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.

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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.