ropean Union. The EU already consists of quite the opposite. involved in the fate of Ukraine). 28 states, so there is no need of a 29th Source: www.radiozones.com/rep_conf_ Source: Tribune de Genève on 5 September 2014 member. Neutrality, which does exist didier-burkhalter.php of 8 September no more, is of no use to anyone. What 2014 (Translation Current Concerns) No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 8

World Economic Forum Geneva Ukraine Initiative Business leaders from Ukraine, the Russian Federation, Europe, and the United States worked out common basic principles to solve the Ukraine conflict

In the spirit of dialogue and in the search it is only through dialogue conducted 7. Identify how sanctions and counter- for common ground to find solutions for in an honest and collaborative spirit sanctions can be avoided and rolled- the conflict in Ukraine, sixteen prom- that progress, security and sustaina- back in accordance with key mile- inent business leaders with equal rep- ble peace can be achieved. stones achieved in the process of resentation from Ukraine, the Rus- 3. Intensify the process of comprehen- reconciliation, as part of a process of sian Federation, Europe, and the United sive dialogue on a national Ukrain- re-establishing normal business dia- States gathered privately on the invita- ian level, between Ukraine and the logue and relations. tion of Klaus Schwab, Founder and Ex- Russian Federation and between 8. Put in place an economic recovery ecutive Chairman of the World Econom- Europe, the Russian Federation, plan which addresses the devastation ic Forum, on Sunday, 14 September, in Ukraine and the United States with created by the conflict, the need for Geneva. While acknowledging the com- the commitment to establish shared humanitarian assistance and the reha- plexity of the situation and the different objectives and identify key mile- bilitation of infrastructure required. viewpoints, the participants succesful- stones for the solutions to the pre- Establish for this a multistakeholder ly agreed on a common approach. The sent challenges. process and encourage all actors, par- ten points summarized below are con- 4. Maintain a security framework in ticularly business, to jointly invest. sidered by all to help resolve the con- Ukraine’s eastern region under the 9. Coordinate and establish special as- flict. All participants recognize that the oversight of the OSCE, to last until sociation and trade agreements for implementation of these proposals in the the territorial security is guaranteed. Ukraine as well with the Europe- present context is challenging given the 5. Initiate an inclusive political pro- an Union as with the Russian Fed- many complexities. They trust the politi- cess towards the decentralisation of eration, and later possibly with the cal leaders involved and their ongoing di- power in Ukraine, where additional Eurasian Economic Community, to alogue, and hope that these proposals can rights are delegated from the central stabilize Ukraine’s economy, allow- support their initiatives for resolving the government to the regions, while also ing Ukrainian companies to boost Ukraine conflict. The participants also supporting guarantees for minority job creation, to improve long-term hope that the political leaders can meet and language rights. growth prospects and to reach inter- soon to bring an end to the conflict, and 6. Guarantee the security and sover- national levels of competitiveness. they pledge their full support for such a eignty of Ukraine by the interna- 10. Organize a summit for the top polit- political process. tional community. Recognize the su- ical leaders from Europe and Euro- 1. Build on the 12 point ceasefire plan premacy of international law above pean countries involved, the Russian elaborated under the OSCE. Ensure a national interests. Recognize the Federation, Ukraine and the United sustained truce, supporting the imme- right of self-determination but en- States in Geneva within a short time- diate end of violence and further loss courage to consider a policy of mil- frame to advance the reconciliation of life. Acknowledge the primacy of itary non-alignment for Ukraine, process. the value of human life. comparable to the status of other Eu- Source: http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_ 2. Refrain from using provocative and ropean countries (i.e. Finland, Swe- GenevaUkraineInitiative_CommonPrinci- belligerent language, recognizing that den, Switzerland). ples_2014.pdf Current Concerns The international journal for independent thought, ethical standards, moral responsibility, and for the promotion and respect of public international law, human rights and humanitarian law Subscribe to Current Concerns – The journal of an independent cooperative The cooperative Zeit-Fragen is a politically and financially independent organisation. All of its mem­bers work on a voluntary and honorary basis. The journal does not accept commercial advertisements of any kind and receives no financial support from business organisations. The journal Current Concerns is financed exclusively by its subscribers. 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Box, CH-8044 Zurich, or - send us your credit card details (only Visa), or - pay into one of the following accounts: CH: Postscheck-Konto (CHF): 87-644472-4 IBAN CH91 0900 0000 8764 4472 4 BIC POFICHBEXXX CH: Postscheck-Konto (Euro): 91-738798-6 IBAN CH83 0900 0000 9173 8798 6 BIC POFICHBEXXX D: Volksbank Tübingen, Kto. 67 517 005, BLZ 64190110 IBAN DE12 6419 0110 0067 5170 05 BIC GENODES1TUE A: Raiffeisen Landesbank, Kto. 1-05.713.599, BLZ 37000 IBAN AT55 3700 0001 0571 3599 BIC RVVGAT2B No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 9 “Expansion of the EU and NATO towards Russia must be perceived by Putin as a threat” Panel discussion in Berne

thk. On 15 September, an event entitled the United States will have hardly aban- gional power, respectively at holding this “Impact of the crisis in the Ukraine for doned their plan to make Russia a vas- position. Therefore it is incomprehensi- Europe and Switzerland’s contribution sal state to which the land was degraded ble that such a mood is being generated to a peaceful solution” took place in the under the Yeltsin government. Ukraine is and spread against Russia. He believes Hotel Kreuz in Berne. Speakers were the only a means to an end. that the EU is not able to carry out re- US-American James George Jatras, Vice Mr Jatras showed a lack of understand- forms at home, so they have resorted to Chairman of the American Institute in ing of Switzerland’s attitude as a neutral expanding to the countries in Eastern Eu- the Ukraine and former political adviser state which is neither a member of NATO rope. Their stance in policy towards the to the Republicans; the State Councillor nor does it support the EU sanctions, but East is still characterized by the years Filippo Lombardi, President of the Parlia- at the same time is taking measures to pre- of the Cold War and of communism, as mentary Friendship Association Switzer- vent circumvention transactions via Swit- these countries were under the control land Ukraine, and Valais State Councillor zerland and thus supports the sanctions of the Soviet Union. He expressed some Oskar Freysinger. The event was organ- indirectly. To his knowledge, Russia has criticism concerning the role of Switzer- ized and moderated by the cooperative never before exerted pressure on Switzer- land. It was the thinking of the Cold War, Current Concerns. land, e.g. with respect to financial issues, if Switzerland wanted to show solidarity In his presenta- in contrast to the USA, that threatened with the West; this belonged to the pass, tion James Jatras Switzerland with sanctions in case they since it was not a struggle between good emphasized would not apply American law. and evil, but a struggle for interests. He that the crisis appreciated the attitude of the Federal in Ukraine had The United States want to maintain Council towards Russia, because this had been initiated their position as the only world power remained true to its neutral standpoint in from the outside. State councilor general – despite the pressure that was The influence of Filippo Lombardi exerted by the United States and the EU. the United States showed concern Especially at present when Switzerland and the EU about the situa- held the chairmanship of the OSCE, it countries, which tion in Ukraine, was important, he said, that Switzerland Jatras called a country he had remained neutral and sided with neither James G. Jatras “vassals of the visited a year ago party, but always provided a platform for (picture ug) world power”, for the last time. negotiations. That was achieved best, if contributed sig- Then you noticed it was and remained strictly neutral. In nificantly to the escalation of the situa- nothing of these this current situation, That was the only tion in the Ukraine. As an example he great tensions possible position for Switzerland. Espe- mentioned Victoria Nuland, Deputy For- between ethnic cially in the conflict over Georgia, Swit- eign Minister, who had played an ac- Filippo Lombardi groups. Although zerland had offered both the Russian and tive role in the coup d’état in February. (picture ug) there were some the Georgian side its good offices and The demonstrations on the Maidan had points of disa- has mediated between the two countries reached a level of escalation, in which greement – as also occur between the for many years. State Councillor Filippo the police was attacked massively, in the West and East of Switzerland, sometimes Lombardi pleaded vehemently that neu- end even with firearms. If in the Unit- called the “Röschtigraben”, – there was trality must have a greater weight in the ed States the police had been attacked no hatred, but intensive debate. For him, policy of Switzerland again; that was not in this way, the security forces would it is also clear that the whole disaster must only important for our own country, but have immediately shot at the demonstra- be attributed to the influence of foreign for all other countries in the world. tors. American foreign policy, which ac- powers. There is no Russian or Ukrainian cording to Jatras has been determined by family, which has not got relatives in Rus- The sanctions of the EU and the the same small political clique for dec- sia or the Ukraine. The country is literal- United States have no legal basis ades, is pursuing a regime change in Da- ly torn apart due to geo-strategic interests. For National and mascus, Tehran, and finally in Moscow. The whole thing reminded Filippo State Councillor Only from this perspective is the crisis Lombardi of the beginning of the First Oskar Freysing- in Ukraine understandable. Jatras fully World War a hundred years ago. There er the state sov- understands Russia’s policy. The EU’s was as well the conviction that one would ”Geneva Ukraine Initiative” ereignty and thus continued from page 9 and NATO’s ongoing expansion towards win something with a short military cam- the rule of law Russia must be perceived by Putin as a paign, something that later ended in a ter- were of utmost threat. rible war. He saw similar dangers in the importance next current crisis in Ukraine. The opportuni- to neutrality. And Turning Russia into a vassal state ty that had been available after the end here things were Jatras assessed the sanctions against Rus- of the Cold War, was not seized, name- terribly wrong! sia extremely critically. They will not con- ly to establish a truly peaceful world. We Oskar Freysinger He pointed out tribute to a constructive solution of the see the consequences today in Ukraine. (picture ug) that the EU- and conflict. The United States will hardly be However, it is an asymmetrical fight, be- US-led sanctions at disadvantage, however, the European cause whereas the United States want to have no legal basis and are therefore il- economy will have considerable losses. maintain its position as the only world Even if there is a ceasefire at the moment, power, Russia strives at becoming a re- continued on page 10 No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 10

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine Event during the session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva ef. On 16 September a parallel event The participants present – representa- ever, the people in Austria think differ- to the 27th session of the Human Rights tives of the ICRC, the embassies of Russia, ently, as can be seen on the Internet Council took place. The topic was: “The Denmark, Brazil, the UK, Lithuania, the and in comments: They are against sanc- humanitarian crisis in Ukraine in 2014” in EU, Poland, Estonia, Ireland, Luxembourg tions and against the intervention of the the ‘Palais des Nations’ in Geneva. The and Sweden – listened attentively. In the Western powers. organizers were the NGOs Internation- ensuing discussion, the representative of There were also strong forces in Hun- al Educational Development (IED) and the Russian Embassy raised the question gary, the Czech Republic, Germany, Slo- the Association of Humanitarian Law- to the international community what hu- vakia, who were against the aggressive yers (AHL), the American Institute in manitarian aid they were actually able to policy of the Western countries and de- Ukraine (AIU) and the newspaper Zeit- grant with regard to the desastrous hu- mand diplomatic and political solutions Fragen/Current Concerns. Speakers were manitarian situation, especially in east- to the crisis towards a peaceful develop- the Deputy Director of the AIU Dr James ern Ukraine: Many people there die in ment: dialogue instead of weapons. George Jatras and the Austrian political the streets, especially children; they are At the end of the discussion Karen scientist and historian of Eastern Europe- faced with a completely destroyed in- Parker concluded: The event should Austrian-Belarusian Society Professor Dr frastructure, no water, no electricity, no open doors. Governments and civil soci- Dr hc Peter Bachmaier from Vienna. food, no medical care, almost everything eties should be encouraged to deal with Chaired by the international law ex- was destroyed. In the other parts of the the crisis in Ukraine. On the basis of the pert Dr Karen Parker from San Francisco, country the situation was equally desas- joint efforts a solution should come up. the two speakers gave insight into the trous: Oppression of the media, censor- It should be the responsibility of the civil country and the political context. They ship, killing of journalists, persecution of society to tackle the spreading “Russo- illustrated the influence of the Western media and opposition political parties. phobia”. powers, especially the US government During the discussion the full investi- The ICRC’s support from a neutral and the EU; they also shed light on the gation was demanded of what had re- country should be essential. An inde- current disastrous humanitarian situa- ally happened: There is still no progress pendent international commission of tion in Ukraine. in the investigation of the humanitarian inquiry could be mandated by a spe- James Jatras emphasized that the tragedy in Odessa, of the crimes on the cial session of the Human Rights Council United States didn’t have any real inter- Maidan and the crash of the plane MH to investigate the situation in Ukraine. est in resolving the crisis in Ukraine, in- 17. The people had a right to learn the Time was ripe for an independent re- stead of that mere power-political goals truth. It was pointed out that most West- view of the situation in the country, she determine the influence. The aim of the ern media did not report truthfully. said. officials in Washington was the strate- Professor Bachmaier from Vienna ex- In place of all participants she ex- gic defeat of Russia, he said; the Ukraine pressed that Austria was supporting pressed her compassion for all the vic- merely served as a catalyst for “regime eastern Ukraine with humanitarian as- tims of the crisis. She emphasized how change” in Moscow. However, most peo- sistance, for example by way of church important it was in this situation to sup- ple in the United States did not share this institutions – but this was not sufficient. port the people of Ukraine and fully re- view and did not agree at all with the The Austrian media published an ex- spect human rights and international hu- aggressive policies of their government. tremely one-sided view of things. How- manitarian law.

