On the Institutional Roots of Swiss Democracy

Abstract

Looking back at the history of Switzerland, we can identify some structural changes in the economic, social and cultural environment, also in the spiritual perceptions and attitudes of citizens. These may constituted the basis for the creation of specific standards and played a crucial role in the political and economic course of the country. In this study we examine how institutions can explain the emergence and establishment of democracy in Switzerland. We investigate various aspects of human activity in Switzerland trend since the beginning of its emergence, in order to use the tool of macro-culture that includes shared values, norms and beliefs that characterize the members of a society. Important aspects in the country's history are opening trade passages, alliances, military tactics and religion. The standards and values spun from the above aspects were transferred gradually to the political field. Finally, it is highlighted that these values contributed decisively in forging a strong polity with robust elements of direct democracy.

Corruption Aversion, Social Capital, and Institutional Trust in a Dysfunctional Institutional Framework: Evidence from a Palestinian Survey

“…In this regard, in addition to the achievement of peace, the building of a functional public institutional framework in the Territories is essential. As in the Western democracies, this passes through the establishment of a complement system of formal and informal institutions promoting prosocial behaviour, inclusivity and respect towards the diversity outside the individual's reference group (Nikitas and Kyriazis 2016).…”