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With an anecdotal twist, Gregory A. Fossedal, chairman of the Alexis de Tocqueville Institution, provides an assessment of Switzerland's unique political system from 1 August 1291 to the present, in Direct Democracy in Switzerland. Fossedal demonstrates that this enigmatic participatory democracy is not the result of one, or even a few, initiatives, but is rather an amalgamation of many economic, political, and societal forces. The book is divided into five parts, the first of which provides justification for the study of Switzerland. In the second part, a brief history of how Switzerland became a country and a democracy, and of its adherence to a policy of neutrality, sets the stage for the analysis of institutions and issues in parts 3 and 4. A description of how the Swiss government operates is introduced by the fact that the federal government has few but fundamental powers, while the cantons assume the majority of the law-making and leadership responsibility (and freedom). From the executive council-led executive branch to the ability of the cantons to establish the rules for civil and criminal procedures, the personal aspect of Swiss politics becomes clearer. Furthermore, Swiss citizens have the explicit right to make decisions regarding Swiss law through the processes of referendum and initiative. The referendum allows Swiss citizens to veto the work of the legislature, and the initiative provides an opportunity to place issues on the political agenda. After discussing governmental institutions, Fossedal moves on to issues. From education to taxes to Switzerland's role in World War II, he leads readers on a tour through the hearts and minds of Swiss citizens. Switzerland has highly educated citizens, a relatively low crime rate, and a great respect for the family. Fossedal deftly describes the Swiss Army and the unifying role it plays. Perhaps the best analysis in this section concerns diversity, helping readers understand how such a heterogeneous society can live so harmoniously and achieve such a high level of economic wealth and political stability. Switzerland has three official languages, defined geographic and political divisions, and religious differences in a country where church and state are not so separate. "The key to Swiss `tolerance' of diversity is that the Swiss, in fact, embrace diversity" (243). The same diversity that serves as a source of tension in many other countries and regions of the world, in Switzerland acts as a force of unity. The ties that bind this diverse group into one nation cannot be found in any one institution or issue. Rather all of these Swiss attributes, such as (specifically mentioned by Fossedal) the schools, the Swiss Army, neutrality, and common ideals, complement each other in a way that has enforced unity and progress. Although Fossedal at times seems a bit overoptimistic about Switzerland's democracy, he provides a wealth of information based on experience, field research, and interviews about many aspects of life in Switzerland. In addition, he provides an extensive bibliography for those who want to explore further. Direct Democracy in Switzerland should be highly considered as a source for courses in political science and European comparative politics.
AIMEE KANNER
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