”’Expansion of the EU…’” were disinvited for the military air show in the Cold War, and that the friendship continued from page 9 Air14 in the short term. Freysinger spoke of the United States had become ques- of three “slaps in the face” that Russia tionable. The impertinent way the United legal. There is not even a UN resolution, had received from Switzerland. These States had behaved towards Switzerland which could justify the sanctions im- events led him, among other things, to in the past 10 years, was anything but posed by the EU and the United States launch a petition to show the Swiss gov- amicable. Their objective was clearly the or the lists of people who were punished ernment that the population does not weakening if not destruction of the Swiss with entry restrictions and freezing of agree with the adopted policy of sharing financial center. As Mr Jatras said Russia bank accounts. The fact that Switzerland the EU sanctions. Today’s condemna- had never exerted any pressure whereas was indirectly involved in the sanctions, tion of the Crimea peninsula’s secession Switzerland acted as if it was an enemy. was completely unsupportable for Frey- was in stark contrast to the in 2008 com- For Freysinger the United States was no singer. With sharp words, he criticized pleted and immediately recognized in- longer a state under the rule of law, but the state of lawlessness into which Swit- dependence of Kosovo, said Freysinger. an empire that consisted of three cir- zerland had voluntarily entered by sanc- This was measuring with different stand- cles; the first circle being its own coun- tioning people, who had not been pun- ards, for if the secession of Kosovo was try, the second circle being the more or ished in legal proceedings for a crime considered legitimate under international less allied states, with which there was of any kind. Instead, a party to the con- law, that of the Crimea should as well be no armed conflict at present, and final- flict, whose relationships had deteriorat- considered legitimate. ly, the third circle, where there was war. ed to a dominant power was punished. Depending on these circle different laws These sanctions were merely political United States no longer a state rule. Finally, this behaviour would have ones without any legal validity, Frey- under a rule of law a negative effect on the USA’s own state, singer said. Switzerland’s neutrality could play an because the law there would be going to Furthermore, Freysinger criticized the important role as a mediator (good offic- become arbitrary. For this reason Frey- behaviour of Switzerland which consti- es) in such sensitive situations, and the singer advocated the preservation of the tuted the violation of neutrality. These country needed to protect its sovereign- rule of law by all means. It was impera- offenses include the disinviting of Rus- ty in order to remain credible and inde- tive, he said, that the law applied equal- sian State Duma President, Sergey Nar- pendent. Freysinger also believed that ly to all people living in that state. When yshkin and the rejection of the Russian people needed to be aware that Russia aerobatic team Russian Knights, which was no longer our enemy as was the case continued on page 11 No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 11 TTIP – What we should consider in the Transatlantic embrace by Professor Dr Wohlmeyer

Immanuel Kant has left us Europeans the In addition, the IMF-WB system that has alogue of equals is required if we want to enlightened Sapere aude! Have the cour- so far safeguarded the financial suprema- act sustainably. age to use your own reason. cy of the United States (blocking minori- In a second step, the essential interests On 14 July 2014 the new (sixth) ty of the USA), is being increasingly un- of the United States must be considered: round in the US-EU negotiations on a dermined. The Latin American and Asian The US economy is military- and oil- comprehensive economic agreement countries are about to establish their own based. They invested massively in these began, which in its hitherto known di- development banks and analogous IMF re- sectors and defend them. Three other key mension is more a societal agreement. lief funds. areas are finance, the media and agricul- Since so far only leaked details have The resulting situation is desperate. ture. In all these areas, they are trying to been discussed, it seems necessary to The USA’s non-repayable debt is already enforce conditions that strengthen their in- give room for a broader view. In the at over 17 trillion dollars, and their cur- terests and profits, to the detriment of the sake of brevity, however, only some rent arms upgrading all over the world can Europeans. Next there is the understand- basic points can be addressed here, es- no longer be financed to this extent. There able interest to buy up real assets with pecially since the latest agreement text only remain three ways out for the Unit- (worthless in the long term) “paper dol- is still not available. ed States: A debtor-generating war, a radi- lars” in Europe and to hedge this dishon- It is part of general common sense that cal devaluation of the dollar (equaling a de est property. The latter brings us to the you scrutinize a transaction partner close- facto world fraud) or a restart on a world topic of “investment protection” which is ly, his overall situation, his particular in- currency agreement following the exam- planned to be institutionalized in the ISDS terests, his past and current behavior as ple of the International Clearing Union, (Investor-State-Dispute-Settlement). well as his socio-political and geopoliti- proposed already in 1944 by J.M. Keynes, If you add to the above mentioned the cal basic attitude, in other words: his “phi- which was, however, rejected by the Unit- third step of analysis, which illuminates losophy”. ed States as the then dominant financial the USA’s previous activities and their This first investigative step, however, power. Such a balanced restart would have basic socio-political and geopolitical at- gives already cause for suspicious con- to go hand in hand with a world debt cut. titude, the result is even more explosive. cern: In the short term, the United States can The United States have behaved consist- The United States is de facto bankrupt get themselves a respite only by plunder- ently domineering in the postwar period and keep the wolf from their door only by ing the rich countries in Europe (see the and unilaterally asserted their interests as their uncovered money-printing. For every US-induced financial crisis and debt in “legal position”. An interview with the dollar they spend, they must procure 50 Europe in favor of the US financial elite) US Legal Adviser at the TTIP negotia- cent from somewhere. (How they do it has and by instigating an armed conflict. tions and former US Ambassador to the been revealed in my book “Empörung in Looking at the TTIP negotiations in EU (1993–1996), Stuart Eizenstat, which Europa – Wege aus der Krise” [Outrage this context, one would first of all demand I had the chance to overhear, may illus- in Europe – Ways out of the crisis].) This an internal reorganisation of the US finan- trate this: When asked about the different will last as long as the dollar is still ac- cial regime and the global financial sys- quality standards – particularly for food – cepted as the world’s reserve currency. tem, before sharing the bed with a partner he said: “What was good enough for the Their position, however, is dramatically that is broke and needs wars. If you want American people, must also be good for desintegrating and cannot be stopped even to save a sinking friend, he must accept the Europeans.” A clearly unilateral mes- by economic and military “sanctions”. your rescue strategy or you will both be sage ... enforcing the application of US Many states are starting to trade in nation- lost in deadly embrace. However, the USA law in the form of the compulsory take- al currencies (for example, China, Japan, currently behave like a violent addict de- over of the FACTA Act (Foreign Account India, Iran, Russia and lately even the nying his addiction, and the EU behaves loyal vassals Germany and South Korea). like the mouse in front of the snake. A di- continued on page 12

”’Expansion of the EU…’” manner. One participant raised the ques- The rule of law, the perpetual neu- continued from page 10 tion of what the citizens can do against trality and sovereignty can only un- this misinformation and the failed poli- fold its meaning and effect, if Switzer- borders were dissolved there would be cies of their own governments. The two land can also defend its independence the risk that the greatest world power parliamentarians agreed that especially and sovereignty. Therefore, the coun- imposed its own right on all others and in Switzerland by the direct-democrat- try needs a powerful and well-prepared thus a global dictatorship would emerge. ic elements there were very many ways army that deters to the outside and guar- to influence this policy. They themselves antees inward security. This view was The dialogue with the citizens would also try to exert influence with- shared from the podium. The fact that In the following discussion, it became in their possibilities. The dialogue with Switzerland had the chairmanship in the clear that the majority of those pre- the citizens, with members of organi- OSCE, was seen by all as an opportuni- sent was relieved to hear a clear and zations and associations was an impor- ty that can be taken by a neutral state in unambiguous voice from the United tant process in the political opinion that the current situation. Federal Councillor States. The western jumble in the media could not be overridden by “great pol- Burkhalter had acknowledged by this scarcely allows a different view, so that itics”. The citizens must mutually en- Presidency, how power politics worked here in Europe we are informed in a gage in dialogue and so achieve clarity and how important the role of a neutral completely one-sided and anti-Russian about the situation. Switzerland is. • No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 12

