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Democracy

Promoting democracy: still a goal of Swiss foreign policy

people looking at vote information in a window

Switzerland has a constitutional mandate to promote democracy around the world. What happens when that world starts looking more authoritarian?

By Domhnall O’Sullivan

Cultural activists and members of civil society are painting on a local bus as they are staging a song march for victims who were killed during the recent nationwide student protests over quotas in government jobs, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on July 30, 2024. (Photo by Ahmed Salahuddin/NurPhoto) (Photo by Ahmed Salahuddin / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP)

Foreign Affairs

Switzerland withdraws from democracy support in Bangladesh

By Giannis Mavris

Swiss democracy

How Swiss direct democracy works

By Vera Leysinger

Democracy

How will Swiss democracy promotion fare after the USAID funding freeze?

By Benjamin von Wyl

The devastating glacier collapse in Blatten: what next?

A view on June 6 of the millions of tonnes of rock, ice and other debris that engulfed the mountain village of Blatten in the Lötschental valley after a local glacier collapsed on May 28.

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 Two weeks after a landslide wiped out most of the Alpine village of Blatten, talk of reconstruction is picking up, but huge challenges remain.

A limited edition of 500 bars of Lindt's Dubai chocolate went on sale at the Lindt Museum in Kilchberg on November 16, 2024.

Dubai chocolate trend leaves Swiss chocolatiers competing for pistachios

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 The TikTok-fuelled popularity of Dubai chocolate has prompted Swiss chocolate companies to develop their own versions, spiking demand for pistachios.

Self-portrait of Claudia Andujar in the Yanomami territory, 1974.

Claudia Andujar – from war trauma to defending Amazon communities

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 Explore Claudia Andujar’s art and activism for Amazon communities. Discover her impact on indigenous rights.

Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, gestures ahead of his meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

Switzerland Today

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 During his visit to the Middle East, Ignazio Cassis asked Israel to guarantee more aid for the Gaza Strip.

Italy’s referendum flop sends a warning to the left

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 Italy’s latest referendums fell short of reaching the required turnout. Political scientist Giorgio Malet puts the results into perspective.

In Blatten, in the Lötschental valley in Valais, an estimated nine million cubic metres of ice, mud and rock crashed down a nearby mountain on May 28, wiping out the village. The few houses that remained intact were later flooded.

Blatten: what price for preserving Swiss mountain life?

This content was published on Jun 11, 2025 Swiss debates on preserving Alpine life have intensified following the Blatten glacier collapse. Discover the discussion shaping mountain village futures.

The terms of the new agreement gives the US Securities and Exchange Commission direct access to client information from Swiss firms.

US and Switzerland end stalemate over client information

This content was published on Jun 11, 2025 Agreement lifts blockade on approvals of new Swiss investment advisers to pursue American wealth management.

Geopolitics

Getting humanitarian aid in Gaza is chaotic and dangerous

Inside Geneva: the failed militarization of humanitarian relief in Gaza

Taiwanese honor guards hold a Taiwan flag at Liberty Square, amid a surge of domestic COVID-19 cases and the rising Taiwan-China tensions, in Taipei, Taiwan, 23 May 2021.

Fifty years of hurt: Taiwan struggles for Geneva role

Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Gaza and the Middle East, at UN headquarters in New York City on March 18, 2025.

Is the UN still relevant in the Middle East?

Palestinian girls crowd to receive food portions from a charity kitchen in a refugee camp in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Friday, May 30, 2025.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation begins aid deliveries amid chaos and bloodshed

Climate refugees left in legal limbo

Human rights lawyer Luz Marina Monzón Cifuentes in Bern.

A call for ‘the courage to keep fighting for peace’ in Colombia

What Trump’s climate science crackdown means for global forecasts

What is the future of global climate cooperation without the US?

Inside Geneva: pandemics and climate change, can multilateralism still work?

Behind the scenes of Swiss diplomacy: salaries, facts and neutrality

Children react as Palestinians wait to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, April 24, 2025.

A Geneva-based NGO is Israel’s answer to aid in Gaza

President John F. Kennedy signed the Foreign Assistance Act on 3 November 1961. It served as the legal basis for the creation of USAID that same month.

