I think there's a lot to be said for Switzerland's policy of strong defense and not attacking other countries. It's kind of stable and anti-fragile. It's easy to think you should be able to attack the bad guys like arming Ukraine but that can all go wrong like in WW1 with everyone attacking everyone else apart from Switzerland.
I used to think of it as a bit of a do-goody naive anti-war optimism but it was actually born as a practical matter after a lot of slaughter - quite interesting if part AI youtube history https://youtu.be/abGkNYBOuwo
>> And that's part of the reason why in 2002, Switzerland's government reduced the Sonnenberg bunker capacity from 20,000 to just 2,000. Its floors filled with bunk beds, a prison and hospital, all deep underground, have been repurposed over the years as overflow housing for refugees, asylum seekers and the homeless.
It's a use that has been criticized by organizations that help these populations. Some asylum seekers have protested against being housed here.
It has never been used for its original intent: to protect people from nuclear fallout. But the Swiss government continues to spend tens of millions of dollars a year to maintain it and hundreds of thousands of other bunkers throughout the country — just in case.
Both countries ahead of the US in GDP per capita PPP and life expectancy. Maybe it's a smart move? Imagine how rich the US would be if it'd spent all the war money on health care and education, plus the odd shelter, after WW2.
I think there's a lot to be said for Switzerland's policy of strong defense and not attacking other countries. It's kind of stable and anti-fragile. It's easy to think you should be able to attack the bad guys like arming Ukraine but that can all go wrong like in WW1 with everyone attacking everyone else apart from Switzerland.
I used to think of it as a bit of a do-goody naive anti-war optimism but it was actually born as a practical matter after a lot of slaughter - quite interesting if part AI youtube history https://youtu.be/abGkNYBOuwo
>> And that's part of the reason why in 2002, Switzerland's government reduced the Sonnenberg bunker capacity from 20,000 to just 2,000. Its floors filled with bunk beds, a prison and hospital, all deep underground, have been repurposed over the years as overflow housing for refugees, asylum seekers and the homeless. It's a use that has been criticized by organizations that help these populations. Some asylum seekers have protested against being housed here. It has never been used for its original intent: to protect people from nuclear fallout. But the Swiss government continues to spend tens of millions of dollars a year to maintain it and hundreds of thousands of other bunkers throughout the country — just in case.
Oh well...
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Edit: I learned today this phrase was by Chamberlain. Ironic.
Reminds me of Singapore. Neutral country, has conscription, every home has a bomb shelter.
Both countries ahead of the US in GDP per capita PPP and life expectancy. Maybe it's a smart move? Imagine how rich the US would be if it'd spent all the war money on health care and education, plus the odd shelter, after WW2.
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