Characteristics of the small state: A view from the perspective of the base
The fundamental question is repeatedly whether smaller, decentralized government structures for states and regions are not significantly more advantageous than the often propagated centralization. At first glance, the possibility of economies of scale and the pooling of resources makes it seem quite efficient to form large political units. But reality shows anotherBILD: While size is considered an efficiency encoder on paper, the practice reveals that smallness and decentralization lead to greater flexibility, robustness and adaptability. The metaphor of the elephant and the mouse puts it in a nutshell: A massive elephant can quickly break his leg if there is a misstep, while a small mouse himself falls unscathed from a high heightsurvives. Size makes systems fragile while smallness protects them.
Complexity and fragility of large political systems
If you see Switzerland as a nimble and resilient mouse with its decentralized structure, then the EU and large nation states such as France, Great Britain, Spain, Italy or Germany seem like immobile elephants. As the size increases, the complexity and the number of interactions within a political system increase. political interventions that were at firstLook as necessary control measures often produce undesirable side effects in large units. However, these are rarely recognized as a result of political measures, but perceived as independent disturbances, which in turn justifies further interventions. This cycle is leading to growing regulation, which makes the system increasingly cumbersome and susceptible to failuremakes. Especially in difficult economic times, such interventions are sold as a stabilization or economic policy, even if they often exacerbate the actual problems.
Inertia and instability of centralized systems
The appearance of stability that large and centrally managed systems convey is often deceptive. The more you try to create stability artificially, the more the system loses its natural flexibility and variability. In recent years, it has become clear how unstable centralized systems can become when unexpected events occur. Then politics falls into hecticCrisis mode, politicians appear in front of cameras and announce with a serious expression: “We have to…”. In such situations, know-it-alls and quick-decided dominate the public debate. But the large number of measures and their interactions can hardly be surveyed in a complex system. This creates a vicious circle of ever new interventions that further the systemdestabilized.
Switzerland as a model for decentralized structures
With its pronounced federalism, Switzerland is an alternative to the major centralized states. Its government system, organized from the bottom up, the strong position of the cantons and communities and the deliberate weakening of the federal level ensure exceptional stability and adaptability. It is noteworthy that the Swiss Federal Constitution does notclassic head of state; Above all, the Federal President has representative tasks and little influence on the daily life of the citizens. Swiss often don’t know who is currently the Federal President – and that is a sign of freedom and low political paternalism. In contrast, the top politicians of large states are omnipresent, they travel to summits,present themselves as crisis managers and decide on measures whose necessity they have often created themselves. Switzerland shows: Less staging and more objectivity lead to sustainable stability.
Regional diversity and identity as a source of strength
Europe is not only a merger of nation states, but a continent full of unique regions: Bavaria, Franconia, Friesland, Rhineland, Lusatia, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Catalonia, Basque Country, Lombardy, Sicily – the list could be continued. These regions have preserved their dialects, traditions, customs and rich literature, even though they are part of the larger ones today.states are. The diversity that arises from this regionality is what makes Europe’s strength and beauty so special. In Germany in particular, regional peculiarities – such as the Allgäu, the Harz Mountains, the Siegerland, the Emsland, the Münsterland and many others – have survived despite all standardization. They offer identification, stability and a cultural wealth that is notcentrally controlled.
The danger of centralization: loss of diversity and independence
Do these regions really need political control from Brussels or Berlin to be successful? Or are the EU’s centralist aspirations even a threat to the growing diversity? In fact, many regions could at least as well exist if not better. Nevertheless, efforts to become self-employed or more autonomy are often considered”Separatism” defamed. Those looking for pictures for “separatism” will usually find martial representations – but the peacefully celebrating Scots, Catalans or Bavaria remain hidden. In most cases, this is not about violent splitting, but about the legitimate striving for more self-determination.
Right to Self-Determination and Peace: Underestimated potential
The right of people or regions is a decisive factor in avoiding conflicts. If the inhabitants of an area decide democratically that they want to found their own state or join another, this wish should be met. This is the only way to prevent civil wars and revolutions in the long term. This right does not applyon abstract nations, but on real communities that are big enough for an independent administrative unit. The Principality of Liechtenstein is an outstanding example: every municipality can leave the state association there by majority vote – a model unique worldwide. In the rest of Europe, on the other hand, the mantra dominates: “Big is good, small is bad.” but more and morePeople recognize the advantages of small units – both economically and culturally.
The illusion of the lack of alternatives: centralism as a one-way street?
Centralist systems like to propagate the inevitable merger into ever larger political units, as if there were no alternative to ever-increasing integration up to the world state. Deviants are branded as a backward, and terms such as separatism or secession are given a negative connotation through targeted media presentation. but this oneArgumentation is not convincing: It serves primarily to maintain the power of political elites, not to compete with the best ideas or to take into account the needs of the population. It would be so easy: People should be able to act with each other in peace and be allowed to decide on their own fate – that is the actual path to peace, prosperity and diversity.
Decentrality as a motor for stability, prosperity and freedom
In summary, smallness is not only beautiful, but also robust, flexible and adaptable. Switzerland shows that a system built from below, in which cantons and municipalities have strong rights, enables a high quality of life, stability and peace. The regional peculiarities of Europe are not a relic of bygone times, but a treasure that is cultivated andshould be protected. If you really want to strengthen people and represent your interests, you should give them more self-determination, freedom and trust – and thus create the basis for a peaceful and diverse Europe.
