System conflicts, dwindling free trade and security risks call for a reorientation. Thomas Süssli, former Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces, explores the scenarios and consequences this could have for Switzerland.
Tuesday, 17. March 2026, 18:30 – 20:00 h
At the University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 71, 8006 Zurich, KOL-G-201 (Aula)
In his keynote speech, Thomas Süssli assesses the current situation from a geopolitical perspective. The central message of the presentation is the recognition that a turning point has been reached. The world will never be the same again. Süssli describes this turning point as a transition to a multipolar "World 4.0", characterised by three major power centres: the USA, China and Russia, with the coveted "global South" gaining strategic importance as a result.
Being both rich and weak in this new "World 4.0" is not a good position to be in. Europe is being pushed to the margins. What scenarios and consequences does this have for Switzerland?
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Thomas Süssli has kindly agreed to give the lecture at the event on 17 March after Ms Helene Budliger Artieda cancelled at short notice. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Mr Süssli.
Admission is free. No pre-registration necessary. No seat reservation possible. The security staff reserves the right to check bags/backpacks. Taking photos and filming are prohibited without authorisation and must be refrained from. The event will also be broadcast live and made available for replay.
Thomas Süssli, born in 1966, is a former head of the Swiss Armed Forces, entrepreneur and former CEO in the financial sector. He has proven expertise in geopolitics, security policy, cyber security, digitalisation and the management of large organisations. As CEO, he was responsible for establishing and managing the regional business of Vontobel Financial Products Asia Pacific in Singapore. Prior to that, he was co-owner and COO of IFBS AG, which provides software solutions in the financial sector. His career combines military leadership experience with many years of experience in banking, IT and international management.