Rahel Freiburghaus
@rfrbrghs.bsky.social
Assistant Professor @unil.bsky.social, Switzerland │ Swiss & Comparative Politics, Democracy, Political Institutions, Federalism, (Intergovernmental) Lobbying │ Also @leewas.bsky.social @chplusplus.bsky.social │Views my own
Pinned
Rahel Freiburghaus
@rfrbrghs.bsky.social
· Nov 18
Happy book publication day—thrilled that our HANDBOOK OF COMPARATIVE POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS is now officially published!
It features 31 chapters authored by 50+ leading authorities. We hope that it will contribute to the (re-)emergent study of institutions, a founding pillar of polisky econsky
It features 31 chapters authored by 50+ leading authorities. We hope that it will contribute to the (re-)emergent study of institutions, a founding pillar of polisky econsky
To celebrate the publication of our HANDBOOK OF COMPARATIVE POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS and our awesome contributors, I’m kicking off a pre-holiday challenge: every day, I’ll share a short intro to one of its chapters.
This is also an opportunity to connect with new colleagues, so please feel free to 📌!
This is also an opportunity to connect with new colleagues, so please feel free to 📌!
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
"But the SVP is different":
I hear this often, especially compared to A/fD.
But 2024 data confirm different story: programmatically, the overlaps are strikingly close.
The real difference is govt participation, not ideology.
And yet, many still label the SVP as a center-right ("bürgerlich") party
I hear this often, especially compared to A/fD.
But 2024 data confirm different story: programmatically, the overlaps are strikingly close.
The real difference is govt participation, not ideology.
And yet, many still label the SVP as a center-right ("bürgerlich") party
November 3, 2025 at 9:45 AM
"But the SVP is different":
I hear this often, especially compared to A/fD.
But 2024 data confirm different story: programmatically, the overlaps are strikingly close.
The real difference is govt participation, not ideology.
And yet, many still label the SVP as a center-right ("bürgerlich") party
I hear this often, especially compared to A/fD.
But 2024 data confirm different story: programmatically, the overlaps are strikingly close.
The real difference is govt participation, not ideology.
And yet, many still label the SVP as a center-right ("bürgerlich") party
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
#POLITKOLUMNE: Disinformation remains one of the most underestimated threats to democracy.
But there is something we can do: a simple program (4x90min) by @priyadarshi-amar.bsky.social has proven highly effective in strengthening information and media literacy www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
But there is something we can do: a simple program (4x90min) by @priyadarshi-amar.bsky.social has proven highly effective in strengthening information and media literacy www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
November 10, 2025 at 6:39 AM
#POLITKOLUMNE: Disinformation remains one of the most underestimated threats to democracy.
But there is something we can do: a simple program (4x90min) by @priyadarshi-amar.bsky.social has proven highly effective in strengthening information and media literacy www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
But there is something we can do: a simple program (4x90min) by @priyadarshi-amar.bsky.social has proven highly effective in strengthening information and media literacy www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
4x90Min für die Demokratie: mit einem einfach umsetzbaren Programm Teammitglieder im Umgang mit Desinformation schulen. Ist Ihr Unternehmen dabei?
There is something we all can do to effectively fight disinformation: four sessions of 90min each for your team, your professional development programs⬇️
There is something we all can do to effectively fight disinformation: four sessions of 90min each for your team, your professional development programs⬇️
#POLITKOLUMNE: Disinformation remains one of the most underestimated threats to democracy.
But there is something we can do: a simple program (4x90min) by @priyadarshi-amar.bsky.social has proven highly effective in strengthening information and media literacy www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
But there is something we can do: a simple program (4x90min) by @priyadarshi-amar.bsky.social has proven highly effective in strengthening information and media literacy www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
November 10, 2025 at 6:50 AM
4x90Min für die Demokratie: mit einem einfach umsetzbaren Programm Teammitglieder im Umgang mit Desinformation schulen. Ist Ihr Unternehmen dabei?
There is something we all can do to effectively fight disinformation: four sessions of 90min each for your team, your professional development programs⬇️
There is something we all can do to effectively fight disinformation: four sessions of 90min each for your team, your professional development programs⬇️
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
#Abstimmungsschablone Secret ballot is fundamental to (direct) democracy. Yet until now the 377000 visually impaired people in Switzerland had to disclose their vote every single time.
