Swiss to Hold Referendum on Banning Arms Export

For people who don't follow history, the idea that the Swiss would ban arms exports seems to have little significance, but this is wrong, both historically today.

Swiss neutrality was a product of the fact that their main export from the 15^th century or so was Swiss Mercenaries, the finest pikemen in Christendom, and so one of the motivations for neutrality was the ability to sell their services without regard to any alliances at home.

These days, of course, the Swiss are still in the war business:

• MOWAG, whose Pirinah 8X8 AFV being the basis of both the Marine Corps LAV and the Army's Stryker.
• Oerlikon Contraves and its light cannon.
• Wenger S.A. and Victorinox A.G., producers of the "Swiss Army Knife" (shown)

Though the last one would likely not be covered by such a ban.

In any case, it goes to Swiss voters on November 30, and is a part of an overall campaign by GSoA (Group for a Switzerland Without an Army) to demilitarize the nation.