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 📌!
Für das HEIMSPIEL von @scienceetcite.bsky.social kehren Wissenschaftler:innen zurück an ihren Geburtsort & geben persönliche Einblicke in ihren Alltag.
Am 28.11.2025 darf ich in der Aula referieren, wo ich am Musikabend einst nicht so virtuos Klavier vorspielte und ungelenk zu Moulin Rouge tanzte
Am 28.11.2025 darf ich in der Aula referieren, wo ich am Musikabend einst nicht so virtuos Klavier vorspielte und ungelenk zu Moulin Rouge tanzte
November 25, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Für das HEIMSPIEL von @scienceetcite.bsky.social kehren Wissenschaftler:innen zurück an ihren Geburtsort & geben persönliche Einblicke in ihren Alltag.
Am 28.11.2025 darf ich in der Aula referieren, wo ich am Musikabend einst nicht so virtuos Klavier vorspielte und ungelenk zu Moulin Rouge tanzte
Am 28.11.2025 darf ich in der Aula referieren, wo ich am Musikabend einst nicht so virtuos Klavier vorspielte und ungelenk zu Moulin Rouge tanzte
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
Here is a short interview for the @eui-eu.bsky.social about our article (w/ @filipkostelka.bsky.social & Nicolas Sauger) in the AJPS @ajpseditor.bsky.social. We discuss the key findings, why they matter, and how they speak to broader debates on migration and politics.
www.eui.eu/news-hub?id=...
www.eui.eu/news-hub?id=...
Rethinking politics after migration, with Eva Krejcova
Moving abroad can change how people see politics A new article led by Eva Krejcova in the American Journal of Political Science reveals a dual dynamic: migran
www.eui.eu
November 24, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Here is a short interview for the @eui-eu.bsky.social about our article (w/ @filipkostelka.bsky.social & Nicolas Sauger) in the AJPS @ajpseditor.bsky.social. We discuss the key findings, why they matter, and how they speak to broader debates on migration and politics.
www.eui.eu/news-hub?id=...
www.eui.eu/news-hub?id=...
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
We find a growing urban-rural divide among newer generations. In urban places, newer generations are more strongly in favour of immigration, whereas these newer generations in rural places are not becoming more progressive. For environmental issues, we do not find such a difference. (5/10)
November 24, 2025 at 9:48 AM
We find a growing urban-rural divide among newer generations. In urban places, newer generations are more strongly in favour of immigration, whereas these newer generations in rural places are not becoming more progressive. For environmental issues, we do not find such a difference. (5/10)
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
The Swiss center-right FDP have a new leadership pushing for cuts to social benefits.
But: FDP voters support a minimum wage and oppose raising the retirement age, a clear gap between elite and base.
We show which four “ideal parties” would actually reflect the real preferences of Swiss voters⬇️
But: FDP voters support a minimum wage and oppose raising the retirement age, a clear gap between elite and base.
We show which four “ideal parties” would actually reflect the real preferences of Swiss voters⬇️
November 22, 2025 at 10:47 AM
The Swiss center-right FDP have a new leadership pushing for cuts to social benefits.
But: FDP voters support a minimum wage and oppose raising the retirement age, a clear gap between elite and base.
We show which four “ideal parties” would actually reflect the real preferences of Swiss voters⬇️
But: FDP voters support a minimum wage and oppose raising the retirement age, a clear gap between elite and base.
We show which four “ideal parties” would actually reflect the real preferences of Swiss voters⬇️
GO CRIMSON!
Enjoying THE GAME stream as Harvard trail Yale in the 141st edition.
And reminiscing about my truly unforgettable time living right next to Harvard Stadium during my research stay last year.
What a place, what memories!
Enjoying THE GAME stream as Harvard trail Yale in the 141st edition.
And reminiscing about my truly unforgettable time living right next to Harvard Stadium during my research stay last year.
What a place, what memories!
November 22, 2025 at 8:02 PM
GO CRIMSON!
Enjoying THE GAME stream as Harvard trail Yale in the 141st edition.
And reminiscing about my truly unforgettable time living right next to Harvard Stadium during my research stay last year.
What a place, what memories!
