ABSTRACT
For the birth and consolidation of the modern nation-state over the centuries, three conditions have had to be fulfilled: it required recognisable and defensible natural frontiers, a single language and religious consensus. Examples abound of countries where this has not been the case and which have experienced difficulties in existing at ease with themselves and their neighbours: the former Yugoslavia fulfilled none of these conditions, Belgium is still divided by linguistic disputes and Ireland illustrates the problems posed by a lack of religious consensus. Canada, with what is claimed to be the longest undefended frontier in the world (merely a line on the map), has problems in establishing a distinctive natural identity and avoiding falling under the cultural and economic hegemony of the USA. It is also still beset by linguistic arguments. Switzerland-or more properly The Swiss Confederation-seems at first sight to invalidate this proposition with its four languages (German, French, Italian and Romansch), and with both Catholicism and the reformed religion existing side by side. In fact, the powers of the Confederal government are weak and real power, especially with regard to everyday life, is wielded by the cantons into which the country is divided and where these conditions are fulfilled.
