Achieving a Peace Settlement between Abkhazia and Georgia: Lessons from Swiss Federalism

摘要

Since the end of the Georgian-Abkhazian War of 1992-93, negotiations failed to come up with a viable solution considered satisfactory to either side. To a great extent, any meaningful settlement must first rule out the subordination or exclusion of ethnic minorities by the majority. Thus bringing us to the unique political culture of Swiss federal democracy, where leaders generally avoid speaking in terms of 'majority and minority'. Instead, 'Swiss political structures strive to be volksnah in touch with the people and to every extent possible, respond to the wishes of all citizens. While such an approach is not often observed in most democratic societies, this is one of many subtle features of the Swiss model that may offer a fresh look at addressing separatist movements. It is within this context, that the paper aims to highlight distinguishing features of Swiss federalism and how this unique form of government may add value and possibly transferable lessons for a peaceful solution to the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict.