Why Switzerland?

TRAMA

This revised edition of Why Switzerland?, first published in 1976, offers a unique analysis of the structures that make Switzerland work and provides a short, concise working model for the visitor or student. Linking an analysis of the micro-economy to the major features in politics, history, religion and language, it shows how a bottom-up society has survived in a world of top- down states. For this new edition Jonathan Steinberg has completely revised and extended his text, and a number of unusual and attractive illustrations have been added.

NOTE EDITORE

Switzerland is a special and fascinating place. Its unique institutions, its direct democracy, multi-member executives, absence of strikes, communal autonomy, its universal military service, its wealth, and four national languages make it interesting in itself. But it has wider significance, in representing the 'Europe that did not happen', the Europe that escaped the centralisation of state and economy associated with the modern world. Today, there is a new special feature. Switzerland is an island surrounded by the European Union, and resists membership. Why Switzerland? attempts to answer three related questions: why has such an exception to European norms survived? Why should outsiders notice its peculiarities and what can they learn from them? Finally, can so unusual a society continue to exist when many of the conditions in which it evolved have disappeared? Why Switzerland?, which was first published in 1976, has been completely revised (with new illustrations) to try to answer these questions for the present generation.

SOMMARIO

Preface; 1. Why Switzerland?; 2. History; 3. Politics; 4. Language; 5. Wealth; 6. Religion; 7. Identity; 8. Why Switzerland matters; Appendix: How to vote for the lower house of Parliament (Nationalrat) in Switzerland.

PREFAZIONE

A unique analysis of the structures that make Switzerland work and provides a short, concise 'working model' for the visitor or student. For this new edition Jonathan Steinberg has completely revised and extended his text, and a number of unusual and attractive illustrations have been added.

ALTRE INFORMAZIONI

• Condizione: Nuovo
• ISBN: 9780521484534
• Dimensioni: 228 x 22 x 152 mm
• Formato: Paperback / softback
• Illustration Notes: 35 b/w illus. 6 maps
• Pagine Arabe: 320