New book: ‘Switzerland against the world’ (German)

In September 2025, NZZ Libro published the book Die Schweiz gegen die Welt. Nazigold, nachrichtenlose Konten und das Krisenmanagement 1996–1999 (Switzerland against the world. Nazi gold, dormant accounts and crisis management 1996–1999). It was written by Thomas Borer, then head of the task force “Switzerland – Second World War”, together with economic journalist René Lüchinger.

The work focuses on one of Switzerland’s most serious foreign policy crises since the Second World War. It centres on the international debates surrounding dormant accounts, allegations of Nazi gold and class action lawsuits against Swiss banks in the 1990s. The authors trace how Switzerland was under intense pressure from politicians, the media and international organisations at the time.

Of particular note is that Thomas Borer is making documents from his personal archive available for the first time. These insights show how the task force, in close coordination with politicians and the financial centre, attempted to overcome the crisis. This highlights the political, legal and media challenges Switzerland faced – and the strategies developed to cushion the international pressure.

The book not only offers a historical review, but also provides starting points for current discussions on neutrality, international reputation and Switzerland’s handling of global pressure.

Switzerland Against the World comprises 366 pages with 59 illustrations and is available in bookshops and directly from NZZ Libro.