How the United States used humanitarian aid for influence

Dolores Reyes Fernández, 61, hugs her father, José Reyes Lozano, 87, for the first time in nearly four months as visits resume at the nursing home in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, June 22, 2020.

Pandemic treaty comes as welcome sign of multilateralism

Photo of a woman in front of Kunsthalle museum

How a Swiss fund helps Global South artists connect with rest of the world

Ibrahim Mahama's installation at the Kunsthalle in Bern

Cultural aid cuts deal blow to Global South creatives – and Swiss diplomacy

Downfall in Davos: Klaus Schwab fights for legacy after WEF whistleblower claims

Middle East crisis

Cassis calls on Israel to authorise more aid to Gaza

Swiss foreign minister calls on Israel to authorise more aid to Gaza

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has called on Israel to allow more aid for the Gaza Strip.

Cassis to discuss aid with Israel after seeing aid workers

Swiss foreign minister to raise aid groups’ concerns with Israel

This content was published on Jun 11, 2025 On Wednesday, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will raise humanitarian concerns about the Gaza Strip with Israel.

Federal Councillor Cassis travels to Israel and the Palestinian territories

Swiss foreign minister travels to Israel and Palestinian territories

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis is travelling to the Middle East on Tuesday and Wednesday for official visits to the Palestinian and Israeli authorities.

Gaza: crimes against humanity against schools and religious sites

Israeli army has committed crimes against humanity, say UN investigators

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 The Israeli army has committed crimes against humanity of extermination by targeting civilian refugees in schools and religious sites, say UN investigators.

Inside Geneva: the failed militarization of humanitarian relief in Gaza

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 Israel blocked aid into Gaza for 10 weeks. Then the US and Israel came up with a new plan – without the United Nations. Established aid agencies had doubts. Inside Geneva finds out why.

Rail traffic in western Switzerland severely affected

Pro-Palestine demo affects Swiss train services

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 A pro-Palestine demonstration in western Switzerland on Monday was still causing restrictions on rail services on Tuesday morning.

Cassis is facing a storm of criticism over his remarks

Swiss foreign ministry staff ‘shocked’ by Cassis Gaza stance

This content was published on Jun 6, 2025 Swiss foreign ministry staff heap pressure on minister Cassis following controversial Gaza statements.

Swiss plans to fly again to Tel Aviv from 23 June

SWISS plans to resume Tel Aviv flights from June 23

This content was published on Jun 6, 2025 Swiss International Air Lines intends to resume flights to Tel Aviv again from June 23.

MSF invites Cassis to come and discuss the Gaza Strip with it

Doctors Without Borders demands Swiss Gaza clarification

This content was published on Jun 5, 2025 The NGO Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has challenged Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis to explain his controversial Gaza statements.

University of Geneva Students protested at the situation in Gaza.

Geneva university loosens ties with Israeli counterparts

This content was published on Jun 5, 2025 The University of Geneva is reducing cooperation with counterparts in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Food distribution "a trap that kills people", says UNRWA head.

Swiss foreign minister’s Gaza remarks provoke strong reactions

This content was published on Jun 5, 2025 Swiss foreign minister accused by several parliamentarians of repeating Israeli propaganda and distorting facts.

Is the UN still relevant in the Middle East?

This content was published on Jun 5, 2025 The UN is no longer at the center of negotiations for a solution to the Middle East conflict. But that doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant.

Gaza: violations by both sides must be condemned, says Cassis

Violations in Gaza by ‘both sides’ must be condemned, says Swiss minister

This content was published on Jun 4, 2025 Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has admitted that Israel is failing in its obligations by hindering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation begins aid deliveries amid chaos and bloodshed

This content was published on Jun 3, 2025 The new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is accused of militarising aid. Witnesses report chaos and shootings at aid delivery points.

Over 50 former diplomats blast Switzerland for ‘silence’ on Israel

This content was published on Jun 1, 2025 In a joint letter, 55 former diplomats have expressed their shock at Switzerland’s “silence and passivity” regarding Israel’s “war crimes” in Gaza.

Swiss Abroad

The Union Jack and the Swiss flag are displayed during a bilateral meeting between Swiss and UK delegations, in Bern, Switzerland, Monday, May 15, 2023. (KEYSTONE/Alessandro della Valle)

Swiss societies in Britain rebrand as SwissCommunity UK

US and Switzerland end stalemate over client information

Blatten: what price for preserving Swiss mountain life?

