Introduction

Abstract

Abstract The introduction sets the scene and explains why Switzerland has become a test case of democracy in divided societies. It shows that Swiss politics are no longer as exceptional as they used to be a few decades ago and that developments in Swiss politics have foreshadowed major trends that mark current European politics. For example, Switzerland has been at the forefront of developments regarding the reconfiguration of the political space that are of transnational relevance, such as partisan realignment with the early emergence of Green, new-left parties and the major electoral successes of the nativist right. The introduction describes Switzerland as an example of the successful formation of a political nation on a multicultural basis that some consider a microcosm and a possible model for Europe but also suggests that this country’s conflict-laden path to power-sharing and to consensus democracy cannot be taken for granted. Beyond the interest in Switzerland as a historical case of political integration, studying the country also offers insights regarding the tensions an increasing number of countries are experiencing between an ever-stronger international economic integration and the preservation of political sovereignty. Such contested dynamics are likely to intensify in many advanced democratic economies. Lastly, Switzerland’s political system is of particular interest regarding the diagnosis of a democratic deficit in established democracies. The political, social, and economic problems in numerous states have aroused interest in Swiss political institutions such as federalism, consociationalism, and direct democracy.