A Lesson About Team Switzerland

Cute huh?

Here is a full lesson on Team Switzerland.

I stubbled upon this great article on TwilightNovelNovice.com that explains not only why Switzerland is neutral but many other facts about this country.

And of course the all so famous line that gave us the idea to name our blog Team Switzerland.

Bella -

"I want you to know something — when it comes to all this enemies nonsense, I’m out. I am a neutral country. I am Switzerland. I refuse to be affected by territorial disputes between mythical creatures... I don’t care who’s a werewolf and who’s a vampire."

— Eclipse, Stephenie Meyer
 
 
 
Why is Switzerland neutral?

 "Switzerland has a long history of neutrality, and has not been at war in nearly 200 years — not since the Napoleonic Wars in 1815! In that year, the Congress of Vienna fully re-established Swiss independence following the French invasion, and European powers agreed to permanently recognize Swiss neutrality. Traditionally, Switzerland avoids alliances that might lead to military, polical or direct economic action. By declaring itself a neutral country, Switerzland agreed it would not take sides in all future wars. This is why Bella claims she is “Switzerland” in Eclipse. In the “war” between vampires and shapeshifters, she has chosen to remain neutral — she refuses to pick a side.

As a neutral country, Switzerland has also served as an intermediary between other countries and maintains diplomatic relations with almost all other countries. Interestingly, however, Switzerland did not become a full member of the United Nations until 2002. Switzerland is also independent of the European Union — the Swiss have rejected membership in the Union since the early 1990s.

Switzerland’s neutrality is a large reason many international institutions call the country home. These include the World Health Organization, the International Economic Forum and the Red Cross.
And because of its neutrality, the Swiss armed forces do not take part in any armed conflicts in other countries. Instead, Swiss troops take part in peacekeeping missions around the world. The Swiss Guard is also the official policing unit for Vatican City."



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