The Political dynamics of regionalism: FRG, Austria, Switzerland

Abstract

It is not the intention of this paper to deal with the process of regionalisation - in general or with regard to individual examples, particularly in Western Europe - and the specific dynamism which normally accompanies such processes. Its focus will be rather on political systems with an established federal structure (like the Federal Republic of Germany, Switzerland and Austria) and on the political dynamics inherent in a federal system. The analysis will try to demonstrate that a federal structure does imply and also generate political dynamics in different respects. The knowledge of such experiences might be useful for countries with regionalisation tendencies and processes, as some of them have obviously been prepared to adopt federal structures to a certain extent. Political actors in the respective countries which are undergoing such developments should be aware of the dynamics implied in established federal systems and/or typical for politics within such systems.