Enjoying THE GAME stream as Harvard trail Yale in the 141st edition.
And reminiscing about my truly unforgettable time living right next to Harvard Stadium during my research stay last year.
What a place, what memories!
The Swiss center-right FDP have a new leadership pushing for cuts to social benefits.
But: FDP voters support a minimum wage and oppose raising the retirement age, a clear gap between elite and base.
We show which four “ideal parties” would actually reflect the real preferences of Swiss voters⬇️
But: FDP voters support a minimum wage and oppose raising the retirement age, a clear gap between elite and base.
We show which four “ideal parties” would actually reflect the real preferences of Swiss voters⬇️
November 22, 2025 at 10:47 AM
The Swiss center-right FDP have a new leadership pushing for cuts to social benefits.
But: FDP voters support a minimum wage and oppose raising the retirement age, a clear gap between elite and base.
We show which four “ideal parties” would actually reflect the real preferences of Swiss voters⬇️
But: FDP voters support a minimum wage and oppose raising the retirement age, a clear gap between elite and base.
We show which four “ideal parties” would actually reflect the real preferences of Swiss voters⬇️
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
If you have any link to Switzerland, chances are you have very strong feelings about our national drink, Rivella — you either love it or hate it. I’m firmly in the first camp, so imagine my joy when today’s dining hall @unil.bsky.social giveaway was… Rivella socks.
Feeling extremely stylish!
Feeling extremely stylish!
November 21, 2025 at 12:19 PM
If you have any link to Switzerland, chances are you have very strong feelings about our national drink, Rivella — you either love it or hate it. I’m firmly in the first camp, so imagine my joy when today’s dining hall @unil.bsky.social giveaway was… Rivella socks.
Feeling extremely stylish!
Feeling extremely stylish!
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
#Entzauberungsmythos: Does bringing far-right parties into govt weaken them?
NO, it makes them even stronger, by ~+6% in the next election.
I definitely need to include this brilliant new study by @heikekluever.bsky.social & @anninahermes.bsky.social in my thread below! bsky.app/profile/heik...
NO, it makes them even stronger, by ~+6% in the next election.
I definitely need to include this brilliant new study by @heikekluever.bsky.social & @anninahermes.bsky.social in my thread below! bsky.app/profile/heik...
📣 New op-ed in Süddeutsche Zeitung: What the data say about the “Brandmauer”
I summarize key findings from a study with @anninahermes.bsky.social across 57 democracies
➡️ Far-right parties don’t get weaker in government, they get stronger (~6 points by the next election)
tinyurl.com/4j6jaud2
I summarize key findings from a study with @anninahermes.bsky.social across 57 democracies
➡️ Far-right parties don’t get weaker in government, they get stronger (~6 points by the next election)
tinyurl.com/4j6jaud2
Demokratie: Wenn die Rechte mitregiert, wird sie nicht geschwächt – im Gegenteil
Eine Untersuchung von 57 Ländern zeigt: Wenn die Rechte in Verantwortung kommt, gewinnt sie dazu. Daraus lässt sich für Deutschland lernen.
www.sueddeutsche.de
November 20, 2025 at 8:56 AM
#Entzauberungsmythos: Does bringing far-right parties into govt weaken them?
NO, it makes them even stronger, by ~+6% in the next election.
I definitely need to include this brilliant new study by @heikekluever.bsky.social & @anninahermes.bsky.social in my thread below! bsky.app/profile/heik...
NO, it makes them even stronger, by ~+6% in the next election.
I definitely need to include this brilliant new study by @heikekluever.bsky.social & @anninahermes.bsky.social in my thread below! bsky.app/profile/heik...
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
Finally, I know of at least one case where the letter writer, deep into an episode of AI-induced psychosis, asked the LLM why scientists were not responding. The machine suggested that perhaps the scientists were trying to steal his discovery.
This will get someone killed sooner or later.
This will get someone killed sooner or later.
November 21, 2025 at 5:32 AM
Finally, I know of at least one case where the letter writer, deep into an episode of AI-induced psychosis, asked the LLM why scientists were not responding. The machine suggested that perhaps the scientists were trying to steal his discovery.
