Briefings

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.

In Memoriam: Faith Whittlesey (1939-2018)

Ambassador Whittlesey was the Grande Dame of American-Swiss relations for almost four decades. She led the American Swiss Foundation as Chairman, and later as Chairman Emeritus, for almost 30 years.

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.

Corporate Tax Reform and International Competitiveness

Many observers in Switzerland and the United States place their hopes for their country’s increased global competitiveness in corporate tax reform. Swiss voters rejected a reform proposal in early 2017; the U.S. Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December of the same year.

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.

Public Infrastructure in Switzerland and the United States

In Memoriam: Faith Whittlesey (1939-2018)

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

Corporate Tax Reform and International Competitiveness

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

Switzerland: A Global Financial Center in a Globalized World

U.S. – Swiss Trade and Investment

Switzerland’s Humanitarian Tradition