The Politics of Switzerland: Continuity and Change in a Consensus Democracy

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Politics of Switzerland: Continuity and Change in a Consensus Democracy
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Hanspeter Kriesi
By (author) Alexander H. Trechsel
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:240
Dimensions(mm): Height 227,Width 151
ISBN/Barcode 9780521606318
ClassificationsDewey:320.9494
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 2 October 2008
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Despite Switzerland's small size, its political system is one of the most complex and fascinating among contemporary democracies. The rich, complex mixture of centuries-old institutions and the refined political arrangements that exist today constitute a veritable laboratory for social scientists and their students. Often presented as the paradigmatic case of political integration, consensus democracy and multinational federalism, the Swiss model has become a benchmark case for analyses in comparative politics, political behaviour and other related fields. Written by two leading experts on Swiss politics, this book presents a definitive overview for scholars and students interested in Switzerland's political system at the beginning of the twenty-first century. By focusing on its intricacies but also taking in larger issues of general interest, the broad scope of this study will appeal to all those interested in contemporary European politics and democratic systems.

Author Biography

Hanspeter Kriesi is Professor for Comparative Politics in the Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich. Alexander H. Trechsel is Professor of Political Science in the Department of Political and Social Sciences at the European University Institute, Florence.

Reviews

'A superb book on Swiss politics by two of the most prominent scholars in the field. Kriesi and Trechsel provide an excellent introduction to a fascinating political system whose relevance to the rest of the world is inversely proportional to its size.' Paolo Dardanelli, Lecturer in European and Comparative Politics, University of Kent 'The Politics of Switzerland provides scholars and the interested public with an overview over the political institutions, the main actors, and the main policies in the alpine Republic. This up-to-date text provides the most accessible introduction to the Swiss political system in English. It is a must-read for any scholar or student wishing to be introduced to the way in which the archetypical consensus democracy developed and functions today.' Simon Hug, Universite de Geneve