Neutrality and defence acquisition : looking at the case of the European Sky Shield Initiative

Abstract

This presentation considers the decision-making processes for participation in the procurement of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a multilateral air defence capability. In particular, it considers the participation of Austria and Switzerland, two neutral states, in the programme. Neutrality status would normally prohibit any military alliance but this capability looks to European states to coordinate their defence capabilities, and align with NATO’s existing assets and operations, in the face of increased inter- state threats. Using a neutrality and rational choice lens, the paper will examine the incentives and reasoning for the participation of these states in this programme. It will also consider the impact of the participation on these states’ neutral status.