Joe Matthews

Governing the Internet from Rousseau’s hometown

This content was published on Apr 27, 2021 If the internet is going to serve democracy around the world, it needs to have its own global government – in Geneva

Opinion

The right to vote as a matter of heart

This content was published on Feb 24, 2021 To really achieve universal suffrage, we need a new approach: make voting rights portable.

Opinion

Is the time ripe for national referendums in the US?

This content was published on Oct 24, 2020 With the US presidential elections less than two weeks away, journalist Joe Mathews argues for a Swiss-style direct democracy system in the US.

Climate adaptation

Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world

Cooks at work in the kitchen, pictured during a look behind the scenes at Hotel Seedamm Plaza in Pfaeffikon, canton of Schwyz, Switzerland, on March 31, 2014. (KEYSTONE/Christian Beutler)

Foreign Affairs

In Switzerland four out of ten people have a migrant background – who are they?

Aging society

Suicides in Switzerland quadruple among older people

Criminals are targeting Swiss car dealerships

French gangs target luxury cars in Switzerland

The additional costs that Switzerland will incur when purchasing the US F-35 fighter jet continue to be a concern.

Swiss Politics

Renewed controversy in Switzerland over US fighter jets – explained

Do you have Swiss ancestors? Are you planning to visit where they lived in Switzerland?

We’d love to hear more about your genealogical research.

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Jul 8, 2025

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Would you work for your municipality or country for free?

The Swiss militia system gives many people political responsibility but no salary. Would that be something for your country?

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Apr 24, 2025

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20 Comments

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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?

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Jun 13, 2025

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Joe Matthews

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Governing the Internet from Rousseau’s hometown

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The right to vote as a matter of heart

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Is the time ripe for national referendums in the US?

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Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world

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Suicides in Switzerland quadruple among older people

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Renewed controversy in Switzerland over US fighter jets – explained

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Do you have Swiss ancestors? Are you planning to visit where they lived in Switzerland?

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Would you work for your municipality or country for free?

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