The Swiss welfare state is ‘not about to be dismantled’

Flat-hunting in Switzerland’s cheapest and most expensive municipalities

The difficult search for real Swiss cows

Resting at the summer palace in the forbidden city of Beijing. Max Huber on the left.

Around the world with a young Swiss explorer in 1900

Moving abroad made easy

From CV to interview: how to apply for a job abroad

This content was published on Mar 10, 2025 Applying for jobs in other countries means adjusting to different standards and expectations.

Emigrating with family: what to do if a child doesn’t want to move

This content was published on Mar 7, 2025 New surroundings, new school, new friends – emigration can be a daunting prospect for children. Two experts share their tips.

From emigration to arrival: How to successfully integrate abroad

This content was published on Feb 12, 2025 From culture shock to new friendships: experts share their tips for successful integration and making new friends.

Files next to a globe on a desk in an office of the Swiss Federal Statistical Office in Neuchatel in the canton of Neuchatel, Switzerland, pictured on November 6, 2010.

Tax information when emigrating from Switzerland: what you need to know

This content was published on Jan 7, 2025 Tax liability in Switzerland does not always end at the country’s border – here’s what you should bear in mind when moving abroad.

Voting from abroad: How to register for Swiss elections

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 Switzerland grants voting rights to its citizens living abroad. If you want to exercise your voting rights, you must first get on the electoral register.

young woman sitting on the floor in an empty room with laptop and suitcase

What you need to know to get a job abroad

This content was published on Feb 5, 2025 Emigrating from Switzerland in search of work in another country? Here is some sound advice.

Emigration and pension benefits: how to save on taxes

This content was published on Jan 28, 2025 Taxes are due when withdrawing pension fund capital. Swiss citizens living abroad may, under certain circumstances, reclaim a portion of these taxes.

What you need to know to get a job abroad

This content was published on Apr 3, 2025 Got a Swiss passport and dreaming of working abroad? We’ll show you how to get started in under 90 seconds – the countdown is on!

Swiss abroad health insurance – what are the options?

This content was published on Jan 6, 2025 Should you take out insurance abroad? Or with a health insurance company in Switzerland? Is that even possible? We explain.

A family of five paddling in the sea at sunset, on the beach.

Emigration: what steps should I take to leave Switzerland?

This content was published on Jan 23, 2025 This article, along with a practical checklist, will guide you step by step through the emigration process – supplemented with further helpful articles and links.

Bringing a pet to Switzerland requires meticulous preparation

This content was published on Feb 13, 2025 Whether visiting Switzerland on holiday or arriving to live permanently, entering the country with a pet involves a number of steps and formalities. Here’s what you need to know.

Bank account for Swiss citizens living abroad

Five things to know about your Swiss bank account before emigrating

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Swiss Abroad frequently pay significantly higher fees at Swiss banks than their compatriots in Switzerland. You can find an overview of prices here.

Private relocation, two young ladies carry a crate into a house. packing boxes well is inmportant for Moving abroad

Moving abroad: a helpful checklist

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Planning on emigrating? This checklist including expert tips will guide you through the logistical steps.

Swiss state pensions abroad and what you need to know

This content was published on Apr 8, 2023 How can I claim my state pension abroad? Can I still make voluntary contributions from outside Switzerland? Answers to some FAQs.

Swiss passengers queuing to check in their luggage in a Swiss airport

Culture shock: The four phases of emigration

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Moving abroad is an exciting but often challenging experience. Many emigrants experience different phases between culture shock and assimilation.

Everything you need to know to organize your move abroad

This content was published on Apr 28, 2025 Organize your move abroad: everything you need to know in 90 seconds.

Swiss Oddities

The difficult search for real Swiss cows

This content was published on Jun 7, 2025 Swiss cow breeds have conquered the world but are struggling to survive in their homeland.

Feline felons: The issue with Switzerland’s free-roaming cats

This content was published on Jun 5, 2025 Cats kill millions of birds, frogs and other animals every year in Switzerland.

