Switzerland

John Heelan correctly says: "It might be said that Switzerland's stability emanates from its power base being in its cantonal government, gathered together in a loose federation as a national entity. A surprising number of "Swiss" seem to have little idea of their national politics or who occupies the presidential chair at any time". RH: This goes back to an old order when, in Italy for example, people thought of themselves as Lombards or Venetians rather than Italians. A decentralized country cannot be a very active player in international affairs, and this applies to Swiotzerland.

Ronald Hilton - 11/30/02