Antifragile Switzerland
Avenir Suisse turns 25 – and calls for an antifragile Switzerland
Switzerland has historically prospered when the world was at its most turbulent. Lately, shocks have overlapped – a pandemic, the collapse of Credit Suisse, geopolitical tensions, a global trade conflict – and the strain is showing: public expectations towards the state continue to rise while the space for local initiative narrows.
That is exactly why we are marking our 25th anniversary with a nationwide campaign and a new book, “Antifragile Schweiz – 17 Strategien für eine Welt der Unordnung”. Our goal is simple: ensure that crises remain opportunities. How? By renewing Switzerland’s proven strengths: decisions closer to citizens, room for experimentation in cantons and municipalities, and personal responsibility alongside freedom. Learn more about our nationwide campaign.
Out Now!
Our new book is in stores starting today (available in German and French). It shows why Switzerland not only withstands crises but grows from them and what it will take to keep it that way. You will also find practical tips on how to become antifragile yourself. You can buy the book at all major bookstores or order it directly here.
Switzerland’s Forgotten Success Formula
Those who are antifragile do not break under uncertainty and stress; they learn and grow from it. The same applies to Switzerland: Our country and its citizens have rarely faced crises with paralysis but instead have emerged stronger. Christoph Eisenring and Patrick Leisibach remind us that keeping this strength from fading will require all of us to protect and renew it. |
Organizational Update
Thomas Jordan named Avenir Suisse’s first “Distinguished Fellow”
To mark its 25th anniversary, Avenir Suisse is launching a Distinguished Fellowship program to honor leading figures from politics, academia, and civil society for their contributions to Switzerland. The Distinguished Fellows will also bring their expertise and networks into our work to develop innovative ideas for the country’s future. At its meeting on November 13th, our Board of Trustees appointed the first Distinguished Fellow: Thomas Jordan, former Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank (2012-2024) and one of Switzerland’s leading experts on monetary policy and international financial
markets. |
Migration
Many Paths Lead to Switzerland: Entry Rules at a Glance
In our Atlas of Migration series, Avenir Suisse brings facts to a debate that is often driven by emotion. Patrick Leisibach and Agustina Rodriguez explain how Switzerland regulates labor migration – distinguishing between EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals – and outline the design of Switzerland’s refugee and protection pathway. |
Essential
Why trade in services matters for Switzerland
Imports and exports of services now make up over 40% of Switzerland’s foreign trade. In our new Essential, Michele Salvi and Simon Stocker use striking figures to show how trade in services is gaining importance for the Swiss economy. Their takeaway: Switzerland could benefit even more by modernizing trade agreements, reviewing new regulations for trade compatibility and reducing trade barriers. |
The Figure
Today, roughly 10% of the world’s population lives in extreme poverty, down from 43% in 1990. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than $3 per day in international purchasing-power parity (PPP). This encouraging trend highlights the global gains in prosperity over recent decades. (JAM, JMU). |
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