”TTIP – What we should …” ropeans and Russians with high reserves Policy Research this growth is expected continued from page 11 of raw materials plays an important role. by 2027, equivalent to an annual rate of This also explains the currently initiat- 0.034%, and that with an EU unemploy- Compliance Act), according to which the ed Ukraine crisis, into which Europe has ment rate of over 26 million this glimmer European banks must report all account been dragged. of hope with “business as usual” causes movements of US citizens, and the re- However, the future must lie in a soli- no solution to the problem. Rather, it re- cent “sanctions” against European banks dary world structure, in which the United quires a fundamental change in the over- and other companies without legal basis States and Europe are wished for partners all policy. The former World Bank econ- should also give rise to consider wheth- and helpers. omist H. Daly has already pointed out to er it is wise to approve further agreements If in this context we look at the gene- the perils of free trade (Scientific Amer- that may offer “legal” approaches for sim- sis of the TTIP project, the following facts ican, Volume 269, Number 5, Novem- ilar procedures. are striking: ber 1993), in case it suppresses local, Those who know the “American type of As early as in 1941, the later Secretary customized, and socially innovative so- agreement” from practical economic life of State J.F. Dulles wrote that one should lutions. The proposed de facto US eco- will be even more careful. Namely, where- organize Europe centrally after the war nomic sovereignty in Europe would make as according to the European legal culture and remodel it into a promising market for the European social model collapse – as the main rules are recorded in the statute the USA. This proposal was mainly coun- was already announced by the US-adept, books (trade law and general civil law) tered by Charles de Gaulle’s resistance. Mario Draghi, currently President of the and only the special circumstances are As early as in 1973 the Trilateral ECB. The enormous income divergence regulated in the agreements, almost every Commission, mainly made up of high fi- in the United States and the fact that cur- major US contract quasi establishes many nance representatives pleaded for unify- rently almost 15% of the population must pages of a special legal system with a lot ing market regulations. In 2007, the TEC be kept afloat with food stamps (Supple- of pitfalls. Therefore, the legal fees are ex- (Transatlantic Economic Council) was mental Nutrition Assistance Program), tremely high in and with the United States set up, whose primary task was to “har- expressly underlines this concern. The or US companies and the legal uncertainty monize market regulations”. As part of unions on both sides of the Atlantic are in case of disputes as well. It is estimated the TEC a “High Level Working Group therefore determined opponents of TTIP, that legal transaction costs in the United on Jobs and Growth” (HLWG) was in- because it would sanction the current mo- States amount up to 10% of GDP. stalled in 2011 (note the mealy-mouthed mentum. Particularly serious are the differences title), whose final report was submitted In its published expectations the Austri- in the risk assessment and the classifica- in February 2013. This final report was an Federal Ministry for Science, Research tion of the burden of proof. While we Eu- to be followed by a High Level Regula- and Economics, FMSRE, is more enthusi- ropeans act according to the principle of tory Cooperation Forum. It is interesting astic than the HLWG and the studies they prudence (cease at a plausible threat), the (significant) that the EU Commission was have ordered. According to a study man- US jurisprudence requires “scientific ev- and is not willing to make the composi- dated by the FMSRE the following thrusts idence”, which means “scientifically de- tion of the HLWG known to the Corpo- are expected from TTIP: GDP up 1.7%, monstrable harm”. In my lectures I used rate Europe Obvservatory, whose task it wages up 1%, employment up 0.5%, com- the fictitious example of a physician who is to deal with lobbying within the EU. mercial insurances up 3.7%, textiles and presumed physical damage during use of The same applies to the detailed results clothing up 3.7%, and even cars up 12.4%. Thalidomide and therefore advised against (“The large number of documents makes How these assessments, which will of the use of this drug. He would have been it impossible to release the necessary in- course lead to a positive opinion on TTIP, sentenced to pay for damages, as long formation.”). The final report is practi- were achieved is difficult to understand. as the damage had not been statistically cally a not democratically legitimized The leaked guidelines for the negotia- and significantly evident – hence greatest road map for further negotiations. It talks tions of the EU Council on 17 June 2013 human suffering has occurred. It is simi- about the enormous advantages of an “in- depend largely on the report of the High lar with the burden of proof: It is the most- tegrated transatlantic marketplace”. This Level Working Group. The 18 pages are ly financially weaker victim that must give is to be achieved mainly through break- acceptable at first glance. If, however, we evidence of the damage and not the poten- ing down all trade barriers and by mak- read passages such as “the highest level tial tortfeasor who must prove the harm- ing the legal rules compatible (enhanc- of liberalization ... wherein substantially lessness. This applies, among other things, ing compatibility of regulatory regimes). all sectors and modes of supply are rec- to household chemicals on the market. The “strengthening of the extraordinari- ognized”, “unrestricted transfer of capi- In the field of social policy complete- ly close strategic partnership between the tal and payments by the investors” and ly different “philosophies” collide: While United States and Europe” is to cause the “complete liberalization of current pay- we in Europe have developed and largely global adoption of rules due to the sheer ments and movement of capital” and “es- implemented the model of a solidary wel- size of the market (approximately 50% tablishment of transatlantic institutions fare state, the same is largely blocked in of the gross world product). The report is for regulatory cooperation”, this reminds the United States, because the rich system- full of hopeful, but not very secure posi- of “turbo-capitalism” without any social atically escape a contribution to the com- tive announcements. If an expected GDP and ecological brakes, an abandonment mon good. Thus, there are lower taxes growth of 0.5% in the EU is assigned to of European public service tradition and and wage costs. Hence follows a location- 400,000 jobs and at the same time in the limitation of popular sovereignty in favor al competition that keeps the social stand- USA and in Europe, the future of robot- of institutionalized corporate interests, ards down. ics (Wealth Daily and Word Future So- despite all claims to the contrary. In the field of geopolitics, in which we ciety) is touted and predicted, then there Added to this is the crucial point of would even be cramped in tighter, the US will be more unemployment despite or the SIDS (State Investor Dispute Settle- dream of a world power in the wake of because of GDP growth, since the eco- ment). According to the available Euro- the British Empire is still alive, and there nomic effect of the investment is usually pean Parliament/Legislative Observatory are attempts to secure it militarily and by higher than the capacity expansion effect. 2012/0163 (COD) the EU Parliament has financial colonialism. The fear of a com- It should be added that according to the mon economic area between Western Eu- relied forecast of the Center of Economic continued on page 13 No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 13

President of the Federal Chamber of Economy Austria Searching reasonable compromises with Russia km. In an Österreichischer Rundfunk (Aus- So Christoph Leitl proposed to solve sanctions and threats, I doubt that it will trian Radio) interview broadcast on 10 Sep- the crisis, “by sitting together. The par- move Mister Putin anywhere. Quite the tember by ORF with Christoph Leitl, Pres- ties concerned should sit together. Putin contrary.” ident of the Federal Chamber of Economy has proposed seven points. The Europe- Asked about Angela Merkel, Leitl said: Austria WKÖ, he was asked why he had an Union has its own ideas. Coming to- “Angela Merkel has to look out that the 28 called the sanctions against Russia “un- gether only once in Minsk, is not enough. [EU states] will find a line – and there are reasonable”. Christoph Leitl responded: You must sit together continually, talk- quite different opinions – and behind her “Look, I have just been in Switzerland, I ing: What do we want economically – a she has other countries that may also take just spoke to the Swiss head of the Federal large free trade area – what do we want influence ...” On demand Leitl mentioned Department of Economic Affairs, yester- in the country itself, with autonomy for the United States. day, who is very skeptical about the sanc- the minority. It is a European value to Merkel “certainly is in good faith that tions. And today, the President of the Swiss protect also minorities, giving them au- they will get out of the problem by using Federation as chairman of the OECD, Or- tonomy, perhaps even autarky.” them (the anctions).” But he himself had ganisation for Security and Cooperation in Leitl expressed opposition to Ukraine’s massive doubts and added that he could Europe, openly doubted whether it makes accession to NATO. Such an accession “only repeat [what] the Swiss [say] who sense to operate with economic sanctions was contrary to fundamental security in- have really followed a wise, policy of in this fragile situation. So, I really could terests of Russia, he said. neutrality for centuries, who are a bit not feel more supported”. On demand Leitl At the beginning of such talks, as Leitl experienced in the world. If they say, cited the OSCE Chairman President Didier demanded them, everyone expresses his please be careful, now, focus on diplo- Burkhalter more precisely: “He said: Let’s position. “In the end reasonable compro- macy, rather rely on negotiations, I am focus on a diplomatic solution. And I am mises are made. But in between, there has taking that very, very seriously. No one of the opinion that this is a political cri- to be discussion, and that is essential. What can convince me he [the Swiss minister] sis that must be solved by political means, way do we get on? By threatening each says so merely because of economic in- and not by mutually using the economy as other? Or by trying to talk to each other?” terest; but these are the Swiss, who have a combat instrument, as economy should There was “no alternative to nego- political experience.” • connect people, to benefit, to serve, to con- tiations”, Leitl said. “What alternative tribute to peace”. do you have? If we continue to increase (Translation Current Concerns)

Politicians of the Visegrád Group criticize EU sanctions against Russia km On 10 September the “Frankfurter opments” in the Ukraine conflict. The Ukraine is abused by a ‘terrible political Allgemeine Zeitung” reported that the newspaper continues: “President Miloš game’ on an international level, in which EU sanctions against Russia would split Zeman expressed himself less diplomati- the (Western) media had a fateful role,” the Visegrád Group. While Poland was cally. He principally doubted the official- so the newspaper cites him, adding: “In prepared to accept economic losses, the ly prevailing assessment of the situation the EU, Fico criticized, it is only the rep- Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hunga- in the Ukraine by the EU and NATO. The resentatives of the Ukraine who are get- ry tried to reduce and to delay the sanc- statement of the Russian Foreign Minister ting a chance to speak, the international tions. The Czech diplomats had reject- Lawrov that there were no Russian troops public should, however, be informed by ed the imposition of further sanctions in on Ukrainian territory, he took very se- neutral observers on the spot.” And about the negotiations of EU ambassadors in riously”. With the words: “The sanctions Hungary we read: “Hungary continues a Brussels. Tomáš Prouza, the Czech Sec- are counterproductive and solve noth- manoeuvring course in the Ukraine. [The retary of State for European Affairs, had ing,” the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Prime Minister of Hungary] Viktor Orbán justified this with recent “positive devel- Fico is quoted. “The ‘terrible tragedy’ in called the EU sanctions self-defeating.” •

”TTIP – What we should …” Just as the currently known proposed de- The NAFTA case “Elli Lilly & Co. continued from page 12 sign of arbitration looks like, it means noth- against Canada” shows some of the dan- ing else than special jurisdiction for corpo- ger: As part of the North American Trade remitted the draft to the Trade Committee rate interests at the expense of the general Agreement (NAFTA) that was settled on 23 May 2013. This draft essentially ac- public, clad into glossy words. Considered with the United States, the US pharma- knowledges the SIDS, calls for more in- that at present there are several arbitration ceutical company sued the state of Can- formation and contains a passage remark- proceedings in progress worldwide amount- ada for damages amounting to 500 mil- able to me, namely that for the pending of ing to about 14 billion dollars and that ac- lion dollar, because the Canadian Patent a dispute on behalf of the EU Commission cording to the previously known TTIP text Office that tests more strictly had revoked advance payments of arbitration costs can corporations can file suits for damages on the patents on two psychotropic drugs. be charged. This is practically a deterrent anticipated profits as well as against unpop- These were advertised medications to bring a case before the arbitral tribunal. ular (profit restrictive) laws and decisions of Such is the plutocratic tradition of US case national authorities, the red flags should be law, which is hereby brought to Europe. raised even by US-friends. continued on page 14 No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 14 Homo familiaris – human beings and their families according to natural law and personalist psychology In commemoration of Dr Annemarie Buchholz-Kaiser by Prof Dr Hideshi Yamada, Kumamoto, Japan* We had to bid on their nature as personalist and family There are some grains of truth in his farewell to the beings who can develop their personali- assertions. Firstly: Insight into the ontol- great, caring and ties only within and in relatedness to their ogies, the “nature of things”, is indispen- social-ethical- families. sable for a “concretizising” of natural law ly committed principles, i.e. their applicability in con- Dr Annemarie Arguments against natural law crete situations. And secondly: The su- Buchholz-Kaiser. An important question poses itself im- preme principles of natural law are sen- It is a overwhelm- mediately: How can natural law guide us tences “about” the obligatory essence of ing loss for all of today in order to analyze and solve ethical natural law. However, he is wrong in his us. In view of that problems? Throughout history, periods of assumption that all other principles of nat- it is hard to find natural law were followed by periods of ural law, all simple truths which constitute the right words. positive law (i.e. law as defined by man) the core of natural law, were merely for- The article pub- and vice versa – quite roughly speaking, mal, too. This error, which many writers Hideshi Yamada lished in Cur- just to make the crucial point. succumb to, is based on the assumption (picture uk) rent Concerns of In the post-war period – after the ca- that the process of knowledge-gaining 11 June 2014 summarized what is most tastrophe of the Second World War – peo- starts with the recognition of formal prin- crucial about Dr Buchholz-Kaiser’s life- ple used to refer to natural law very often. ciples which is then illustrated by onto- work in a very appropriate way. Today, however, the theory of natural law logical knowledge in order to achieve rel- Mrs Dr Eva-Maria Föllmer-Müller seems to be not so popular any more. Why evant obligations of law. So we have to suggested to me that I should commem- should that be the case? Is it non-scientific pose two questions which have to be an- orate Annemarie with my presentation. to talk about natural law? As early as 1932, swered. Being a philosopher of (natural) law I de- Johann Sauter had laid down one of the The first one is: How do we gain in- cided to honour her by a presentation of sharpest attacks against natural law: “Quite sight into the evident formal principles? human beings in their reality, focusing contrary to the established teachings we The second one is: How does the corre- thoroughly hold and maintain that natural spondence come about between those ev- * * Professor Hideshi Yamada teaches at Kuma- law is by no means evident. Those supreme ident formal principles and the ontology- moto University in Kumamoto (Japan). His main principles such as: ‘Bonum est facien- derived, concrete factors which influence research areas are philosophy of law and natu- their applicability? The first question is ral law theory. He is chairman of the Japanese dum, malum vitandum’ or ‘Quod tibi non Johannes Messner Society and has translated vis fieri etc.’ or ‘Suum quicue tribuere’ or psychological-epistemological in nature, a number of works of the well-known natural ‘Honeste vivere’ may be evident, but they the second one ontological-epistemolog- law teacher Johannes Messner into Japanese. are merely formal sentences about natural ical. According to Johannes Messner2, the Numerous publications on natural law, including law. We don’t learn from these sentences counter-arguments such as those of the the conception of natural law by Johannes Mess- ner and its reception in Japan (with Johannes ‘what’ this Bonum, Honestum etc. actual- above-mentioned Sauter are usually based Michael Schnarrer), Vienna 1997, “Mensch und ly is, neither ‘in itself’ nor ‘for us’. In order on the axiom that the evident principles Naturrecht in Entwicklung aus Sicht eines japa- to learn that, we have to take the hard way of gaining knowledge were somehow “in- nischen Naturrechtlers” (Man and natural law through the ontologies which we are situ- born” and unaffected by experience. in development from the perspective of a Japa- nese expert on natural law), in: Rudolf Weiler ated in, as aristotelic-scholastic idealism al- The way, Johannes Messner challenges 1 (editor), “Mensch und Naturrecht in Evolution”, ready had pointed out.” this axiom, makes sense. He writes: “Sim- Vienna 2008 continued on page 15

