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2. Doris Leuthard, President of Switzerland
- Author:
- Doris Leuthard
- Publication Date:
- 09-2017
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Columbia University World Leaders Forum
- Abstract:
- Her Excellency Doris Leuthard, President of the Swiss Confederation, addresses the Columbia University World Leaders Forum in Low Library.
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, Development, Globalization, Human Rights, International Law, and Peacekeeping
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Switzerland
3. Competition Law and Policy in Switzerland
- Publication Date:
- 03-2006
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
- Abstract:
- Competition policy plays a key role in promoting consumer welfare and market opening. Lack of competition is a main reason for the high prices of many products and services on the Swiss market. Traditionally, Swiss competition policy has been relatively lenient and low profile, allowing a relatively uncompetitive internal market to remain unchallenged. The impact of competition policy on economic development has therefore been at best neutral. As the slow rate of growth becomes an issue, however, a more vigorous approach to competition has been identified as an important factor for improving growth prospects. The 2003 reform of the Cartel Act strengthened Swiss competition law, in particular by introducing direct sanctions for the most serious infringements and a leniency programme, thus bringing it closer to that of the European Union and of many other OECD countries. The Swiss Competition Commission has been given considerable new powers to combat private restraints of competition. Comco will have to enforce the new laws resolutely and step up action to promote regulatory reforms. In doing so, it is burdened by institutional arrangements and mechanisms that temper its full independence. The Swiss competition enforcers do not benefit from the networks of exchanges available to national competition authorities in EU member States. Matters are further complicated by a relative lack of resources. Strengthening competition is a key for an effective internal market. The amendments to strengthen the Cartel Law and pending reform proposals signal determination on the part of the Confederation to tackle the problems. It is too early to say how effective they will be and the extent to which they will encourage a change in general attitudes, notably among the sub federal levels of government.
- Topic:
- Development, Economics, International Organization, International Trade and Finance, and Law
- Political Geography:
- Switzerland
4. Institutions and Economic Growth: The Successful Experience of Switzerland (1870-1950)
- Author:
- André Mach and Thomas David
- Publication Date:
- 09-2006
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- This research paper discusses the role of institutions in the rapid growth and successful international integration of Switzerland during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. In analysing the emergence and consolidation of the institutions whose existence was crucial, the paper looks both at the political institutions that managed conflicts and promoted cooperation between private and public actors and the economic institutions that, on the one hand, compensated the groups that fell behind in the developmental process (e.g., agricultural subsidies, high tolerance for domestic cartels, tariffs for some industries, institutions for labour representation) and, on the other hand, enhanced productivity. In addition, the absence of some institutions such as a patent law and an independent central bank was also crucial in the Swiss case, even though these two institutions are regarded as pre-requisites of development by today's economic orthodoxy. The paper concludes by drawing lessons for today's developing countries.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Development, and Economics
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Switzerland
5. La política exterior de las entidades federativas: un estudio comparado
- Author:
- Jorge A. Schiavon
- Publication Date:
- 08-2004
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas
- Abstract:
- This working paper analyses the causes of the increased international activity of federated states' units, and the way and intensity in which this activity takes place. First, it explains that the growing participation of federal entities in foreign policy is a product, on one hand, of increasing globalization and interdependence in the international system, and, on the other, of the internal processes of liberalization, democratization, and decentralization. Second, using the Mexican case as an example, it explains how the legal rules in the Constitution establish the limits of international participation of the states of the federation; then, it analyses how the institutional configuration, the division of power, and the division of purpose in the system influence the degree of intensity of participation of these federal units in foreign policy issues, within the constitutional limitations. Likewise, it considers economic capacity and geographical location of the states as variables that also seem to influence their degree of activity. Then, it briefly explores how Mexican federal entities have participated in the internacional arena. Finally, it describes the relationships, in terms of foreign policy, between different orders of government in other federal systems, such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, and contrasts these relationships with those in Mexico.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Foreign Policy, Development, and Government
- Political Geography:
- United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, and Mexico
6. First Meeting of the DCAF Africa Working Group
- Author:
- Aneta Ratynska
- Publication Date:
- 04-2003
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform
- Abstract:
- The 1st Meeting of the DCAF Africa Working Group was held in Geneva, Switzerland on April 24, 2003. The objective of the Meeting was to facilitate the exchange of views, expertise and experience among participants involved in SSR related work in Africa, and to advise DCAF on programming for the region. Participants at the conference represented government, civil society, academic institutions, and donor and recipient countries.
- Topic:
- Security, Development, and International Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- Geneva, Africa, and Switzerland
7. Urban and Industrial Pollution Programs: Czech Republic Case Study
- Author:
- Matthew Addison, Steven Gale, Keith Forbes, and Michael Gould
- Publication Date:
- 04-2001
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Agency for International Development
- Abstract:
- In 1995 USAID Launched the Environmental Action Program Support Project. EAPS grew out of a 1993 international conference held in Lucerne, Switzerland, to develop a joint environmental action program. The project sought to decrease environmental degradation in six central and eastern European countries that were making the transition from centrally controlled economies and authoritarian governments to open markets and more democratic institutions. The Czech Republic was the first USAID-assisted country where EAPS was implemented.
- Topic:
- Development, Economics, Environment, and Government
- Political Geography:
- Eastern Europe, Switzerland, and Czech Republic