‘The chalet is the first prefab house in history’

This content was published on May 31, 2025 The chalet first conquered the world – and then Switzerland. So why is it considered a quintessentially Swiss building?

Absinthe: the return of the green fairy

This content was published on May 24, 2025 Absinthe is back in fashion – not only in Switzerland but around the world. We went to the Val-de-Travers, where it all began.

Cross purposes: the unique Swiss flag

This content was published on May 17, 2025 Square and versatile: Switzerland’s unusual national flag has a fascinating history.

The seven weirdest Swiss votes of all time

This content was published on May 10, 2025 Absinthe, car-free Sundays and cow horns: Swiss voters have certainly had to decide on some unusual issues.

Why the Swiss still like to have cash in hand

This content was published on May 3, 2025 Cash is losing out to plastic or digital cash in Switzerland, but it’s unlikely that coins and notes will become obsolete.

The Böögg, Switzerland’s exploding psychic snowman

This content was published on Apr 26, 2025 The Böögg is an exploding snowman with a famed ability to predict the weather. But how accurate is he?

Montreux has long been a magnet for Freddie fans

Don’t stop me now: Freddie Mercury and Montreux

This content was published on Apr 19, 2025 A growing number of fans flock to the Swiss town of Montreux every year in search of a Freddie Mercury experience.

Rock’n’hole: the awe-inspiring Martinsloch sun phenomenon

This content was published on Apr 12, 2025 Twice a year the sun pierces a hole in a mountain in eastern Switzerland and lights up a church.

Discovered thanks to lidar: Former castle site in the Bernese Emmental.

Why Switzerland is an archaeological treasure trove

This content was published on Apr 5, 2025 No other country offers such comprehensive, freely available, high-resolution radar scans – a unique resource for science.

The Federal Palace, symbol of the federal city of Bern since 1902.

Why Switzerland hasn’t got a capital city

This content was published on Mar 29, 2025 Bern is not officially the capital of Switzerland. Rather, it’s the “federal city”. Why?

Our highlights

The SWIplus app: your connection to Switzerland

Discover the brand new SWIplus app – specifically for the Swiss Abroad.

Lost Cells

Listen to ‘Lost Cells’: a podcast on the realities of private stem cell banking

Follow us on TikTok!

Come visit us on TikTok for our behind-the-scenes footage and short videos on everything from culture to politics to Swiss traditions.

Swiss popular votes – everything you need to know

Subscribe to our special newsletter to get all the latest information you need on Swiss popular votes.

Join the debate on “dialogue”

This content was published on Feb 10, 2025 Read selected articles from across Switzerland and discuss current issues with people living in Switzerland and fellow Swiss Abroad in our debates.

Watch us on YouTube!

Visit our YouTube channel for informative and entertaining videos on a range of topics, including science, politics and Swiss people living abroad.

Listen to science stories with our podcast: The Swiss Connection

Explore Science stories and research from Swiss universities, research institutions and businesses. Please listen and follow the Swiss Connection Podcast.

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Receive news from Switzerland and our latest stories directly in WhatsApp. Check out our new channel and make sure to hit ‘follow’.

Newsletters

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We’re now live on Threads too. Tap this link to follow our new account and get updates on all our stories from Switzerland.

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You can now also read us on Telegram. Follow this link to subscribe to our channel!

Swiss Film Selection

SWI swissinfo.ch offers a selection of Swiss films in English chosen from the Swiss streaming platform Play Suisse.

Let’s talk

“Let’s Talk” is SWI swissinfo.ch’s format to discuss relevant topics with high-profile experts and political figures.

Special reports

Check out our long format stories on topics like the Swiss pharma industry, Switzerland’s struggles with dirty gold, and living in the Alps.

Switzerland: How To

How do you dispose of rubbish in Switzerland? What are the visa requirements? It’s all here.

Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?

Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?

Join the discussion

Jun 13, 2025

View the discussion

Watch now

Swiss Reddit study on fake news stirs ethics debate

Feline felons: The issue with Switzerland’s free-roaming cats

A call for ‘the courage to keep fighting for peace’ in Colombia

How a Swiss fund helps Global South artists connect with rest of the world

The Swiss mega-project to transport freight underground

The Swiss militia principle – what’s it all about?