”TTIP – What we should …” compli within a small group of “stake- er, the law firms are the henchmen of the continued from page 13 holders”, and then explaining the par- “stakeholders”. Free trade is thus not so liamentarians that one cannot reject the freely negotiated. against attention deficit hyperactivity and negotiated rules without facing massive In addition to the tactics, to circum- schizophrenia. damage and dangerous political disgrun- vent the Lisbon Agreements (“EU Con- It is denotive that, prior to the elec- tlement on the other side of the Atlan- stitution”) and the national constitutions tions, the allayed EU Parliament with tic. The public, and even the administra- by treaties (classic example is the ESM), its conservative majority agreed on the tors appointed by the local constitutional another tactic of creating faits accomp- regulation of the financial responsibili- body were and are excluded from the lis must be revealed in the present case: ty for investor-state disputes before ar- flow of information. Thus the German Unknown to the public the CETA agree- bitral tribunals since it did not want to EU Commissioner Hans Jürgen Blinn ment was negotiated with Canada, which delay the TTIP negotiations. The fact has publicly complained that he has not is now awaiting ratification. It is partly a that it took place despite a current online been informed about the negotiations and blueprint for the TTIP. If the CETA is ac- consultation process – apparently intro- that he never before experienced such a cepted, the argument will be that one can- duced only as a sop –, must make every procedure. The EU’s chief negotiator, the not deny the United States what one al- democrat suspicious. Such an approach Spaniard Ignatio Garcia Bercero, admit- ready granted Canada. is simply a mockery of the interviewed ted in Vienna, that only the authorized Since the revelation of the US espio- citizens. law firms have access to intermediate re- nage by NSA, we know that the EU nego- The general procedure is obviously sults, especially since “a certain degree applied to the effect of creating a fait ac- of confidentiality” was required. Howev- continued on page 15 No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 15

”Homo familiaris – human...” continued from page 14 ilar to all other areas of knowledge, the su- preme principles of ethical and legal issues are by no means inborn or genetically in- herited properties of reason.” And he con- tinues: “What is indeed inborn, does not consist of complete items of knowledge, not even about the most primitive ethical and legal truisms, but only in the genetical- ly determined capacity to gain this knowl- edge.”3 Messner goes on to state, “that in human nature there are inborn mecha- nisms working as frameworks enabling the individual to gain these items of knowledge as part of the overall process towards the development of a full mastery of reason.”4 Now we have to deal with the ques- ISBN 978-3859990074 ISBN 3-906989-52-6 tion, how does the human individual gain insight into the most crucial legal princi- Challenging the counter-arguments mastery of reason human beings will rec- ples. Thomas von Aquin answered it in by means of our experience ognize the accordant behavior as the truly his Summa Theologiae, I–II, qu. 91, art. 2 human behavior, that way knowledge of the as follows: “Unde patet quod lex natura- Natural law is established in human be- supreme ethical principles and judgemental lis nihil aliud est quam participatio legis ings both as knowledge of reason and will power to make ethical decisions in concrete aeternae in rationali creatura.” (Therefore of reason. Knowledge of reason serves a situations are gained.” This reasonable in- it is clear, that natural law is nothing else double purpose, namely as “insight into sight may be referred to as the psycholog- but participation of the reasonable crea- values” and “insight into facts”. The will ical-subjective aspect of the “system of ture in the eternal law.) While the middle of reason serves a double purpose as well, reason” in the sense of natural law. “The ages might have been satisfied with this namely as “commandment of conscience” ontological-objective aspect is as impor- statement, our contemporary times may and “desire of values”. “This desire towards tant, namely the basic system of vital rules not. So we have to rely on experience. a complete human existence is first experi- of conviviality within the family commu- By means of experience we conclude that enced within the life of the family as a com- nity (“ontology”, because derived from the counter-arguments such as those of Sau- munity (highlighted by the author) with its instinct aspect of human nature); both sides ter, Karl Bergbohm and Ernst Topitsch respect and love for one another instilled “rest on futile questions paving the way by the vital relationships between its mem- towards wrong answers”.5 bers. As soon as they have achieved full continued on page 16

”TTIP – What we should …” of rejection or correction by the national level does not automatically correspond continued from page 14 parliaments is seen by the compliant Com- to the benefit of the society as a whole. mission; de Gucht wanted to invoke the Above all, the partner must be requested tiating papers are fully known to the US ECJ to decide whether the national parlia- (and the time is ripe for this purpose) to do negotiators. Therefore, the continued se- ments had to be asked at all. his welfare-oriented homework because crecy by the Commission and the nego- Finally, one should refer to the repeat- otherwise he is no suitable partner. Who tiating team can only be directed against ed reassuring statements that the guide- in fact shares the bed with one who is ter- their own people, to whom they do not lines and the future agreement would in- minally ill, will not be healthy, but infect- want to be read the sentence. “In the con- clude the independent right to regulate and ed. Namely, in case the United States do text of the ratification processes, the texts the labor clause, which allow independent not reform their financial order together of the agreements will be made available standards to protect workers, consumers with their social system towards the com- to the public”. Hence a fait accompli ... and citizens in general (health, safety, en- mon good, there is a danger that they will If pressure was to be put on the negoti- vironmental protection): If goods are in- increasingly export their own problems to ators in the public interest, the procedure troduced into a free trade area, which Europe by means of the proposed “com- would run just the other way: “Friends! have been authorized for consumption in a prehensive economic partnership”. We are committed to the democratic Eu- member state, they have market entry any- The question should be raised, why the rope to fully inform the public, especially where. Those providers that have to expect WTO is continuously being bypassed by the parliamentarians about all negotiation higher costs due to higher environmental bilateral agreements. The WTO’s com- phases. If we make these arrangements and social standards, will be priced out plex of rules, which is accessible to all obvious, you can write off the envisaged and ousted from the market. There will be states (and which is currently also under agreement, because we will never get a race to the bottom, in which the level of reform), would in fact be sufficient to the consent of the parliaments.” I am not protection must be adapted to the lowest achieve the stated objectives, and would speaking here as a theorist, because I once level existing in the free trade area. have the advantage that there would be de- used this procedure successfully even in What should now be the conclusion? sirable results to the benefit of all states the GATT negotiations. Considering the above mentioned it worldwide. • A notice of the recent Trade Commis- must be: Back to the democratically legit- sioner, Karel de Gucht, shows that the risk imized start! What was concocted at group (Translation Current Concerns) No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 16

