Topic: 2025 – Authoritarianism and Democracy
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Aanya Dogra
Debates about different forms of government have been around since early civilizations. Some governments lean towards authoritarianism, with a small group holding power over many, such as Louis XIV’s France and more recently Stalin’s Soviet Union. Others lean more democratic, allowing public participation and protecting freedoms like speech, assembly, and voting. Examples of this include ancient Greece and many modern European countries. In recent years, the global level of democracy has fallen back to roughly the same level as in 1986. The world has also witnessed an increase in authoritarianism regimes, driven by political instability and economic stress. Authoritarian governments are tightening their control and attempting to weaken democracies abroad through what scholars call “sharp power” and open aggression. “Sharp power” describes how authoritarian states influence another country’s political system, society, or institutions. Sharp power uses tools such as disinformation, propaganda, economic pressure, and cyberattacks to create instability
Switzerland is a long-standing leader in democracy, recognized for our stable, decentralized political system, utilizing a federal republic that combines a parliamentary system with a strong element of direct democracy. Originally a loose confederation of autonomous cantons in the middle ages, the Helvetic Republic briefly centralized power, during the Napoleonic era. Cantonal autonomy was gradually restored through the Mediation Period and the Restoration. In 1848, Switzerland established its current federal system, balancing authority between a strong federal government and autonomous cantons, while giving citizens direct democratic powers through referendums and initiatives.
Switzerland has been a proponent of human rights, having the highest level of democracy according to the V-Dem Institute. Switzerland ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on 18 June 1992, thereby legally committing to protect civil liberties such as freedom of expression, assembly, and political participation. Switzerland is also party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), ratified in 1986, which prohibits torture and upholds individual dignity against state abuse. Our resolution, “2025-2028 Guidelines on Democracy,” written by our Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, focuses on diplomatic support for democratic values and strengthening institutional and social frameworks in other countries through “promotion of decentralisation, participation of minorities in political processes, combating of corruption, support for parliaments and free, transparent and credible elections, and promotion of balanced public information.” Switzerland also engages in political dialogues with other nations and governmental organizations to increase this understanding. Switzerland prioritizes a common understanding of democracy, instead of an only-one-way is correct idea, acknowledging the styles of other nations while prioritizing and adapting citizens’ needs.
Switzerland promotes political participation, the principles of the rule of law, and the protection of democratic institutions worldwide, and will look to expand on these ideas in committee. The recognition of human rights in Switzerland is a large part of its democracy, in which power is derived from the people. The rule of law maintains accountability for any authoritarianism tendencies. Switzerland looks forward to collaborating with other nations to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of our future.