‘Collegiality’ – a concept at the heart of Swiss governance

Everything you need to know to organize your move abroad

Artificial intelligence explained

Freddie Mercury's former personal assistant speaks about the star's relationship with the town of Montreux.

Why Freddie Mercury hated then loved Montreux

How Swiss federalism emerged and shapes the nation

Photo of a woman in a recycling centre with safety helmet and high-visibility vest

Truth or tale: does Switzerland send its unusable old cars to Africa?

What you need to know to get a job abroad

Readers share their thoughts on how to die with dignity.

What does a ‘dignified death’ mean to you?

The consequences of cuts to Swiss foreign aid

Swipe up for next video

External Content

Bloomberg Business

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 – 20:45

Stocks Hit Session Lows, Oil Jumps on War Jitters: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 – 16:56

Switzerland’s Government Approves Contentious EU Deal

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 – 06:06

Chinese Firms in Talks to Join Group for Li Ka-Shing’s Ports

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 – 22:19

Bond Rally Gains Steam on Strong $22 Billion Sale: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Jun 11, 2025 – 22:19

S&P 500 Halts Rally Near Record as Big Tech Swoons: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Jun 11, 2025 – 14:45

UBS Expects Gradual Rule Change on Swiss Deferred Tax Assets

This content was published on Jun 11, 2025 – 11:08

Swiss Senate Eases Arms Export Rules Amid Industry Struggles

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 – 22:46

S&P 500 Gains as Lutnick Signals US-China Progress

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 – 18:24

Glencore Drives Drawdown of Russian Copper Sanctioned by UK

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 – 14:24

UBS Declines as Analysts Warn Capital Rules to Hurt Buybacks

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 – 13:27

Traders Wary of Bold Bets Drag Credit Volatility Near Record Low

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 – 11:00

From Visas to Jets, US and China Are Finding New Trade Leverage

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 – 07:00

Europe’s IPO Drought Has Stock Exchanges Battling for Listings

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 – 01:01

Eurostar Plans Five-Hour Trains From London to Frankfurt, Geneva

This content was published on Jun 9, 2025 – 22:23

S&P 500 Ekes Out Gain as US-China Talks to Resume: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Jun 6, 2025 – 22:30

Stocks Hit Highest Since February on Jobs Surprise: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Jun 6, 2025 – 18:52

UBS Slams ‘Extreme’ $26 Billion Capital Demand in Swiss Proposal

This content was published on Jun 6, 2025 – 17:43

UBS Confirms 2025 Payout Plans After Swiss Bank Law Proposals

This content was published on Jun 6, 2025 – 15:00

Swiss Regulator to Get Power to Fine Banks Under Law Proposal

This content was published on Jun 6, 2025 – 14:15

Switzerland Pledges $6 Million Support for Glacier-Hit Village

Opinion

Swiss climate scientist: CO2 removal is tricky but essential

This content was published on Jun 11, 2025 Initiatives to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air are faltering – not because they don’t work, but because we fail to see opportunities and lack vision, says Swiss climate scientist Cyril Brunner.

Swiss societies in Britain rebrand as SwissCommunity UK

This content was published on Jun 11, 2025 Major changes are taking place for the Swiss community in the UK.

The fake news study on Reddit failed to inform particpants in advance

How a fake news study tested ethical research boundaries

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 A controversial fake news study on Reddit has highlighted the ethical responsibilities of conducting studies on society.

The Swiss welfare state is ‘not about to be dismantled’

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 Two economists discuss Switzerland’s financial situation and the “debt brake” mechanism on our Let’s Talk panel.

When aid to Gaza turns deadly

This content was published on Jun 10, 2025 On Inside Geneva this week we take a long hard look at the challenges of aid delivery in a conflict zone, and we ask where the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation went wrong.

Switzerland mulls stronger ties with European defence structures

This content was published on Jun 9, 2025 In the face of US disengagement, the idea of a defence partnership with the EU is gaining ground in the Swiss parliament.

Echoes from the Indian Ocean: Swiss stories of the 2004 tsunami

This content was published on Jun 6, 2025 This Swiss docufiction tells the stories of people whose lives were devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Top footballer rues lack of prospects for women in Switzerland

This content was published on Jun 2, 2025 Luana Bühler plays for the Swiss national team, but she earns her living in England because the basis for a professional career doesn’t exist in Switzerland.

