Archive – Democracy

How decades of debate over Stuttgart’s train station boosted local democracy

This content was published on Mar 18, 2026 In the debate over Stuttgart’s main railway station, politicians have learned lessons and, with Swiss support, bolstered local democracy.

Opinion

Global elections

Why direct democracy is also a stage for political parties to fight for attention

This content was published on Mar 10, 2026 Popular votes may appear to reflect the pure “will of the people,” but they also function as a stage for political parties, argues Dutch political scientist Toine Paulissen.

Swiss democracy

Cash in the constitution: a Swiss decision on an international issue

This content was published on Mar 8, 2026 For cash advocate Brett Scott, the Swiss vote could act as a signal internationally. An analysis with sociological perspectives.

Digital Democracy

Is Swiss AI a powerhouse for democracy?

This content was published on Mar 2, 2026 US cyber expert Bruce Schneier has high hopes for a Swiss AI model. Optimism is also growing in Switzerland, but not across the board.

Could AI become a force for democracy?

Do you think artificial intelligence could contribute to more democracy?

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Mar 2, 2026

2 Comments

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What role should voters play in decisions about major trade deals?

Does popular input boost the legitimacy of big trade agreements? Or are such deals best left to the specialists?

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Feb 26, 2026

8 Comments

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Global elections

What it takes for a referendum to be fair

This content was published on Feb 23, 2026 Not only democracies hold referendums – semi-democratic and authoritarian states also run popular votes. Can such ballots ever be fair?

What experience have you had with referendums in your country?

Have you ever experienced a referendum where you live? Let us know!

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Feb 23, 2026

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20 Comments

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Information wars

Russian state broadcaster accuses Swiss public broadcaster SRF of manipulation

This content was published on Feb 20, 2026 The Russian state media outlet RT DE has become involved in a Swiss debate around an initiative to halve the public media licence fee.

Trade policy

Could direct democracy trip up Swiss trade deals?

This content was published on Feb 20, 2026 As global trade rules fray, countries are scrambling to shore up export markets and diversify partners. For Switzerland, this could come with an added complication: the ballot box.

Archive – Democracy

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Archive – Democracy

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How decades of debate over Stuttgart’s train station boosted local democracy

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Why direct democracy is also a stage for political parties to fight for attention

More

Cash in the constitution: a Swiss decision on an international issue

More

Is Swiss AI a powerhouse for democracy?

More

Could AI become a force for democracy?

More

What role should voters play in decisions about major trade deals?

More

What it takes for a referendum to be fair

More

What experience have you had with referendums in your country?

More

Russian state broadcaster accuses Swiss public broadcaster SRF of manipulation

More

Could direct democracy trip up Swiss trade deals?

Popular Stories

Most Discussed