In the upcoming referendum, a newly developed stencil will allow them to cast a truly secret vote for the 1st time
In the upcoming referendum, a newly developed stencil will allow them to cast a truly secret vote for the 1st time
November 9, 2025 at 7:09 AM
#Abstimmungsschablone Secret ballot is fundamental to (direct) democracy. Yet until now the 377000 visually impaired people in Switzerland had to disclose their vote every single time.
In the upcoming referendum, a newly developed stencil will allow them to cast a truly secret vote for the 1st time
In the upcoming referendum, a newly developed stencil will allow them to cast a truly secret vote for the 1st time
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
Desinformation – die unterschätzte Gefahr für die Schweizer Demokratie
www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
Politkolumne: Desinformation – die unterschätzte Gefahr für die Schweizer Demokratie
Der Anteil von Menschen ohne Newskonsum ist zu hoch. Gefragt sind jetzt unsere Schulen und Unternehmen. Wir alle müssen lernen, Falschmeldungen besser zu erkennen.
www.derbund.ch
November 9, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Desinformation – die unterschätzte Gefahr für die Schweizer Demokratie
www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
#Abstimmungsschablone Secret ballot is fundamental to (direct) democracy. Yet until now the 377000 visually impaired people in Switzerland had to disclose their vote every single time.
In the upcoming referendum, a newly developed stencil will allow them to cast a truly secret vote for the 1st time
In the upcoming referendum, a newly developed stencil will allow them to cast a truly secret vote for the 1st time
November 9, 2025 at 7:09 AM
#Abstimmungsschablone Secret ballot is fundamental to (direct) democracy. Yet until now the 377000 visually impaired people in Switzerland had to disclose their vote every single time.
In the upcoming referendum, a newly developed stencil will allow them to cast a truly secret vote for the 1st time
In the upcoming referendum, a newly developed stencil will allow them to cast a truly secret vote for the 1st time
My hometown, this time of the year
/Bern, Switzerland🇨🇭
/Bern, Switzerland🇨🇭
November 7, 2025 at 4:49 PM
My hometown, this time of the year
/Bern, Switzerland🇨🇭
/Bern, Switzerland🇨🇭
Honored to speak on a panel with senior public officials celebrating 30y of the Bern Constitution, once among the most progressive (eg minority protection).
My point:Csts bind future generations (Jefferson’s „dead hand” problem). That’s why they must strike a balance between stability&flexibility
My point:Csts bind future generations (Jefferson’s „dead hand” problem). That’s why they must strike a balance between stability&flexibility
November 6, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Honored to speak on a panel with senior public officials celebrating 30y of the Bern Constitution, once among the most progressive (eg minority protection).
My point:Csts bind future generations (Jefferson’s „dead hand” problem). That’s why they must strike a balance between stability&flexibility
My point:Csts bind future generations (Jefferson’s „dead hand” problem). That’s why they must strike a balance between stability&flexibility
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
Daniel Ziblatt writes the way he studies democracy: with discipline, patience, and a refusal to look away from complexity.
He writes with the conviction that democracy depends on the continuous work of understanding.
🧵
New on Etched in Marble: catherineeunicedevries.substack.com/p/etched-in-...
He writes with the conviction that democracy depends on the continuous work of understanding.
🧵
New on Etched in Marble: catherineeunicedevries.substack.com/p/etched-in-...
Etched in Marble: Daniel Ziblatt on Writing, Struggle, and How Democracy Depends on Both
Writers on the Forces That Shape Us and the Writing That Endures
catherineeunicedevries.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Daniel Ziblatt writes the way he studies democracy: with discipline, patience, and a refusal to look away from complexity.
He writes with the conviction that democracy depends on the continuous work of understanding.
🧵
New on Etched in Marble: catherineeunicedevries.substack.com/p/etched-in-...
He writes with the conviction that democracy depends on the continuous work of understanding.
🧵
New on Etched in Marble: catherineeunicedevries.substack.com/p/etched-in-...