”Homo familiaris – human...” dition. The human being receives “all that connectedness with fellow human beings continued from page 15 is necessary for complete personal develop- may be developed.”19 ment from social tradition, thereby accept- together as a framework of human nature ing what it takes to achieve his true nature Conclusion constitute the accordant law of nature.”6 as a cultural being from outside his or her The aim of this presentation was to We have talked about wrong axioms physical nature.”11 In this sense we can even clarify natural law in its reality by con- about natural law. Contrary to those, it has refer to “culture as the natural state of hu- sidering the counter-arguments that have to be stressed that formal and factual in- manity”. “Family life is the framework and been put forward against natural law. This sights always work together in human na- mediator of that tradition which is so impor- seems to be necessary to me, as it appears ture and cannot be separated even in the tant in Portmann’s theories.”12 to be difficult to comprehend for many if process of gaining knowledge of the su- Had I more time I should also mention not most people today. Natural law is what preme principles of natural law – right recent research about primates, however, I we live and experience every day. This from the beginning, that is. have to do without that. experience is “evident” together with the “Human beings don’t learn the su- Annemarie Buchholz-Kaiser has made existence of all the others (together). And preme principles of natural law as ab- fundamental contributions to the question the place where this experience is made stract, formal sentences, but he or she of homo familiaris from another perspec- is the primordial community, namely the learns to live according to them in con- tive; namely from the standpoint of devel- family. Annemarie Buchhholz-Kaiser con- crete application within the community of opmental and personalist psychology.13 She cludes with the following sentence: the family. What he or she learns are truth- refers to “some results of modern develop- “The protection of the family and its fulness, respect, justice (suum cuique), mental psychology” by John Bowlby and task for education and development of fu- honesty (pacta sunt servanda), in other Mary Ainsworth. Without being able to go ture generations becomes a main obliga- words a life according to the principles into details at this point, I fully agree with tion of our time.”20 • of natural law. The human being learns her considerations. As Buchholz-Kaiser de- * presented as part of the annual conference “Mut to understand them as the rules of behav- scribes precisely, developmental psychology zur Ethik” under the topic “Living the social bonds ior, enabling the family to lead their lives has contributed immensely to our knowledge more fully” 29 – 31 August 2014 in Switzerland. in a community of peace and satisfaction of human nature. With regard to Bowlby she Dr Joachim Hoefele was so kind as to provide lin- guistic comments on the first version of my pres- for all, at the same time comprehending writes: “In this human interplay the whole entation, sent to him by e-mail in advance. It is my their general validity for human convivi- development of soul, intellect and morals duty and pleasure to thank him for that. ality and how to apply them to the various takes its roots. Emotional bonding remains concrete situations.”7 […] crucial for the whole human life”.14 Her 1 J. Sauter, Die philosophischen Grundlagen des This is not merely a process of thought, investigation shows that “stability and secu- Naturrechts, Vienna 1932, pp. 222. Quoted from but our every-day, concrete, universal expe- rity in the emotional bonding with the moth- Johannes Messner Ausgewählte Werke edited by rience which everybody has to go through. er is the basis for a healthy development of Anton Rauscher and Rudolf Weiler in cooperation Otherwise we could not understand the uni- the child’s personality”.15 By the mother’s with Alfred Klose and Wolfgang Schmitz, Ver- lag für Geschichte und Politik Vienna and Verlag versal efforts towards the common good and “appreciation and respect for the child as an Oldenbourg Munich. Volume 6: Menschenwürde their ethical, legal and political implications. independent, individual personality she lays und Menschenrecht: Ausgewählte Artikel, intro- the foundations for what will later be re- duced by Anton Rauscher and Rudolf Weiler, Vi- Family as primordial community enna-Munich 2004, p. 57. Cf. also J. Messner, Das ferred to in a more abstract way as the re- th 16 Naturrecht, 7 edition, Berlin 1984, p. 313. In any case, homo familiaris has to ful- spect of human dignity”. With regard to 2-5 J. Messner, Das Naturrecht, p.314. fill a certain minimum of his or her physi- Ainsworth the term “reliable basis” is men- 6 J. Messner, Das Naturrecht, p.56. cal and psychological needs, by means of tioned, which is of utmost importance for 7 J. Messner, Menschenwürde und Menschenrecht, contributing to and benefitting from the the baby. I could cite many passages here. p.58. 8 J. Messner, Das Naturrecht, p.315. common good through communication Just to mention a few which seem to be im- 9 Messner estimates Portmann highly. “Portmann‘s and co-operation. That defines the human portant to me from the viewpoint of natu- works, the works of this zoologist of Basel Univer- being as a person. Therefore it is “human ral law: “Morality is nothing that has to be sity, are exemplary with respect to science, since he sticks to the facts in all his conclusions unswerv- nature in itself urging towards a system of forced upon human beings…: It takes its ingly, quite contrary to not a few of his colleagues conviviality which enables all members to roots in the empathy, which develops out of on the field onf zoology, biology and anthropol- lead truly human lives in the family com- a positive bonding of the child to its first at- ogy.” ( J. Messner, Kulturethik mit Grundlegung 17 durch Prinzipienethik und Persönlichkeitsethik, munity. It is not brought about by theoreti- tachment figures”. “The courage to remain Wien 1954, p. 341 note 10.) cal insight into human nature but by expe- loyal to one’s self, the ability to defend him- 10 Adolf Portmann, Biologische Fragmente zu einer rience about what he or she needs to fulfill or herself appropriately and act according Lehre vom Menschen, Basel 1944. 11 8 to personal convictions and values without J. Messner, Kulturethik, p.346. the most basic needs of body and soul.” 12 J. Messner, Das Naturrecht, p.349. Johannes Messner was always ready false considerations of social consequenc- 13 Annemarie Buchholz-Kaiser, Personale Psycholo- to acknowledge facts of other disciplines es grows out of the experience of sustaina- gie – Der Beitrag von Psychologie und Pädagogik which would make it easier to understand ble human bonding.”18 This is followed by zur Menschenwürde, in: Mut zur Ethik. Die Würde des Menschen, 1998 Zürich. natural law. He liked to refer to the biologist remarks about the contributions of Alfred 14 Annemarie Buchholz-Kaiser, Personale Psycholo- Adolf Portmann, a well-known Swiss zoolo- Adler. gie, p.83. gist and anthropologist.9 It has been accept- Finally I would like to cite the sum- 15 Annemarie Buchholz-Kaiser, Personale Psycholo- gie, p.84. ed knowledge for a long time from a bio- mary of Dr Annemarie Buchholz-Kaiser. 16 Annemarie Buchholz-Kaiser, Personale Psycholo- logical or zoological perspective that homo She writes: gie, pp.84 sapiens as a family being takes much long- “In conclusion it may be said: provid- 17 Annemarie Buchholz-Kaiser, Personale Psycholo- gie, p.87. er than other “family oriented” species until ed his or her upbringing went well, human 18 Annemarie Buchholz-Kaiser, Personale Psycholo- adulthood. But Portmann went further. He beings as social beings will like to commit gie, p.87. was able to show, that unlike other animals themselves to urgent problems and – guid- 19 Annemarie Buchholz-Kaiser, Personale Psycholo- human beings are defined by tradition.10 ed by human compassion – search together gie, p.89. 20 Annemarie Buchholz-Kaiser, Personale Psycholo- Without culture, homo sapiens wouldn’t for dignified solutions. In this sense person- gie, p.89. be human. And culture is passed on from alist psychology provides important an- generation to generation. This creates tra- swers about how social responsibility and (Translation Current Concerns) No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 17 Language as a bridge towards other humans by Dr Eliane Gautschi, special education teacher and psychologist, Zurich The human being, from the perspective Around the third and fourth year of the At the age of 6, a child knows already of a personalist concept of man, connects child’s life, the mother takes on the task of approximately 2500 words. It has internal- to other humans by means of language. a “language teacher”. She repeats for ex- ized rules and begins to use them and, how- Language is much more than giving in- ample, the child’s sentence in a more cor- ever, makes mistakes. It recognises false- formation about one’s needs in framing rect form. This way, she enables him to ly formulated sentences and corrects itself one’s daily life. In the first half of the last use the already available sentence patterns without being aware of why it needs to be century, the Vienna psychologist, Alfred and transform them into correct ones. It is emphasised differently. During the length Adler emphasized this: “This is a connec- the interpersonal relationship that enable of his or her childhood and teenage years, tion between two or more people to com- language acquisition which can never be the vocabulary grows astoundingly. At the municate what they mean. This work of replaced by media (for example, by learn- age of 16, a teenager commands a passive art we owe to all, and it developpe only ing programs on the computer or by tele- vocabulary of approximately 60,000 words. where interest in others exists.”1 Our lan- vision films). The accumulation of a differential vo- guage builds the bridges to other humans cabulary is only one part of language ac- and enables us to express and to inform The mother tongue – quisition, which in its comprehensive- others of our thoughts, feelings and inten- an emotional home ness is more multi-layered. The child tions. Terminologies provide us with the The mother tongue has a special impor- must learn to understand the language possibility to grasp our thoughts internally tance. It is more than just a language be- in order to reproduce it. A child is born and structure them. The more we know a cause it contains the relationship to one or into a speaking environment. Nowadays, language in detail, the more we are able to more people, who provide an emotional it is not only surrounded by the language express something exactly as we mean it. home for the child. To master the mother of the parents, siblings and other peo- We are also capable of understanding, in tongue in its most detailed aspects therefore ple, but by the language which emanates a differentiated manner, other human be- means more than just realising its commu- from the radio and television as well. Out ings’ oral and written expressions. It ena- nicative function. It is part of the personal of this stream of sounds of the language bles us to have a profound dialogue with development of the speaker. It is also inter- which is being listened to, words need to people. Language and language capabili- esting that children who are raised bilin- be isolated by the child and connected to ty are therefore very important for the de- gually often prefer and learn easier the lan- meanings. He must recognise in which velopment of one’s entire personality. For guage spoken by the parent to whom the way the words are connected in sentenc- the quality and sense of life in a human, it positive emotional ties are closer. es and which meaning endings and em- is important that he perceives himself as It is obvious that the mother tongue phases are contained. He needs to get to mastering the language and is capable of needs special care and should be mastered know the structure of texts and experi- using it. If one disturbs a child in the de- as well and as differentiated as possible. It ences the situation-dependency in lan- velopment of these capabilities, one robs has a distinguished meaning in the educa- guage usage. In order to be able to speak him of an important tool of the soul for tional process of children and must be es- well, a child must be able to abstract the developing his personality. This aspect re- pecially cared for at school. categories and regularities of the spo- fers to the fact that language lessons – be ken expressions, which lie in the founda- it in the mother tongue or in a foreign lan- A demanding learning process tion of a language and construct a table guage – help to build up the foundation of In the last decades, the areas of lan- of rules according to which the language human relationships – as long as they are guage and language acquisition have been is built. “If children knew about the com- based on this goal. intensively researched into.3 Much of plexity of their language-acquisition task, which was considered to be known fact they would surely not begin learning it Relationship: a foundation was questioned or opposed. Despite all ef- at all”, said the language acquisition re- Language acquisition is complex. Even forts made, one knows today more about searcher Rosmarie Tracy. And this act is though the biological prerequisites are all how language is not acquired than how essentially connected to its relationship available in a child, without a language- it is acquired. So it is perceived as sure to its fellow human beings. oriented environment it would be im- that a small child learns its language not The most important requirement for possible for him to learn a language. It only by imitating rather by the very com- learning foreign languages is the secure takes other people for this. The mother2, plicated continuous process in the course command of one’s mother tongue.4 • through dialogue, creates the first shared of which the child examines the structures world of experience with the child. She of the language and constructs it. With a 1 Adler, Alfred. The Meaning of Life. 1931, chap- builds a bridge and shows him the way small child, this is not a conscious learn- ter 24 in: The Collected Clinical Works of Al- into the world. She interprets his behav- ing process. fred Adler: Volume 6. iour and reacts to it. Through this she lays Children are capable of solving com- 2 Or another related person, who takes over these in her infant the foundation for language plex tasks whereas they are not able to do responsibilities in case the mother for whatever acquisition. In the foreground, the prima- such complex performances in other areas reason is not available. ry goal is not to teach the child the lan- of thinking. Witnessing the language acqui- 3 A summarised overview of the current research guage rather, the mother provides a pos- sition of a child belongs to the most impres- can be read in: Rolf Oerter & Leo Montada. En- itive, emotional relationship and makes sive experiences of its developmental pro- twicklungspsychologie (Developmental Psychol- the mutual understanding possible. A first cesses. It is most evident for the person to ogy). Basel/Weinheim 2002. distinction between different social roles whom the child is attached, which words 4 Compare to Kübler, Markus et al. Fremd- which a child can learn is, for example, he or she knows, how he or she uses them sprachenunterricht in der Volksschule. Ein that his father speaks differently with and which new words are added to this. And Überblick über die Argumente und den Forschungsstand (Foreign Language lessons in him. With language as well, the child in- that is amazing! At the age of 2 years, the the elementary school. An overview of the argu- creasingly begins to develop roots in his child knows already 200 words; it acquires ments and current research.) www.lehrerverein. or her culture and to identify with it. close to 9 new words on a daily basis. ch No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 18 Foreign languages, competences and societal consensus by Elsbeth Schaffner

