Tag: Switzerland

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Divided by Rösti, United in Fondue: the complexities of Swiss nationalism

By Eliot Tomlinson Switzerland is often perceived as a maverick in international politics: a neutral, decentralised State that doesn’t quite fit the typical nation-state model. Its strong federalism, linguistic diversity, and cultural plurality raise questions about whether it can truly be understood as a nation at all. This blog explores how national symbols, particularly food, express […]

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The Swiss: an ethnically homogenous people?

Since the 2000s, the Schweizerische Volkspartei (SVP – Swiss People’s Party) has become strongly involved in debates on immigrants, citizenship, and the integration of foreigners.

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Neo-Orientalism and the fear of ‘seeing’ the Other in contemporary Switzerland

Campaign posters of the far-right Swiss People's Party depicting a woman wearing a burqa against a background of a Swiss flag upon which several minarets resembling missiles reading in German 'Stop - Yes to ban of minarets' are pictured on October 26, 2009 at the central station in Zurich. Earlier this month, Switzerland's Commission Against Racism said that the anti-minaret poster campaign defamed the country's Muslim minority and could threaten public peace. Switzerland is expected to vote November 29 on a referendum launched by right-wing groups on whether the construction of minarets should be banned. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)

Xenophobia as a product of Swiss exceptionalism it is one of the least explored and yet blatant forms of nationalism alive in contemporary Europe.