Switzerland stands apart from most other democracies for giving its voters a direct say on major foreign policy questions like joining the UN or trading with other countries.
Direct democracy, Sabrina Nick of foraus says, “allows citizens to directly influence, or constrain, [Switzerland's] integration" in the international system.
Illustration: Kai Reusser, Swissinfo
Rare is the country that gives its citizens a direct say on the biggest foreign policy issues of the day, like joining the United Nations or trading goods with another country. Switzerland is just such a place – for better or worse.
This content was published on
June 3, 2026 - 09:00
Voters increasingly think parliaments don’t reflect their views. Would direct democracy do a better job? Lessons from Switzerland.
The Centre for Democracy Studies Aarau now produces an annual overview of referendums held in Switzerland and around the world.
Swiss vote on taxing spouses, media licence fee, cash availability and new climate fund
Many nations admire Switzerland’s system of direct democracy. But what do direct democratic tools really entail?
Space is vast, and smaller states are also getting involved. The question is what role Switzerland can play.
A right-wing initiative to limit Switzerland's population to ten million is attracting above-average media attention abroad.
