Jakob Tanner

Jakob Tanner, professor emeritus of modern history at the University of Zurich, delves into Switzerland’s intricate role during WWII. He explains how neutrality shaped daily life amid Nazi threats, balancing fear of invasion with efforts to maintain stability. The discussion highlights the controversial economic links with Nazi Germany, including the banking haven for looted assets and gold transactions. Tanner also addresses the Reduit strategy, which involved plans for retreating into the Alps. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into Switzerland's wartime complexities.