Briefings

U.S.-Swiss Free Trade Agreement: It’s On the Horizon

Switzerland and the United States have enjoyed a long history of fruitful economic cooperation and cross-border investment. The two countries are key trading partners, and the U.S. is the No. 1 destination for Swiss investment, as well as one of the largest foreign investors in Switzerland. Despite these strong ties, the two countries do not have a free trade agreement. Voices on both sides of the Atlantic have been growing louder in support of a bilateral free trade agreement. Here’s what you need to know.

Blockchain: The Technology for a New and Better Internet?

Switzerland and the United States are leaders of innovation in technology. Blockchain, the technology best known for underlying most cryptocurrencies, has many other potential uses and is viewed by developers and investors as the technology that will create a new kind of Internet. Blockchain makes possible transactions that are faster, cheaper, and more secure than today. What are the challenges and opportunities of this new technology? How are Swiss and U.S. businesses and regulators responding?

Tax Reform and International Competitiveness

How important is corporate tax reform for a country’s global competitiveness? The U.S. Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017. Has the new tax law improved U.S. competitiveness? Swiss voters rejected a reform proposal in early 2017. Has it affected Switzerland?

Apprenticeships and Vocational Education in Switzerland—and in the United States

In Switzerland, the apprenticeship system combines vocational training with a paid job. After choosing a trade, an apprentice will spend part of his or her week in the classroom (vocational training) and the other part learning about the trade through on-the-job work experience (the apprenticeship). In the United States, apprenticeships have begun to make a comeback.

Building Bridges Leadership Conference 2018, Washington, DC

The American Swiss Foundation held its triennial Building Bridges conference on September 27 and 28, 2018. The conference featured alumni of the annual Young Leaders Conferences and U.S. and Swiss leaders in business, government, media, and public policy. Six panel discussions were held at The Heritage Foundation and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Crypto Markets: New Money and Exchanges for the Cyber Age?

Cryptocurrencies are hailed as the future of money by some – and dismissed as a bubble by others. What are they? Crypto, bitcoin, blockchain—what does it all mean? There is more in the crypto world than currencies. What does it mean for Switzerland and for the United States?

Infrastructure Part II: Power Grids and Cyberspace

In the 21st century, the Internet and cyberspace have become standard—even mandatory—components of daily life in the Western world, whether for business, government, or individuals. Electric grids and online systems face growing challenges and threats.

Public Infrastructure in Switzerland and the United States

Reliable infrastructure is a cornerstone of modern and developed countries. Highways and railways, bridges and tunnels, the electric grid and broadband—today, these are necessary components of nearly every aspect of business and daily life.

Water, Air, and Climate Change: Energy and Environmental Policy in Switzerland and the United States

Switzerland, which lacks fossil fuels, is phasing out nuclear energy—increasing its dependence on imported energy sources. The United States, meanwhile, is headed for energy independence in the near future, aided by domestic fracking and the Keystone XL pipeline—both controversial.

Innovation: Switzerland and the United States Still Top the Charts

Both countries regularly receive highest rankings in global-innovation indices—whether for business, entrepreneurship, technology, science, or education. Why?

Switzerland and the European Union: Balancing National Sovereignty and Strong EU Connections

Switzerland is one of only a handful of Western European countries that are not members of the European Union. Nevertheless, the ties between Switzerland and the EU are close.

Putting the Brakes on Government Spending: Debt Ceiling and Debt Brake

Large budget deficits and high public-sector spending and debt have been pervasive features of modern economies, including in the United States and Switzerland. Employing a debt brake has proven effective at limiting spending, though it is no silver bullet.

U.S.-Swiss Free Trade Agreement: It’s On the Horizon

Blockchain: The Technology for a New and Better Internet?

Tax Reform and International Competitiveness

Apprenticeships and Vocational Education in Switzerland—and in the United States

Building Bridges Leadership Conference 2018, Washington, DC

Crypto Markets: New Money and Exchanges for the Cyber Age?

Infrastructure Part II: Power Grids and Cyberspace

Public Infrastructure in Switzerland and the United States

Water, Air, and Climate Change: Energy and Environmental Policy in Switzerland and the United States

Innovation: Switzerland and the United States Still Top the Charts

Switzerland and the European Union: Balancing National Sovereignty and Strong EU Connections

Putting the Brakes on Government Spending: Debt Ceiling and Debt Brake

Switzerland: A Global Financial Center in a Globalized World

Switzerland’s Humanitarian Tradition

In Memoriam: Faith Whittlesey (1939-2018)