The question whether to teach a foreign Already today, a lack of qualifications are almost completely congruent with the language to very young children is mainly in mathematics and physics unfortunate- “Taxonomy of Educational Objectives” by answered by the insight that the theory of ly led to a lack of sufficient skilled per- Benjamin S. Bloom (classification scheme “the sooner the better” falls short of what sonnel. Education is our only natural re- for learning objectives: By means of this it promises. So there is no reason to worry source. The aims of the primary school classification it should be possible to rate about inner-Swiss cohesion and even less must therefore be increasingly considered any learning objectives on a coefficient reason for centralized federal intervention again in connection with the values signif- scale for difficulty or complexity.) Curric- in this matter. icant for our community and our country. ulum 21 has obviously integrated theories Pro memoria: Contrary to the will of Now the Cantonal Teacher Organiza- corresponding to the Anglo-Saxon origins the teachers, the concept of teaching a tions want to replace the teaching of Eng- of curriculum development (Saul B. Rob- foreign language to young children – first lish to young primary school children insohn)1. foreign language in the third grade, sec- by English as an optional subject. This In the light of day, this principle ulti- ond foreign language in the fifth grade of sounds like a good compromise in a prop- mately leads to the situation that, most of primary school – was forced on the Can- er Swiss manner, but is this the solution? the time, the students work by themselves tons by the CDIP (Conference of Canton- The consequences of a concept with (or just waste their time) without any con- al Ministers of Education). It was enforced elective and optional subjects should be nection to the teacher. To find a way out of although teachers – but not only them – comprehensively reflected and thoroughly today’s educational crisis, it is also neces- emphasized that the “didactics” of teach- and objectively discussed. Where does it sary to critically question those idealized ing a foreign language to young children lead, if primary school children are free to notions of constructivism or the applica- does not lead to the desired results. choose certain subjects and reject others? tion-oriented and digitilized learning. Perhaps there is a way to teach the early Does this not jeopardize primary school’s Introduced in the seventies in our coun- French from the 5th class onward in a di- basic mission to provide comprehensive try, the “permanent education reform” is dactically sensible manner – for example basic education to all? The impact on the well advanced: the subjects of history, together with geography. However, there children’s welfare must be carefully an- natural science (biology, physics, chem- is no justification whatsoever for the pos- alyzed. Proposals are made by the peda- istry) and geography were watered down tulation to learn English at an early age in gogical colleges that even primary school and devalued by interdisciplinary sub- primary school. children have to keep their personal learn- jects and non-binding exemplary learn- By introducing foreign language les- ing diary (portfolio), documenting there ing objectives. Individualizing teaching sons for young children, valuable lessons their individual learning pathways and methods have contributed to the dissolu- in basic subjects such as mathematics, their competencies. This means that every tion of class teaching and to the devalua- German, handicrafts, drawing and sci- child will be equipped with quite different tion of the educational importance of the ence were taken away from the primary skills and performance levels. What does teacher’s personality. The introduction of school children’s lesson-plan. The conse- this mean for the upper grades and the re- early foreign languages along with all the quence is a hightened pressure to achieve, cipients of primary school leavers? other reforms, as well as the organiza- which many children can no longer meas- Does now the hunt for credit points tional innovations (new curricula and the ure up to. Since the introduction of teach- start even for the little ones? NPM – new public management) seem to ing English to young children, pupils in The analogy to Bologna can easily be contribute to the complete conversion of the first years in the Canton of St Gallen drawn: In the leaving certificate at the lat- our traditional understanding of education have only one drawing lesson per week, est the school-leavers have to give evi- and to the reduction of our Swiss school’s the third graders only four maths lessons dence of the performance level they have high quality. and the fourth and fifth graders only four achieved in the respective school sub- However, we need not put up with this lessons of German. Today teaching Eng- ject. As already established in the Euro- fait accompli – being not very democratic! lish to young children has already led to pean Language Portfolio, the leaving cer- More and more citizens, parents and widening the gap between high and low tificate registers what competency levels teachers do not want to simply accept the performing pupils to such an extend that have been achieved in each subject. By misguided reforms in schools. The conse- in many places level groups (streaming) analogy with the credit points (Bologna) quences of such a development are devas- had to be formed. This despite the fact that the qualification for and admission to fur- tating for any social cohesion. No solidary the missing basics in German and mathe- ther educational pathways are hereby de- attitude – neither towards the sick and matics are very grave. termined. weak nor towards people from other cul- By maintaining the exchange of ideas In relation with these issues, the prin- tures – will be developed if our children across the different parts of the country ciple underlying Curriculum 21 has to be are trained to be lone fighters. Under the and by thoroughly turning them over – by reconsidered: The competences therein are impact of PISA and Bologna, processes all those involved – it may well be that one described in such a way that it becomes were hastily set in motion and programs agrees on giving priority to teaching a sec- possible to individually capture, control of the OECD were transfered to Switzer- ond national language instead of teaching and to measure the pupils’ performance. land, which are not in the interest of our fashionable early English to young chil- The competence-based Curriculum is students. Children need classroom teach- dren. “output-controlled”. This may mean that ing that conneccts them to each other and In Switzerland we have a high-qual- the final result for each child might be where they can experience community. ity, innovative and fairly manufacturing completely different. Among others out- Only a school oriented towards coexist- industry. Especially in the French-speak- dated concepts from the seventies (Robert ing with others in solidarity can meet the ing areas, our value-creating economy F. Mager, inventor of programmed teach- mandate of the elementary school that is has various production sites with high- ing) serve as theoretical foundations for enshrined in the school laws of the can- tech products in the medical and energy the “operationalized learning objectives”. sector. The competence levels of Curriculum 21 continued on page 19 No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 19 The sooner the better? The debate of foreign language teaching at elementary school level by Dr Eliane Gautschi The Canton of Thurgau wants to remove sonal attacks or mud-slinging. This ap- • “Early starters have no decisive ad- French from the elementary school cur- plies to both the debate about Curriculum vantage compared to late starters. riculum. Federal Councillor Berset wants 21 and the discussion about foreign lan- • Late starters learn a foreign language to establish French as the first foreign guage teaching: For our country and our much more efficiently than early language in our schools “from above”, children’s sake! starters – they require less studying if necessary. These announcements were time to reach the same performance widely taken up in the media in the recent Pro memoria – a flashback level. weeks and prompted a number of articles, • The most important factor (predic- comments and letters to the editor. Thus Ten years ago, the question of early for- tor) for the mastery of a foreign lan- a debate about early foreign language eign language teaching already created guage is the performance in the first teaching in elementary schools, which a stir in several cantons: In the Thurgau language (who achieves well at Ger- was already conducted when it was in- cantonal parliament at that time a motion man, is better at learning a foreign troduced about ten years ago is being re- was filed that demanded at most one for- language). newed now. Recently an expertise, com- eign language in elementary school. This • Children have fun with early lan- missioned by the Schaffhausen Teachers attitude was supported by the Eastern guage learning. Association, was published; its title is Swiss Teacher Associations. In the Can- • Children growing up bilingually, who “Fremdsprachenunterricht in der Volkss- ton of Zurich an initiative was launched learn a foreign language early and in chule. Ein Überblick über die Argumente which claimed to postpone the beginning a natural setting [i.e. in a natural en- und den Forschungsstand“ (Foreign lan- of teaching French until secondary school vironment, such as in the family, E. guage teaching in elementary school. A in case Early English was introduced, in G.], have significant and lasting ben- summary of the arguments and the state order to provide sufficient time for Ger- efits (exposure at least >30%) [i.e. of research)1 This could now be the basis man and handicraft /technical subjects in the children have to speak the sec- for an objective debate. elementary school. In secondary school ond language at least one third of the Even though the question of early for- all students should have at least two years time, E. G.]. eign language teaching is important, the of obligatory in-depth lessons of French • Migration background is not per se debate about the “Lehrplan 21” (Cur- to secure the important connection to the a disadvantage or an overextension; riculum 21), linchpin of our future edu- language and culture of our compatri- non-Indo-European mother tongue, cation system, should not fade into the ots. The Canton of Appenzell-Innerrho- educationally disadvantaged fami- background: Curriculum 21, by which den had already implemented this sched- ly background, underachievement in the whole of our educational landscape ule some time ago. In the Canton of Zug combination are problematic.”2 is to be turned upside down according a non-partisan interest group for holistic to OECD guidelines and Anglo-Ameri- education was established at the time. Its Conclusion: The results are sobering, chil- can requirements. However, the debate members wanted to defend themselves dren who start early with language learn- about foreign language teaching could be against the introduction of a second for- ing have no advantage over those who a model of how decisions should be taken eign language at elementary school level start later. The whole teaching of foreign in a direct democracy: The pros and cons in case the consultation results from the languages could thus easily be transferred of substantiated arguments that bear an communities would not be taken into ac- to secondary school. Only with difficulty objective review, are weighed in an open count by the government. In the Canton of are schools able to provide the conditions and honest discussion; In this process the Schwyz, the result of a survey conducted necessary for successful language teach- federal structure and the principle of sub- by the local teachers association showed ing at an early age. Millions of tax franks sidiarity, which pervade our political cul- that 85% of teachers voted for a second for training teachers and teaching mate- ture, must be accounted for. There is no foreign language not before secondary rials have been wasted! room for propaganda concepts elaborat- school level. However, it was the edu- ed by spin doctors, hidden agendas, per- cation boards’ consensus that in the fu- False theories ture both English and French should be The first experiments with early foreign ”Foreign languages, competences...” taught at elementary school – and so it language teaching soon showed that the continued from page 19 happened! usual two hours per week were not suf- ficient.3 In order to make early language tons. Therefore, it requires the connec- Sobering results teaching successful, the children would tion between the generations to share the With a lot of effort of personnel and cost, have to be taught this language in at least a common cultural foundations. Diversity timetables of elementary classes were re- quarter of all lessons. Other lessons would requires togetherness in a community, vamped in order to introduce foreign lan- have to be sacrified. This led to the idea otherwise we will end up in a disoriented, guage teaching already in grade three, of immersion, i.e. to teach a non-language detached mass one day. A social consensus English or French being the first foreign subject in a foreign language. Again, a cer- can not just be imposed from above, but it languages, depending on the canton. In tain blindness to the facts must be cured must grow from below. • grade five the second foreign language here, today. First of all: immersion the was to follow. holistic language learning of the mother 1 see. “Bildungsstandards – ein Innovationspro- Since then experiences have been gath- tongue, – as happens in the family‘s “lan- gramm aus historischer Perspektive” (edu- ered and evaluated; they largely confirmed guage bath” in which the children are “im- cational standards – an innovation program the fears expressed in advance. The re- mersed” – is being transferred to school from a historical perspective). in “Beiträge zur Lehrerbildung”, 26 (3), 2008 by Lucien Criblez, search of the Schaffhausen Teacher Asso- without taking into account the fundamen- Professor of History of Education and Monitoring ciation spotted the most important analy- the Education System, University of Zurich) ses. They show: continued on page 20 No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 20

”The sooner the better?” justification of further education reforms school hardly considers that the children continued from page 19 they spoke of the internationalization of in the German speaking part of Switzer- living environments that we must meet, land have to learn a second language, i.e. tal differences of these situations. The sci- of labour mobility and communication Standard German, when they enter school. ences lessons were chosen for this “lan- skills, which were becoming increasingly Swiss German is an important factor to guage bath” (man and environment, man important. Therefore they called for ac- connect Swiss children to their numerous and his contemporaries, etc). Issues of gen- quiring language skills as early as pos- foreign comrades and to help them to feel eral knowledge were to be taught in the for- sible: Efficient learning based on neu- at home in our country and integrate into eign language; teaching materials were de- rophysiologic research results was the our culture. To learn Standard German is signed accordingly.4 Since then factual decisive factor why children should begin challenging for many Swiss children, be- topics have been taken as an occasion for learning a foreign language as early as in cause it differs considerably from their talking without aiming at a deeper elabora- the third grade of primary school.7 How- dialect in vocabulary, sentence structure tion of concepts and basic contexts. In the ever, the neurophysiologic research find- and grammar. Not coincidentally, it was Schaffhausen expertise it is commented as ings have been examined more closely part of the subject matter of the primary follows: “It can not be that children learn since then. Those theories of neurolo- school in former times, to translate texts ‘Brother Sun and Sister Moon’ and this is gists that complete language proficien- from the dialect into Standard German and called teaching astronomy. This causes a cy would be no longer possible after pu- to learn the many different terms. Many double damage. The children do not learn berty8 are outdated today. Interestingly, children do not get really familiar with the right (new) German terms for the solar the line of argument for early foreign lan- Standard German throughout their whole system and the universe correctly, and they guage learning has changed since then. It school time. do not profit from the English content, be- is the cohesion of the country (for exam- The lack of mastery of the German lan- cause they do not understand the matter.”5 ple, Federal Councillor Berset) and the guage in its spoken and written form today However, neither did the sobering results arousing of the curiosity for lifestyles is an obstacle for many school leavers in of the Schaff-hausen study suggest another and cultures of neighbouring and distant their professional lives. There is a need for subject for “immersive” language learning. people living in our country are being action! stressed, instead.9 This argument comes Important subjects unexpectedly from a political side which Requirements for were and are neglected so far has stressed internationalism and modern labour slaves? The introduction of early foreign language the compatibility of our education sys- An often mentioned reason for early lan- teaching was also accompanied by a mo- tem with the European Union. Do they guage acquisition is the alleged increased mentous intervention in the classroom by now change the line of argument instead mobility of today’s people. It remains an reducing lessons in other subjects (for ex- of entering into the long-overdue discus- open question whether this is indeed so, ample, needlework and technology). This, sion? Or is the debate about foreign lan- because previously it was part of many too, must be reconsidered. Today there is guages supposed to distract from the dis- young people’s career that they gathered significant criticism that the interest of our cussion about Curriculum 21? Equally professional experience abroad, want- graduates for handicraft and technical ap- peculiar is Federal Councillort Berset’s ed to get to know other countries and ac- prenticeships has decreased. Well-designed threatening gesture, who talks about tak- quired the necessary language skills be- handicraft lessons lay important founda- ing the decision of French as a first for- forehand or on-site – shaping their own tions and arouse interest already in small eign language “from above”. Is this a lives, self-determinedly. Today’s foreign children. Such instruction introduces them warning how to pass federalist structures language teaching aims at enabling chil- in craft activities from which they can de- over by uniform regulations to meet some dren and young people to learn to commu- velop their desired career and it gives them higher interests (e.g. those of OECD)? nicate in different situations. Sentences as the tools to cope with their daily lives later we know them from the tour guides with on. Especially in our days in which many Creating the necessary prerequisites whom we can learn the most rudimenta- children are often only little involved in Language skills are important and have ry language phrases for holidays. So far, those activities in their domestic environ- had a long tradition in our quadrilin- so sensible – but if matters remain as they ment and get little insight into these pro- gual country. Swiss citizens are general- are today, educational goals will also re- fessions, school could provide important ly happy to learn foreign languages. How- main at a low level. Should this form of incentives. Instead of being degraded onto ever, the necessary prerequisites must be language teaching only create the prereq- a theoretical level as shown in Curriculum given. The Schaffhausen expertise indi- uisites for people to be sent here or there, 21, the craft lessons (textiles and non-tex- cates that a solid foundation in the first serving global corporations? Do they just tile work, home economics and cooking) language is crucial for foreign language have to learn how to move around in their should again be given more significance in learning. This fact alone indicates a chal- daily lives and within the corporate envi- the classroom. As the results of the Schaf- lenging task for the schools. Improving ronment of the foreign country? Compe- fhausen expertise suggest abandoning the the knowledge of German requires appro- tence-based language teaching against the teaching of foreign languages at the prima- priate time in class. Many children, even background of a utilitarian view of man? ry level, the corresponding lessons would those with German mother tongue, now Education for modern labour slaves? Such again be available. have essential difficulties in expressing instruction is missing the target of an in- themselves in a differentiated and refined depth understanding of the language asso- Changing the line of argument manner. So-called developmental lan- ciated with culture and history. This could Ten years ago, the recommendation to guage delays are found in more and more awaken the children’s and adolescents’ joy introduce early foreign language learn- young children and they need support by and interest for people in other language ing was primarily motivated by results language therapy. Honestly seeking the areas and create social bonds. The respect in neurophysiologic research. There was causes of this lack of linguistic rootage for others, as set out in the Universal Dec- talk of “time frames” that had to be used, would be the first requirement for a real laration of Human Rights as the basis of which would close irrevocably in chil- improvement of the situation. dren at the age of about 10 years. “Young The discussion about the introduction minds learn better!”6 And similar to the of a second foreign language in primary continued on page 21 No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 21