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
Share widely with your students in Switzerland 🇨🇭thinking about a PhD @eui-eu.bsky.social
𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗨𝗜 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 🇨🇭
21 Nov 2025 | 2:30pm CET
@alissasiara.bsky.social introduces the program & life at EUI, I share my experience, and we answer your questions.
👉 Register: www.eui.eu/events?id=58...
𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗨𝗜 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 🇨🇭
21 Nov 2025 | 2:30pm CET
@alissasiara.bsky.social introduces the program & life at EUI, I share my experience, and we answer your questions.
👉 Register: www.eui.eu/events?id=58...
PhD Prep Talk: Switzerland
Meet an EUI Researcher and alumnus from your country!
www.eui.eu
November 5, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Share widely with your students in Switzerland 🇨🇭thinking about a PhD @eui-eu.bsky.social
𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗨𝗜 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 🇨🇭
21 Nov 2025 | 2:30pm CET
@alissasiara.bsky.social introduces the program & life at EUI, I share my experience, and we answer your questions.
👉 Register: www.eui.eu/events?id=58...
𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗨𝗜 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 🇨🇭
21 Nov 2025 | 2:30pm CET
@alissasiara.bsky.social introduces the program & life at EUI, I share my experience, and we answer your questions.
👉 Register: www.eui.eu/events?id=58...
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
November 5, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
A sneak peek at the cover of next week’s issue, which celebrates Zohran Mamdani’s historic win. #NewYorkerCovers
https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/451hFM
https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/451hFM
November 5, 2025 at 3:15 AM
A sneak peek at the cover of next week’s issue, which celebrates Zohran Mamdani’s historic win. #NewYorkerCovers
https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/451hFM
https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/451hFM
"But the SVP is different":
I hear this often, especially compared to A/fD.
But 2024 data confirm different story: programmatically, the overlaps are strikingly close.
The real difference is govt participation, not ideology.
And yet, many still label the SVP as a center-right ("bürgerlich") party
I hear this often, especially compared to A/fD.
But 2024 data confirm different story: programmatically, the overlaps are strikingly close.
The real difference is govt participation, not ideology.
And yet, many still label the SVP as a center-right ("bürgerlich") party
November 3, 2025 at 9:45 AM
"But the SVP is different":
I hear this often, especially compared to A/fD.
But 2024 data confirm different story: programmatically, the overlaps are strikingly close.
The real difference is govt participation, not ideology.
And yet, many still label the SVP as a center-right ("bürgerlich") party
I hear this often, especially compared to A/fD.
But 2024 data confirm different story: programmatically, the overlaps are strikingly close.
The real difference is govt participation, not ideology.
And yet, many still label the SVP as a center-right ("bürgerlich") party
To my friends in the US: this is how a major Swiss tabloid reports on the upcoming NYC mayoral race (and yes, the candidate’s name Zohran Mamdani is deliberately omitted):
“Donald Trump is already looking ahead: this Muslim could make US history next week”
“Donald Trump is already looking ahead: this Muslim could make US history next week”
November 1, 2025 at 10:37 PM
To my friends in the US: this is how a major Swiss tabloid reports on the upcoming NYC mayoral race (and yes, the candidate’s name Zohran Mamdani is deliberately omitted):
“Donald Trump is already looking ahead: this Muslim could make US history next week”
“Donald Trump is already looking ahead: this Muslim could make US history next week”
A remarkable trend—one that runs fundamentally counter to the Swiss far-right’s portrayal of migrants as low-skilled:
Through the 2020s, Switzerland has become the only small country to rank among the world’s top 10 preferred destinations for highly educated young adults („the brightest and best“)
Through the 2020s, Switzerland has become the only small country to rank among the world’s top 10 preferred destinations for highly educated young adults („the brightest and best“)
The US remains the most popular destination among educated young adults worldwide, but its lead over #2 has narrowed from 20pts to 9pts, while the UK has plummeted from a consistent #2 ranking to #7, again with a steep fall after 2016.
