Beat Nobs

Beat Nobs served in the Swiss foreign service from 1988 to 2019. Among other roles, he was the assistant state secretary for Asia and the Pacific, the ambassador to New Zealand, the Fiji Islands, Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Niue, and the ambassador to Canada.

Opinion

A Swiss security strategy that says yes to fighter jets, no to nuclear weapons

This content was published on Jan 26, 2023 A future defence policy should include the country joining the treaty banning nuclear weapons, says former diplomat Beat Nobs.

Climate adaptation

Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world

Cooks at work in the kitchen, pictured during a look behind the scenes at Hotel Seedamm Plaza in Pfaeffikon, canton of Schwyz, Switzerland, on March 31, 2014. (KEYSTONE/Christian Beutler)

Foreign Affairs

In Switzerland four out of ten people have a migrant background – who are they?

Aging society

Suicides in Switzerland quadruple among older people

Criminals are targeting Swiss car dealerships

French gangs target luxury cars in Switzerland

The additional costs that Switzerland will incur when purchasing the US F-35 fighter jet continue to be a concern.

Swiss Politics

Renewed controversy in Switzerland over US fighter jets – explained

Do you have Swiss ancestors? Are you planning to visit where they lived in Switzerland?

We’d love to hear more about your genealogical research.

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Jul 8, 2025

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Would you work for your municipality or country for free?

The Swiss militia system gives many people political responsibility but no salary. Would that be something for your country?

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Apr 24, 2025

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Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?

Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?

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Jun 13, 2025

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Beat Nobs

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A Swiss security strategy that says yes to fighter jets, no to nuclear weapons

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Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world

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Suicides in Switzerland quadruple among older people

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French gangs target luxury cars in Switzerland

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Renewed controversy in Switzerland over US fighter jets – explained

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Do you have Swiss ancestors? Are you planning to visit where they lived in Switzerland?

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Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?