‘The chalet is the first prefab house in history’

This content was published on May 31, 2025 The chalet first conquered the world – and then Switzerland. So why is it considered a quintessentially Swiss building?

Absinthe: the return of the green fairy

This content was published on May 24, 2025 Absinthe is back in fashion – not only in Switzerland but around the world. We went to the Val-de-Travers, where it all began.

Cross purposes: the unique Swiss flag

This content was published on May 17, 2025 Square and versatile: Switzerland’s unusual national flag has a fascinating history.

Two people in silhouette look at mobile phones while a contrail of an aircraft is seen in the sky in the evening twilight, at Zurich Kloten Airport, pictured in Ruemlang, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (KEYSTONE/Michael Buholzer)

No house generation: the impossibility of buying property in Switzerland

This content was published on May 12, 2025 In many countries, buying a home is slipping further out of reach for young people. Switzerland is no exception.

The seven weirdest Swiss votes of all time

This content was published on May 10, 2025 Absinthe, car-free Sundays and cow horns: Swiss voters have certainly had to decide on some unusual issues.

In Focus

Why melting glaciers affect us all

Alpine glaciers could disappear by the end of the century. The consequences will be felt not only in the Swiss Alps but all over the planet.

Need a diplomatic messenger? Switzerland is eager to help

Swiss diplomacy has a long-standing tradition of trying to talk to all sides “to build trust”. 

How Switzerland is managing foreign aid at a time of global upheaval

Switzerland, like other rich nations, is grappling with a shrinking foreign aid budget, as the war in Ukraine forces a reset in its priorities.

Moldova: A small neutral country at the crossroads between the EU and Russia

Switzerland is committed to democracy education and the integration of Ukrainians in Moldova.

What does the future hold for Swiss neutrality?

Switzerland is grappling with a key question: should it follow a path of openness or isolationism?

Sister republics: Switzerland and the US

The US and Switzerland were known as “sister republics”. Explore the links that still bind these two very dissimilar countries.

Swiss federal votes on September 22, 2024

Biodiversity and pensions are on the agenda for the federal votes on September 22.

Taiwan: a model democracy

Taiwan has developed into an exemplary democracy. This can be seen in schools as well as in election campaigns – despite or because of its precarious status.

Swiss federal votes on June 9

Two initiatives aimed at stemming healthcare costs took centre stage when voters went to the polls on June 9.

illustration depicting federal voting in Switzerland.

Federal votes on March 3, 2024

Pension reform is once again at the heart of Swiss politics. On March 3, voters will decide on two people’s initiatives from opposing camps.

The key ingredients of the Swiss financial sector

Switzerland’s fabled financial sector is made up of several crucial elements.

illustration: sport washing the world cup

Sportswashing the World Cup from Geneva

This three-part investigation shows the lengths to which Qatar went to whitewash its reputation and the role Geneva played in this marketing stunt.

The ethics of artificial intelligence

The challenges are immense for Switzerland, which is one of the leading developers of artificial intelligence (AI).

Important members of the Swiss-Kosovan diaspora

Kosovo in Switzerland, Switzerland in Kosovo

The two small mountain countries are linked by a dense network of relationships: political, economic, historical, but above all human.

Swiss solutions for storing the energy of tomorrow

The global challenge is not only to produce more energy from renewable sources, but also to store it efficiently and sustainably.

A wooden black king stands upright, while a white king lies overturned on a chequered chessboard

One against the other: zero-sum thinking can be found on both the political left and right

This content was published on Jun 3, 2025 A study from the University of Basel shows that zero-sum thinking can be found among supporters of both left-wing and right-wing parties.

A citizen on polling duty directs the voters at the polling station

Almost half of Swiss citizens are open to holding political office

This content was published on May 20, 2025 Would you consider holding political office? Nearly half of Swiss citizens would, according to a study by the University of Basel.

People are walking along a bridge at sunset.

How are you, Switzerland? Let us know in our 2025 survey

This content was published on May 15, 2025 We want to hear more about our readers’ daily concerns and thoughts on major issues. Take part in our survey and share your views!

