There is a difference between (armed) neutrality and pacifism. The first allows you to make deals with both sides of a conflict while keeping the outside appearance of being a very decent country. Not sure what the second can do for a nation, I’m not aware of a truly pacifistic nation.
In medieval times, Switzerland’s main economic resource were mercenaries. The fierce, tough, wild alpine warriors were extremely popular among European warlords. In most of the great battles of that time, the Swiss would form the front lines on both sides. The last remnant of that is the Pope’s personal guard, which to this date is staffed entirely by Swiss.
There is a difference between (armed) neutrality and pacifism. The first allows you to make deals with both sides of a conflict while keeping the outside appearance of being a very decent country. Not sure what the second can do for a nation, I’m not aware of a truly pacifistic nation.
In medieval times, Switzerland’s main economic resource were mercenaries. The fierce, tough, wild alpine warriors were extremely popular among European warlords. In most of the great battles of that time, the Swiss would form the front lines on both sides. The last remnant of that is the Pope’s personal guard, which to this date is staffed entirely by Swiss.