Global elections

Why citizens’ assemblies can’t tackle populism

This content was published on Jul 3, 2026 Deliberative mini-publics are no means to stop populism, argues political scientist Yanina Welp.

Opinion

Swiss democracy

In Switzerland, the real debate on citizens’ assemblies begins now

This content was published on Jun 25, 2026 Citizens’ assemblies are not in crisis; quite the opposite. For political scientist Andri Heimann, the most exciting phase is just about to start.

A row of European Union flags with a flag of the United Kingdom in the foreground

Swiss democracy

Ten years after Brexit, the ‘Swiss model’ just keeps popping up

This content was published on Jun 18, 2026 From a blueprint for staying free of the EU to an idea for getting closer to it again, the “Swiss model” has had an eventful decade. What’s behind the success?

Opinion

Global elections

What kind of democracy should Switzerland promote?

This content was published on Jun 17, 2026 Switzerland’s distinctive understanding of democracy should not guide its work promoting democracy abroad, argues political scientist Daniel Bochsler.

People holding Alberta flags, some of which bear the slogan ‘The North Stands Free’

Global elections

What Canada could learn from Swiss federalism

This content was published on Jun 9, 2026 Canada lacks a formal mechanism for cooperation between the federal government and the provinces, experts say ahead of the votes in Alberta.

People pay their respects in front of the statues of the late North Korean leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.

Global elections

How do autocracies and dictatorships come to an end?

This content was published on May 22, 2026 Insights from a protest researcher, a dictatorships expert, and a Swiss-Hungarian.

Global elections

Swiss report sheds light on state of direct democracy worldwide

This content was published on May 6, 2026 The Centre for Democracy Studies Aarau now produces an annual overview of referendums held in Switzerland and around the world.

Swiss democracy

Are citizens’ assemblies on the decline in an era of eroding democracy?

This content was published on Apr 29, 2026 In Switzerland, a long-planned citizens’ assembly was shelved in Geneva shortly before it was due to begin. Is this part of an international trend?

Former Maoist rebels walk at the Shaktikhor cantonment in Chitwan

Global elections

How Switzerland supported Nepal in its long road to peace

This content was published on Apr 22, 2026 Switzerland played a key role in Nepal’s peace process.

When is a democracy no longer a democracy?

This content was published on Apr 16, 2026 Beyond Switzerland’s borders, democracy is under pressure. But with gradual decay as much the cause as violent coups, it’s not always clear when, or if, it really “ends”.

Global elections

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Global elections

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Why citizens’ assemblies can’t tackle populism

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In Switzerland, the real debate on citizens’ assemblies begins now

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Ten years after Brexit, the ‘Swiss model’ just keeps popping up

More

What kind of democracy should Switzerland promote?

More

What Canada could learn from Swiss federalism

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How do autocracies and dictatorships come to an end?

More

Swiss report sheds light on state of direct democracy worldwide

More

Are citizens’ assemblies on the decline in an era of eroding democracy?

More

How Switzerland supported Nepal in its long road to peace

More

When is a democracy no longer a democracy?

Popular Stories

Most Discussed