At least since the 18th century and Voltaire's sojourns in Lausanne and Geneva, the Lake Geneva region has been a haven for many intellectuals, attracted by its peaceful political climate and the prospect of a relaxing life.
Every month, former Federal Councillor Pascal Couchepin shares a piece of reading that has struck a chord with him.
Saint Patrick's College, near Dublin, has spanned more than two centuries of Irish history. The destiny of this unique Catholic institution reveals a past marked by political and religious conflict.
Dans son nouveau livre «Pax atomica?», fondé sur trente ans d’expérience, le démographe Bruno Tertrais retrace l’histoire de la bombe nucléaire et défend l’idée qu’elle a été et restera un facteur de paix entre les Etats... A quelques nuances près.
Many studies of the reign of Frederick II, King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786, emphasize the authoritarian nature of the regime he led. To leave it at that, however, would be to overlook the liberal orientation of the political writings of this «enlightened despot».
Sûr de lui et assailli par les doutes, Alexis de Tocqueville était un homme paradoxal. Dans sa biographie, Olivier Zunz, professeur émérite d’histoire des Etats-Unis à l’Université de Virginie, montre toute l’actualité de l’auteur du livre phare «De la démocratie en Amérique».
«Si le XVIe siècle fut celui des grandes découvertes géographiques, le XVIIe, lui, vécut un début de mondialisation.» Tous les mois, l’ancien conseiller fédéral Pascal Couchepin partage une lecture qui l’a interpelé.
She didn't mince her words. Lawyer, member of parliament and writer, Gisèle Halimi held positions that required a voice. Yet it was her lawyer's robe that gave her the greatest impact. A look back at a career that should inspire many others.
If there's one country where the army is a constant topic of debate, it's Switzerland. A look back at the history of an institution that is still very much alive, built on a militia system that has no equivalent anywhere in the world.
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