The dual vocational educational system – a blessed achieve- ment for society as a whole and for the individuals living in it by Dr iur Marianne Wüthrich, former vocational education teacher Swiss economist, former National Coun- training for the state of a country and for the matura (Final examinations, A-levels), cillor and price supervisor Rudolf H. the quality of life of its inhabitants – and a further 10% left the vocational matura Strahm has written a new book, “Die that not only economically: “the vocation- schools with a high-school diploma. How Akademisierungsfalle” (“The Academiza- al training system of a country is a key can it be explained that nonetheless, the tion Trap”, Strahm 2014), which deserves factor of its productivity and competitive rate of youth unemployment is nowhere as much attention as his earlier work, power. And it is also the most important lower than in Switzerland? Why do we “Warum wir so reich sind” (“Why we are momentum for social integration, for so- discern significantly low youth unemploy- so rich”, Strahm 2010). In both works the cial and national cohesion and for the pre- ment rate in all five European VET coun- main focus is on the invaluable impor- vention or at least the limitation of pov- tries, namely 8% in Germany and Swit- tance of dual vocational and educational erty.” (Strahm 2010, page 43) The author, zerland, a very little higher in Austria, the who has himself undergone a range of Netherlands and Denmark? (Strahm 2014, The author Rudolf H. Strahm professional trainings ranging from an ap- pages 14–16) prenticeship to a university degree, gives introduces himself “In the VET countries, fewer peo- the reader an insight into the problem in ple were forced out of the produc- “I’ve absolved an apprenticeship as a both books – in a comprehensiveness that laboratory, an engineering school edu- tion process because they could be is unparalleled, and he supports his theo- cation as a chemist and a university ed- retrained or went on to obtain better ries by means of numerous graphics.1 ucation as an economist. Five years of or different qualifications.” (Strahm In 2012, youth unemployment in the EU industry practice, twenty years of lead- 2014, page 54) ing positions in organisations, seven countries reached an average of 23 per- years of management consulting, thir- cent, in the southern European countries It is known that major western corpora- teen years in the Federal Parliament even up to 55 percent! At the same time, tions have for a long time been outsourc- as a political economist and four years the matriculation rate is 75% in Italy and ing a large part of their production of in the administration as a price regu- 53% in France, to name only two exam- consumer goods to Asia, reaching from lator inspired my desire to align the ples. Youth is well-educated, but has no clothes and shoes to household and elec- basic economic knowledge to the prac- tice of economic policy and the world work – how does this go together? As op- tronic equipment, with the result that the of work in the real economy.” (Strahm posed to these countries, Switzerland has emerging industrial nations of Asia have 2010, p. 8) a record low matriculation rate: In the year 2011, only 20% of all teenagers passed continued on page 22

”The sooner the better?” and without ideological blinders. Not least es and promotes the development of strate- gies for language learning.” “Swiss Conference continued from page 20 because it is to be definitely introduced by 10 of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK) Curriculum 21. The Schaffhausen exper- 2004 Sprachenunterricht in der obligatorischen international understanding, would get an tise would provide a good basis. Guide- Schule: Strategie der EDK und Arbeitsplan für emotional dimension. line? Facts rather than ideology! The time die Gesamtschweizerische Koordination. Be- for it has come! schluss der Plenarversammlung vom 25. März • 2004.” http://edudoc.ch/record/30008/files/ Close learning relationships Sprachen_d.pdf (as of 23 August 2014) 1 Kübler, Markus et al.: Fremdsprachenunterricht 7 The basis for the decision to introduce a second Another argument in the debate is the in der Volksschule. Ein Überblick über die Argu- demand for native-speaking teachers. foreign language in the canton of Zurich in pri- mente und den Forschungsstand. www.lehrerver- mary schools, for example, was a report by Pro- Even though the linguistic foundation for ein.ch (as of 23 August 2014). fessor Dr Otto Stern, a lecturer at the College of 2 Kübler, Markus. Präsentation Expertise www. teaching would thus be better secured, Education in Zurich. The report was commis- lehrerverein.ch (as of 23 August 2014). there are other factors that play a decisive sioned to him by the Zurich Department of Edu- 3 An example of this is the School Project 21, cation. In his work Stern pursued the argumenta- role. Recently, a pilot project was start- with which among others English was intro- tive line, “which is the purpose of this report, to ed in the Canton of Zurich named “Close duced at the lower level in the Canton of Zu- oppose critical objections to the planned school rich. In the pilot phase already the evaluations learning relationships”. The background reforms [meaning the introduction of Early Eng- showed that learning results were very mod- was that too many teachers were engaged lish] with solid arguments.” The objectivity of est and a significantly higher number of lessons the expert opinion of Professor Stern was soon in a class and the children were lacking should be taught for a successful teaching. Eng- questioned by other colleagues as being an insid- the binding authority of one teacher. For lish was nevertheless introduced nationwide. er report. 4 This does not only affect the English teaching all children, for the high-achieving and 8 Cf. Böttger, Heiner. In: Kübler, Markus et al. materials, but also maths and language teach- for the weaker ones the affective basis as Fremdsprachenunterricht in der Volksschule. ing materials, in which underlying factual issues Ein Überblick über die Argumente und den an integral part of the learning process is serve as a hanger and are dealt with superficial- Forschungsstand. pp. 4 and 9. www.lehrerver- missing this way. A problem whose sus- ly. A deeper understanding of contexts is not ein.ch (as of 23 August 14). provided respectively. tainable consequences should urgently be 9 Cf. Böttger, Heiner. In: Kübler, Markus et al. 5 Kübler, Markus et al.: Fremdsprachenunterricht investigated in detail! It is therefore hard Fremdsprachenunterricht in der Volksschule. in der Volksschule. Ein Überblick über die Ar- to understand why yet another teacher is Ein Überblick über die Argumente und den gumente und den Forschungsstand. p. 11. www. Forschungsstand. p. 5. www.lehrerverein.ch (as to be added for early language learning. lehrerverein.ch (as of 23 August 2014). of 23 August14). 6 The Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Questions that need to be clarified Education EDK argued at the time that “Early 10 One reason for the introduction of Curriculum These are only some issues that need to language learning is particularly important and 21 often mentions the task of harmonization laid be addressed in an honest discussion. The profitable for neurophysiologic reasons, espe- down in the Federal Constitution. It should be noted that the curriculum fails exactly where it debate on early foreign language teaching cially for the acquisition of languages: early language learning is more efficient, creates fa- could harmonize by stating which foreign lan- must be performed on a professional level vourable conditions for learning other languag- guage should be taught first. No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 22

”The dual vocational...” him- or herself as early as at the age of 15 to be unemployed. That is why he warns continued from page 21 or 16 in order to find an apprenticeship po- the state authorities: “Society bears the sition, who has to prove him- or herself on social burden subsequent to the lack of vo- taken over a large part of industrial pro- each working day (three to four days per cational training in the form of social as- duction, and that at the same time in- week) during the two-to four-year appren- sistance, unemployment insurance, loss of dustry in Europe has sharply declined. ticeship, who must also perform credita- premiums and taxes. [...] Every young per- (Strahm 2014, pages 48–51) Strahm indi- bly at the vocational school, and who fi- son who is able to complete an apprentice- cates that a structural change has indeed nally completes his or her apprenticeship ship reduces the potential social burden.” taken place towards more jobs in ser- by passing the theoretical and the prac- (Strahm 2014, page 72) vice occupations, admittedly also in the tical final examinations, this person will 60 percent of welfare recipients in five states with a dual vocational training then in all probability be “fit for the mar- Switzerland are people or families with system. “But here, in the VET countries, ket”. That is, he or she will have been con- a migration background. According to fewer people were forced out of the pro- fronted with the realities of life at an early Strahm this is no “foreigner problem”, duction process because they could be re- age and will have learned that profession- but first and foremost a “training issue”, trained or go on to obtain better or dif- al life often confronts you with situations, (pages 206f.) as a large proportion of im- ferent qualifications.” (Strahm 2014, page which you can only master by a special ef- migrants from the Balkan countries or 54) When production was converted to fort and dedication. It is not only that the from southern Europe came to Switzer- produce high-tech products such as tex- relationship between vocational and edu- land with no vocational training. In case tile machinery, robots and medical tech- cational training and fitness for the labour of losses of jobs and restructuring it is dif- nology, or niche products, in these coun- market can be quantified statistically – it ficult for these immigrants to find a new tries, the skilled workers, who had been goes much deeper, indeed, the develop- job. 60 percent of their children, howev- accustomed to studying and learning in ment of one’s personality as such is sig- er, already complete their basic vocation- the course of their apprentice years, ac- nificantly influenced by the chapter in the al education (for children with Swiss par- quired the necessary additional skills and life of a young person from leaving school ents the corresponding number amounts to knowledge so that most of them were able to the successful completion of an appren- 68 percent, which is only slightly higher; to find a suitable work place. Students who ticeship. How to promote fitness for the page 209). have completed a course of vocational and labour market? What makes a young per- Strahm comes to the logical conclusion educational training will have less diffi- son practice diligence, accuracy and ad- that poverty reduction and integration pol- culty in tackling a career change involv- herence to schedules – or to say it in the icy must first and foremost be education ing correspondingly necessary further most modern terms, what makes him exert policy: vocational training for the young, training. According to Strahm, 35% of all himself in order to master “Swissness”? further training projects for the older peo- Swiss workers no longer practise the pro- How to encourage a love of work or of the ple. (pp. 222). What this can look like in fession they had first learnt at the age of profession one has learned? Or in other practice is illustrated by the example of a 24 (Strahm 2010, page 182). words: Why do so many people in Swit- Kosovar woman who came to Switzerland By contrast, in countries with a one-sid- zerland define themselves so strongly by at the age of 18 without any knowledge of ed formal education system there are far their work and by their position in profes- the German language and who, after tak- too few jobs for the young people who sional life?” ing several language courses, was able to come from high schools and colleges. In Strahm answers these questions quite complete her apprenticeship as a florist; or the end, many of them find a job – if they unambiguously: “It is obvious that the his- by the example of a Macedonian father of ever do – in fields which have no connec- torically developed system of vocational a family, who worked as an unskilled la- tion with their former studies, often even training in Switzerland (and predominant- bourer for 12 years and was then, with the in low-wage occupations. This is shown ly in the German-speaking part of Swit- support of his employer, able to tackle a by the example of a Greek student of po- zerland) has played and is still playing a course of vocational training to become a litical science (Strahm 2014, pages 52f.). crucial role in the development of these production engineer. (pp. 36 and pp. 210). And even in Switzerland, graduates, es- factors. This system leads to an early in- pecially in the fields of the humanities troduction to the world of work at the age continued on page 23 and social sciences, have more difficulty of 15 or 16 years, and it helps even ado- in finding a job than graduates of a sen- lescents with weaknesses get on in their ior technical college, who started by com- school performance or from disadvan- pleting a specialized course of vocational taged backgrounds to develop craft skills training, and so could profit from thor- outside school. It leads to young people ough practical training in addition to their being confronted early with the compet- theoretical knowledge. (Strahm 2014, itive harshness of the labour market. [...] pages 160f.) But in the face of all these hardships [...], the result is a higher fitness for the labour “There is no more important factor market and a higher standard of quality in order to get workers included in and ‘State of the Art’ in any occupational the employment market and for re- line.” (Strahm 2010, pages 68–69) ducing and preventing unemploy- ment than vocational education.” Apprenticeship as a basis (Strahm 2010, page 46; see also for the reduction of poverty and for Strahm 2014, pages 20ff.). the integration of foreigners For the dual vocational and education- Strahm establishes that vocational train- al training system is the “key to employ- ing is the best insurance against poverty ment,” says Strahm. and unemployment, because trained pro- From my own thirty years of experi- fessionals have much less difficulty in ence as a vocational education teacher, I finding a job than unskilled workers, on can only agree: Whoever has had to exert average they earn more and are less likely ISBN 978-3-0355-0017-2 No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 23

