The evolution of Swiss intelligence since 1989

Abstract

This thesis explores the evolution of the Swiss intelligence landscape since 1989 until present days. Using analytical tools borrowed from Critical Security Studies, especially works made on security expertise, it makes the theoretical claim that CSS-inspired approaches should be considered by scholars of intelligence. In the case study of Swiss intelligence, it draws the picture of a shifting network of expertise across the three past decades. Shifts occur at the level of popular legitimation, institutional and legal arrangements, political conduct, oversight and preferred threat images. Noteworthy developments are the increasing conduct of intelligence activities by the police and the border guards, as well as a strong embeddedness of Swiss intelligence within European security, going unnoticed against Swiss tradition of neutrality. ROULET, Emilie Sarah. A shifting network of expertise: Swiss intelligence services, 1989- 2017. 89 p. Master's thesis. Charles University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Political Studies. Under the supervision of Dagmar Rychnovská, Ph.D., LL.M., M.A.