People walking along the lake in Lucerne.

Honesty over success: the true values of the Swiss population

This content was published on May 12, 2025 Is honesty more important for a satisfied life than success? Yes, according to a major survey by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation.

Wisekey CEO Carlos Moreira has a vision for Swiss satellites

Swiss army funds sovereign satellite network scheme

This content was published on May 5, 2025 Swiss defence ministry funds domestic satellites with eye on sovereign communications network.

Martin Pfister und Markus Ritter mit Blumen

Who will be the next Swiss government minister?

This content was published on Mar 6, 2025 The vote to decide Viola Amherd’s successor in the Federal Council – Martin Pfister or Markus Ritter – is set for March 12, but the ‘dialogue’ community appears to have already made up its mind.

Are the super-rich a threat to democracy?

This content was published on Feb 20, 2025 A non-representative survey reveals that approximately nine out of ten users (87%) of the “dialogue” community perceive the super-rich as a threat to democracy.

Federal Councillor Viola Amherd leaves the conference hall after announcing her resignation during a media conference,

Is the job of Swiss government minister too complex and ‘politically exposed’?

This content was published on Feb 5, 2025 The position of Swiss government minister seems to have lost its shine – that is according to a non-representative survey of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC)’s “dialogue” community.

Are young women and men in Switzerland drifting apart?

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 Political views of young women and men are drifting apart – a phenomenon that can be observed around the world.

a girl holds up a sign with "girl power" written on it,

Are initiatives to combat gender-based violence having an impact?

This content was published on Nov 29, 2024 Authorities and civil society are looking for ways to deal with gender-based violence. Are these initiatives having an impact? Join the discussion.

The Swiss have embraced AI at record speed

This content was published on Nov 21, 2024 A new study shows that half of the Swiss population uses AI but the technology is also increasing digital inequality.

Woman sitting looking over the Aletsch glacier

Most Swiss doubt politicians’ ability to deal with climate change

This content was published on Nov 18, 2024 Two-thirds of Swiss believe global warming is a serious problem. However, only about a third thinks Swiss politicians can take sufficient measures on the issue.

Few people are sitting on the benches in a catholic church.

Poll finds over half of Swiss residents don’t believe in God

This content was published on Nov 15, 2024 More than half of people in Switzerland who took part in a recent survey say they do not believe in God.

Hard drugs: does prohibition sometimes do more harm than good?

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 How can the growing consumption of crack cocaine in Switzerland be tackled? And what support can be provided to addicts? Join in the discussion!

Broken picture frame with an image of a woman with a child. - Picture frame, child, woman, shattered.

Fighting paedophile crime: What is the right balance between prevention and punishment?

This content was published on Oct 25, 2024 To fight paedophilia-related crimes, vigilante justice can take on a radical form. Fair or foul?

A customer sits behind his full shopping trolley and looks at his mobile phone

Cost-of-living crisis: only a minority of Swiss say they feel the pinch

This content was published on Oct 24, 2024 Around one-third of Swiss residents and the Swiss Abroad say their financial situation is a strain, while four out of five believe the wealth gap in Switzerland is too wide, a new survey shows.

Young person holding a cigarette in their hand.

New Swiss tobacco law: are minors sufficiently protected?

This content was published on Oct 3, 2024 Are minors in Switzerland sufficiently protected from the risks of tobacco consumption? Join the multilingual debate on “dialogue”!

Hunting: where two visions of nature clash

This content was published on Sep 19, 2024 It’s the hunting season again in Switzerland. Hunting is a well-established tradition in rural and mountain regions in Switzerland, but it also sparks criticism.

A smartphone with the APP of social networks Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, Mastodon and X is pictured in Lausanne, Switzerland, Tuesday, September 12, 2023.(KEYSTONE/Laurent Gillieron)

Poll: Swiss are fed up with social media

This content was published on Sep 12, 2024 According to the latest figures, social media is being used less. One of the reasons: the platforms are no longer truly social.

Das Bundeshaus in Bern, aufgenommen bei starkem Wind

Poll: Switzerland is rather sceptical about the future

This content was published on Sep 5, 2024 Overall, people in Switzerland and the Swiss Abroad are doing well. But they are more pessimistic about the future than they were a year ago.