November 1, 2025 at 8:48 AM
A remarkable trend—one that runs fundamentally counter to the Swiss far-right’s portrayal of migrants as low-skilled:
Through the 2020s, Switzerland has become the only small country to rank among the world’s top 10 preferred destinations for highly educated young adults („the brightest and best“)
Through the 2020s, Switzerland has become the only small country to rank among the world’s top 10 preferred destinations for highly educated young adults („the brightest and best“)
Gerry Seoane 💛🖤
wiukomme zrügg daheim z bärn
wiukomme zrügg daheim z bärn
Meistertrainer kehrt nach Bern zurück: YB präsentiert Contini-Nachfolger.
Nach Contini-Entlassung: YB holt Meistertrainer zurück
Der neue Trainer bei den Young Boys heisst Gerardo Seoane.
www.20min.ch
October 31, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Gerry Seoane 💛🖤
wiukomme zrügg daheim z bärn
wiukomme zrügg daheim z bärn
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
A new postdoc position is now available at the Center for European Studies at Harvard for 2026 2027, The Guido Goldman postdoctoral fellowship, named after our center's founder
A great opportunity to work at Harvard for the year. Here is more information:
ces.fas.harvard.edu/opportunitie...
A great opportunity to work at Harvard for the year. Here is more information:
ces.fas.harvard.edu/opportunitie...
Guido Goldman Fellowship
Guido Goldman, co-founding director of the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies The Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES) is…
ces.fas.harvard.edu
October 30, 2025 at 12:54 PM
A new postdoc position is now available at the Center for European Studies at Harvard for 2026 2027, The Guido Goldman postdoctoral fellowship, named after our center's founder
A great opportunity to work at Harvard for the year. Here is more information:
ces.fas.harvard.edu/opportunitie...
A great opportunity to work at Harvard for the year. Here is more information:
ces.fas.harvard.edu/opportunitie...
Exactly one year ago, my first edited volume was published.
A year later, I’m experiencing another first: preparing my first CP lecture! What a privilege to teach with and from the excellent chapters written by our contributors. Feeling deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey🙏🏾
A year later, I’m experiencing another first: preparing my first CP lecture! What a privilege to teach with and from the excellent chapters written by our contributors. Feeling deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey🙏🏾
Happy book publication day—thrilled that our HANDBOOK OF COMPARATIVE POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS is now officially published!
It features 31 chapters authored by 50+ leading authorities. We hope that it will contribute to the (re-)emergent study of institutions, a founding pillar of polisky econsky
It features 31 chapters authored by 50+ leading authorities. We hope that it will contribute to the (re-)emergent study of institutions, a founding pillar of polisky econsky
October 29, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Exactly one year ago, my first edited volume was published.
A year later, I’m experiencing another first: preparing my first CP lecture! What a privilege to teach with and from the excellent chapters written by our contributors. Feeling deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey🙏🏾
A year later, I’m experiencing another first: preparing my first CP lecture! What a privilege to teach with and from the excellent chapters written by our contributors. Feeling deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey🙏🏾
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
"Interessanterweise richteten unsere Interviewpartner:innen ihre Wut nie gegen den Kapitalismus [...] weil man gerade auf diesem Boden sein eigenes Selbst aufgebaut hat – und sich daraus auch die affektiven Energien speisen."
Wie kann man die Lust am Zerstören soziologisch verstehen? Mit Till Schmidt habe ich für das @philosophiemagazin.bsky.social über unsere Forschung und über unsere Lektüre von Erich Fromm gesprochen.
@onachtwey.bsky.social
www.philomag.de/artikel/caro...
@onachtwey.bsky.social
www.philomag.de/artikel/caro...
Carolin Amlinger: „Faschismus ist vor allem eine Führung der Gefühle“
In ihrem kürzlich erschienenen Buch Zerstörungslust nehmen Oliver Nachtwey und Carolin Amlinger eine Destruktivität in den Blick, die sich gegen soziale Minderheiten und liberale Errungenschaften rich...
www.philomag.de
October 29, 2025 at 7:29 AM
"Interessanterweise richteten unsere Interviewpartner:innen ihre Wut nie gegen den Kapitalismus [...] weil man gerade auf diesem Boden sein eigenes Selbst aufgebaut hat – und sich daraus auch die affektiven Energien speisen."
