All Hail the Swiss! (Insider Report).

Switzerland, commented Niccolo Machiavelli in the 16th century, is "the most armed and most free" of all the nations of Europe. Since 1674, Switzerland has observed a policy of strict neutrality, using its civilian militia to protect its borders and refraining from interference in the affairs of other nations. To this day, Switzerland -- which quite sensibly has declined to join the United Nations -- remains independent of military alliances. And on December 2nd, Swiss voters resoundingly defeated a proposal to abolish its citizen-based armed forces.

"Switzerland Without An Army," the leftist, pro-EU group which proposed the referendum, denigrated Switzerland's citizen army as "an outdated institution and a 'man's world where blind obedience and contempt of women still rules.'" "People are hanging on to certainties, to the supposed existing security," complained Tobia Schnebli, a spokesman for the anti-army group.

The Swiss government, in materials published prior to the vote, pointed out: "Even if the risk of a military threat against Switzerland appears weak today it cannot be permanently ruled out." The government also noted that abolishing the army would put an end to the nation's neutrality, since it would become dependent upon alliances for defense in the event of an attack.