Ethnic Diversity, Elite Accommodation and Federalism in Switzerland

Abstract

Ethnic divisions, rather than outmoded relics of the past, remain important sources of political differences in many modern European industrial nations. For instance, religion continues to be the single most important factor influencing political partisanship in Europe.' But in addition, ethnic differences can become grounds for political confrontation and conflict as the recent experiences of Northern Ireland, Belgium, France, Spain, and, to a lesser extent, Austria attest. Perceiving a subordinate status, members of important ethnic groups in these polities have evidenced marked senses of political dissatisfaction and deprivation. As a consequence, many ethnic groups have given vent to their frustrations through a wide variety of forceful political means, including violence. In contrast to these countries, Switzerland, although ethnically diverse, has been free in recent years of national ethnically based political conflict. Drawing upon recent survey data, this article addresses the role of federalism in understanding post war Swiss ethnic harmony.