Speaking before an audience of academics, students, staff members, family, friends and guests, Prof. Dr Bernhard C. Schär outlined the research field and academic programme of his professorship.
In his lecture, Bernhard C. Schär demonstrated that a global history of Switzerland also requires a new history of imperial Europe. Despite not possessing colonies of its own, Switzerland was closely intertwined with the imperial projects of its European neighbours. This was possible because the major European powers not only competed with one another for global dominance, but also cooperated across borders in many areas, including missionary work, science and mercenary service. They opened their colonies to Europeans from other countries, including Switzerland. Cooperation, alongside competition, was therefore a key element of European expansion — an aspect that has so far received too little scholarly attention.
The research conducted within Bernhard C. Schär’s professorship therefore not only challenges the traditional image of Switzerland as a country that was solely neutral and detached from colonial dynamics. It also opens up new perspectives on the global history of Europe by highlighting transnational networks and forms of transimperial cooperation. In doing so, it brings into focus the still little-known history of a structural European integration shaped by a jointly driven imperial expansion — with consequences that continue to resonate today.
The event attracted considerable interest and led to engaging discussions with the audience. The active participation of attendees reflected the growing importance of global historical approaches and contemporary debates surrounding colonial memory culture and Switzerland’s role in the international context.
Anyone who was unable to attend the inaugural lecture, or who would like to revisit certain parts of it, can now watch the recording online:
Watch the video recording of the inaugural lecture
UniDistance Suisse warmly thanks Prof. Bernhard C. Schär for his inspiring lecture, as well as everyone who took part in the event and contributed to the enriching exchange of ideas.
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