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
Even though Switzerland has one of the most elect. successful far-right parties, I often hear ppl say: “The SVP is different”
I’m not sure many realize the radicalization of its youth wing, which has close links to the i//dentit. mov which just held a pan-European meeting here to discuss “re//mig"
I’m not sure many realize the radicalization of its youth wing, which has close links to the i//dentit. mov which just held a pan-European meeting here to discuss “re//mig"
«Wir sollten Rechtsextreme beim Namen nennen»: Extremismusforscher fordert nach Identitären-Treffen im Tessin klare Haltung.
«Sollten Rechtsextreme und ihre Ideologie beim Namen nennen»
Dutzende «Identitäre» haben sich in Lugano versammelt und über Remigration diskutiert. Extremismusforscher Dirk Baier fordert eine klare Haltung gegenüber Rechtsextremen.
www.20min.ch
October 28, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Even though Switzerland has one of the most elect. successful far-right parties, I often hear ppl say: “The SVP is different”
I’m not sure many realize the radicalization of its youth wing, which has close links to the i//dentit. mov which just held a pan-European meeting here to discuss “re//mig"
I’m not sure many realize the radicalization of its youth wing, which has close links to the i//dentit. mov which just held a pan-European meeting here to discuss “re//mig"
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
We have just advertised a Full Prof position in the Political and Social Sciences department at the EUI (@eui-sps.bsky.social). Here are the details. Please spread the word, and get in touch if you have any questions.
www.eui.eu/Documents/Se...
www.eui.eu/Documents/Se...
www.eui.eu
October 23, 2025 at 2:03 PM
We have just advertised a Full Prof position in the Political and Social Sciences department at the EUI (@eui-sps.bsky.social). Here are the details. Please spread the word, and get in touch if you have any questions.
www.eui.eu/Documents/Se...
www.eui.eu/Documents/Se...
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
I’m deeply honored to receive the "Preis für Föderalismus- und Regionalforschung" for my book "Lobbyierende Kantone", presented by the presidents of the parliaments of the Austrian Bundesländer and South Tyrol, as well as the @ifoe.bsky.social.
On the picture: e.g., Landeshauptmann Stelzer (ÖVP)
On the picture: e.g., Landeshauptmann Stelzer (ÖVP)
October 27, 2025 at 8:14 AM
I’m deeply honored to receive the "Preis für Föderalismus- und Regionalforschung" for my book "Lobbyierende Kantone", presented by the presidents of the parliaments of the Austrian Bundesländer and South Tyrol, as well as the @ifoe.bsky.social.
On the picture: e.g., Landeshauptmann Stelzer (ÖVP)
On the picture: e.g., Landeshauptmann Stelzer (ÖVP)
I’m deeply honored to receive the "Preis für Föderalismus- und Regionalforschung" for my book "Lobbyierende Kantone", presented by the presidents of the parliaments of the Austrian Bundesländer and South Tyrol, as well as the @ifoe.bsky.social.
On the picture: e.g., Landeshauptmann Stelzer (ÖVP)
On the picture: e.g., Landeshauptmann Stelzer (ÖVP)
October 27, 2025 at 8:14 AM
I’m deeply honored to receive the "Preis für Föderalismus- und Regionalforschung" for my book "Lobbyierende Kantone", presented by the presidents of the parliaments of the Austrian Bundesländer and South Tyrol, as well as the @ifoe.bsky.social.
On the picture: e.g., Landeshauptmann Stelzer (ÖVP)
On the picture: e.g., Landeshauptmann Stelzer (ÖVP)
#Zerstörungslust – das Buch der Stunde, nun erstmals in der Schweiz vorgestellt: @camlinger.bsky.social & @onachtwey.bsky.social erklären, warums um Lust > Wut geht: In der Lust am Zerstören erhalten Menschen, die von liberalen Gesellschaften enttäuscht sind, das Gefühl zurück, „wieder jdm zu sein“
October 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
#Zerstörungslust – das Buch der Stunde, nun erstmals in der Schweiz vorgestellt: @camlinger.bsky.social & @onachtwey.bsky.social erklären, warums um Lust > Wut geht: In der Lust am Zerstören erhalten Menschen, die von liberalen Gesellschaften enttäuscht sind, das Gefühl zurück, „wieder jdm zu sein“