ABSTRACT
Europe is generally thought of as being divided into two political/ military blocs-the Eastern part allied to the Soviet Union and the Western part allied to the U.S.—so that ‘European security’ is seen to depend on the continuing viability of the interaction between the two. However, this classification system leaves out four prominent European states-Austria, Finland, Sweden, and Switzerland-which are not allied to either. Although these nations are militarily neutral, they are not politically neutral, and they do play a role in European and international affairs as well as an increasing role in U.S.-Soviet relations, especially in the aftermath of the Helsinki process. In order to promote an understanding of these four neutral states and their relevance for European security, this chapter will first define the theoretical concept of armed neutrality. Second, it will explain the political, economic, and military components of these states’ policies as well as their intentions and problems. Third, it will predict future developments for the neutral states themselves and explain their possible role within Europe.