”The dual vocational...” – On the much-lamented shortage of tioners, rather than easily filling the continued from page 22 doctors in Switzerland, the author ex- gaps with foreign doctors. presses succinctly: “The reason for the – Care Professions: In the future, hospi- Vocational education is one of the medical gap is one hundred percent tals must offer far more apprenticeships most important locational factors homemade, by the ‘numerus clausus’ and catching up trainings (for example, The dual vocational education is not only [...]” (Strahm 2014, p. 175) From 4,000 for women returners and migrants), in- advantageous for the individual and for Swiss high school graduates, who had stead of putting the nursing profession the social services, but also for the exist- wanted to enroll for a medical degree, on an academic level, as is common, ence and the international competitiveness only 1,173 obtained an admission to particularly in the West of Switzerland. of Swiss businesses. Only thanks to the study in 2011! (p. 181) high labor productivity of their profession- – The lack of nursing staff in hospitals is, – Technical Jobs: The shortage of engi- als, the Swiss export industry can com- also homemade, as the author shows. neers cannot be solved by more A-lev- pete on world markets – despite its high By centralizing nursing professions els and university degrees, but e.g. by wages compared to international stand- (Vocational Training Act of 1996), more apprenticeships in polymechan- ards. (Strahm 2010, p. 127 and p. 132) In the cantons and the Swiss Red Cross ics and computer sciences with profes- a survey of 3,000 international managers were forced out of nursing training pro- sional maturity and subsequent post- “the quality of professionally trained spe- grams which they had previously coped secondary education. For professionals cialists available [...] comes second after well with on federal level. As a result with an apprenticeship and an ensuing the political stability of the Swiss institu- there was a large gap in the training, technical college degree in a technical tions,” it ranges even before the low taxes! which was tackled only ten years later area are much more sought for on the (Strahm 2014, pp. 31) by the introduction of new apprentice- job market than university or FIT grad- Another prove of the high education- ships FaGe (health assistant) and FaBe uates without a profound practical ex- al standard is the fact that in internation- (care assistant), but very slowly indeed. perience. (Strahm 2014, pp. 147, and p. al professional competitions Swiss pro- In 2013/14 around 4,500 young people 171) According to Strahm the ICT com- fessionals are in the top group, regularly: did not find an apprenticeship in health panies would have to offer many more At the World Skills Competition 2013 in and social care. (Strahm 2014, pp. 179– apprenticeships in the future. Employ- Leipzig with 1,000 participants under 24 183) ers and employees, the Cantons and the years from 54 countries the Swiss gained – Everyone is talking about the lack of Confederation must make preparations 17 medals and 18 diplomas. (Strahm skilled MINT experts (mathemati- for a full school year teaching the basics 2014, p. 32) cians, information technology, natu- in the vocational schools, so that young Furthermore, the Swiss economy does, ral scientists, technicians-engineers). people have already had an elementary of course, not only consist of export-ori- This too, is homemade according to training when they enter the 2nd year of ented enterprises. At least two thirds of all Strahm. This year, 500 Swiss adoles- training in these demanding technical sectors are working for the domestic econ- cents, who would like to be computer professions. (Strahm 2014, p. 185) Vo- omy, such as bakers and butchers, police- experts, could not start an apprentice- cational school graduates who want to men, hairdressers, nurses, car mechanics, ship. (Strahm 2014, p. 184) add a college degree, should easily ob- and many more. A large part of these en- tain a scholarship. (Strahm 2014, p. 189) terprises train apprentices. Solutions for the shortage occupations – Lack of General Practitioners: “17 The Social Democrat Strahm makes a The shortage of skilled labor in percent of primary care physicians particularly interesting comment on the Switzerland is homemade and 50 percent of hospital doctors mass immigration initiative, which was Very interesting is the information in have been trained abroad. [...] For adopted by the Swiss on 9 February. The chapter 5 “Skills shortages and education years we have tried to close our indig- fact that not all professionals gaps will be policy”, also substantiated by a large num- enous training gap by recruitment of able to be comfortably covered in the fu- ber of graphics (Strahm 2014, pp. 170– doctors abroad.” (p. 175) As an anti- ture by foreign personell, has led to a pro- 200). At this point only a few facts will dote, more university places are to be ductive debate, says Strahm. He suggests be chosen: created especially for general practi- that the allocation of foreigners’ quotas could be connected with an obligation for training, for example, eight apprentice- “Why we are so rich” ships for 100 full-time positions in hos- Of course, because of the banks – some contem- so many young people absolve their apprentice- pitals, in order to obtain a corresponding porary – not only one of foreign origin – will re- ships here – around 70% of school leavers in contingent. (Strahm 2014, p. 196) spond. The author corrects this error at the very German-speaking Switzerland! (Strahm 2010, beginning of his book with the same title: Only p. 54) Therefore, Switzerland has the highest Synopsis 9.2% of the gross domestic product (GDP) were employment rate and the lowest unemployment The two books by Rudolf H. Strahm are ur- generated by the Swiss banks before the finan- rate of all OECD countries, and Switzerland gently recommended to any socio-political- cial crisis in 2008, after the crisis the rate was has, above all, the lowest youth unemployment. ly interested reader, but especially to every even only 7.6%. For the Swiss economy consists Thanks to the high labour productivity – that of a variety of industries. The small and me- is, thanks to the top performance of the profes- educational politician. Many things could dium enterprises (SMEs), i.e. companies with sionals – the Swiss export sector can also exert only be outlined in this article, which can less than 250 employees, are of central impor- itself on the international market, despite the be read in more detail in the respective con- tance for the strength of the location. 99.6% of high wages. (Strahm 2010, pp. 126) text, supported by the wealth of statistical all Swiss companies are SMEs, they represent “The high-wage country Switzerland is ex- graphics. In the light of my decades of work the “backbone of employment in Switzerland” tremely competitive,” the author confirmed his as a Swiss professional school teacher I hope and provide about two-thirds of all jobs. And – findings in 2014, and he rejects vigorously the for the presentation of the inestimable value particularly impressive – 80% of all apprentice- “global stereotyped perception of Switzerland of the dual VET system of vocational educa- ships! (Strahm 2010, p. 25 and p. 152) as a country of banks and tourism (‘banks, tion in this newspaper so that it will be heard Switzerland’s wealth is based – according Matterhorn and Toblerone’)”. (Strahm 2014, to Rudolf Strahm – primarily on the fact that pp. 34–35) continued on page 24 No 23/24 5 October 2014 Current Concerns Page 24 The dual vocational training has to be preserved as an equal opportunity beside the academic way – rejection of the “Bologna system” mw. Rudolf H. Strahm sharply criticizes terwards in the professional world are not of publications (which is classified as re- the ignorance of the Swiss economic and appreciated. This way a Swiss academ- searching-performance) than for example educational elite, who for years have sim- ic title from the Senior Technical Col- a Swiss assistant of the same age does ply overlooked the essential significance lege is “put at one level with the Europe- who had to carry out seminaries and cor- of the dual vocational training (appren- an University-Bachelor which does not at rections for his Professor […].” This in- ticeship) for the quality of Switzerland as all qualify for a profession.” Thus Bologna equality of opportunities leads to the an economic location and – disregarding promotes a “levelling down which means situation, that “about 50 per cent of all reality – demanded a rise of the very low an adjustment to countries which just do professorships at Swiss Universities are rate of general qualification for universi- not know this educational course of prac- taken by foreigners […]”. (Strahm 2014, ty entrance (“matura”, “baccalaureat”) in tical, labour-market-oriented vocational p. 156) Switzerland, compared to other countries. training ”. (Strahm 2010, p. 119) Employability (third Bologna-goal): (Strahm 2010, p. 90 and p. 116; 2014, pp. The deficiencies described above as much 80) The greatest danger that is threaten- The Bologna university reforms as the credit-system “have made universi- ing the dual vocational training system, is have failed altogether ties less relevant for the labour market”. according to Strahm, “Bologna” which is Better mobility (first Bologna-goal): not (Strahm 2014, p. 157) The certifications of a “self-imposed constraint in order to ad- achieved, at least not for Swiss students! the university graduates are more prestig- just to international systems of education”. Only a few Swiss students partially study ious, but many of them do not find a suit- (Strahm 2010, p. 117) Rightly, the author at universities abroad – whereas 27 per ing employment. (Strahm 2014, pp. 157– complains that the Bologna-Declaration cent of the master students and even more 163) was neither presented to the federal nor to than 50 per cent of the doctoral candi- Conclusion: According to Strahm the the cantonal parliaments for ratification, dates at Swiss universities are foreigners! Swiss university rectors have recognized but was simply imposed on the Swiss ed- (Strahm 2014, pp. 154) these deficiencies and want to reform the ucational system. (Strahm 2014, pp. 140) International competitiveness of uni- credit-system, raise the hurdles and tui- By these proceedings the special Swiss versities (second Bologna-goal): “The se- tion fees for foreign students among other educational course starting with an ap- lection of university professors is prelim- things. Strahm comments on that: “It is prenticeship and going on to a “Fachhoch- inary carried out by assessing the amount not possible to predict […] which of these schule” (Senior Technical College) has of publications” rather than scientific or (intended) reforms will be compatible gone to rack and ruin: It is not compatible didactical skills. The Bologna-ranking to the EU and which are feasible at all.” with educational systems of other OECD- leads to a ‘flood of publishing scrap’.” (Strahm 2014, p. 165) countries, or in other words: The Bologna- (Strahm 2014, pp. 155) The author exem- The author of this article comments: System favours the purely school-orientat- plifies this by the way how German aca- Our universities are not obliged to meet ed educational course. (Strahm 2014, pp. demics achieve a position at Swiss uni- standards that neither have appeared to be 120) All the years of valuable professional versities: “Within the selection procedure suitable nor have been adopted by the sov- experience during apprenticeship and af- such applicants present a much longer list ereign. •

”The dual vocational...” From my own professional I can fully volved in a professional training and vo- continued from page 23 support from experience what Rudolf cational school in the crucial phase of H. Strahm proves with a lot of person- their lives between 15 and 20. And also a especially by educational policy makers al commitment: There is no better intro- lot of very good and efficient young peo- and employers in other countries and that duction of teenagers into their lives as re- ple gained new confidence in their ap- in a joint effort they will initiate – which sponsible, courageous professionals and prenticeships and then attended upper will not take place as soon as necessary! – citizens than the dual vocational educa- secondary schools. a gradual entry into a training with enter- tion. Many, many of my former students, From the bottom of my heart I must say prises and vocational schools. Every willing especially from families in which the par- that the youth of Europe and the world de- heart can find help in the third chapter of ents themselves had little education and serve that responsible adults in their coun- the book “Akademisierungsfalle”, where the understood little German would perhaps tries make the benefits of a dual vocational VET system Switzerland is shown in detail. have shipwrecked if they had not been in- training available to them. •