The Swiss Model - The Power of Democracy

The book probes into the historical evolution and modern features of Switzerland's state governance and foreign policy. They delineate the core of the Swiss model. Its main aspects are the advanced level of direct democracy and the status of neutrality. This model turned Switzerland into a symbol of a democratic and peace-loving state.

Autorentext

Venelin Tsachevsky holds a PhD in Political Sciences and in Economics. He was Ambassador of Bulgaria to Finland and Estonia and a Guest Professor at Helsinki University. He specializes in foreign politics of South East European states, Switzerland, Finland and Japan.

Klappentext

The book analyses the historical evolution and modern features of Switzerland s political system and neutrality of state, termed by the author as the Swiss model. The model is based on the principles of democracy, but at the same time possesses a specific texture. It is a result of the strongly developed direct democracy, especially the widespread application of referendums in decision-making and the consistent policy of neutrality. The author applies the historical-political and comparative method of study. The major conclusion is that the Swiss model stands for a unique combination of the representative and direct democracy which, together with the status of neutrality, has turned Switzerland into a symbol of a democratic, prosperous and peace-loving country.

Inhalt
Contents: Old Swiss Confederacy Helvetic Republic Federal Constitutions of 1848 and 2000 Federal Assembly Federal Council Magic Formula Referendum Popular Initiative Cantons Integral and Differentiated Neutrality World War I League of Nations World War II Active Neutrality Bergier Commission Détente Swiss Model.