Internationalization and Domestic Politics: Evidence from the Swiss Case

Abstract

This chapter contributes to the literature on the political consequences of the globalization process by analysing its effects on national decision-making systems. While most works deal with the policy dimension of internationalization, we provide evidence on its polity and politics implications. Furthermore, we pay close attention to the transmission mechanisms at work by differentiating between direct and indirect forms of internationalization and contrasting them with cases sheltered from international influences. Based on both quantitative and qualitative techniques, our empirical tests reveal that even a neutral and relatively isolated country like Switzerland cannot escape the consequences of internationalization. Internationalized decision-making processes display distinctive characteristics with respect to formal consultation, conflict level and power configuration. Our tests also highlight some clear differences between direct and indirect internationalization.