This will get someone killed sooner or later.
This will get someone killed sooner or later.
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
Humbled & honored to take the stage in a completely sold-out prime-time event location in my hometown to discuss the future of democracy.
Just deeply grateful for this experience & to the editor-in-chief @cellmob.bsky.social for the kind invite.
Listen to the podcast www.derbund.ch/live-gesprae...
Just deeply grateful for this experience & to the editor-in-chief @cellmob.bsky.social for the kind invite.
Listen to the podcast www.derbund.ch/live-gesprae...
November 12, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Humbled & honored to take the stage in a completely sold-out prime-time event location in my hometown to discuss the future of democracy.
Just deeply grateful for this experience & to the editor-in-chief @cellmob.bsky.social for the kind invite.
Listen to the podcast www.derbund.ch/live-gesprae...
Just deeply grateful for this experience & to the editor-in-chief @cellmob.bsky.social for the kind invite.
Listen to the podcast www.derbund.ch/live-gesprae...
Bonjour RTS, nos nouveaux voisins !
La RTS ouvrira en 2025 son nouveau centre lausannois sur le campus de l’EPFL et de l’ @unil.bsky.social , marquant une étape stratégique de développement.
À l’UNIL, nous sommes ravis de notre future collaboration ! @srfnews.bsky.social www.rts.ch/entreprise/a...
La RTS ouvrira en 2025 son nouveau centre lausannois sur le campus de l’EPFL et de l’ @unil.bsky.social , marquant une étape stratégique de développement.
À l’UNIL, nous sommes ravis de notre future collaboration ! @srfnews.bsky.social www.rts.ch/entreprise/a...
November 18, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Bonjour RTS, nos nouveaux voisins !
La RTS ouvrira en 2025 son nouveau centre lausannois sur le campus de l’EPFL et de l’ @unil.bsky.social , marquant une étape stratégique de développement.
À l’UNIL, nous sommes ravis de notre future collaboration ! @srfnews.bsky.social www.rts.ch/entreprise/a...
La RTS ouvrira en 2025 son nouveau centre lausannois sur le campus de l’EPFL et de l’ @unil.bsky.social , marquant une étape stratégique de développement.
À l’UNIL, nous sommes ravis de notre future collaboration ! @srfnews.bsky.social www.rts.ch/entreprise/a...
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
#POLITKOLUMNE: Switzerland’s playbook with autocrats incl Trump & R/U.Z has long been the same: kiss, cooperate, cash in, and rarely resist. Domestic systems with fragmented decision-making are less willing to impose sanctions & tools that could keep autocrats in check www.derbund.ch/autokraten-u...
August 18, 2025 at 5:51 AM
#POLITKOLUMNE: Switzerland’s playbook with autocrats incl Trump & R/U.Z has long been the same: kiss, cooperate, cash in, and rarely resist. Domestic systems with fragmented decision-making are less willing to impose sanctions & tools that could keep autocrats in check www.derbund.ch/autokraten-u...
It’s rather rare for US media to report on Switzerland. But after the tariff deal (from 39 to 15%), they’re outspoken: „How to lobby Trump with Swiss precision: gifts, gold, gab“
Domestically, however, the govt member from the far-right who was responsible for the negotiations is being celebrated
Domestically, however, the govt member from the far-right who was responsible for the negotiations is being celebrated
Forget retaliation: To cut tariffs President Trump imposed on their country, the Swiss sent a delegation of industry tycoons bearing gifts — a special Rolex desktop clock, a 1-kilogram personalized gold bar, and loads of flattery.
How to lobby Trump with Swiss precision: gifts, gold and gab
How the Swiss broke a diplomatic logjam on tariffs by arriving with tributes fit for a king.
www.axios.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:26 AM
It’s rather rare for US media to report on Switzerland. But after the tariff deal (from 39 to 15%), they’re outspoken: „How to lobby Trump with Swiss precision: gifts, gold, gab“
Domestically, however, the govt member from the far-right who was responsible for the negotiations is being celebrated
Domestically, however, the govt member from the far-right who was responsible for the negotiations is being celebrated
Reposted by Rahel Freiburghaus
2/🧵 New piece with @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social in @NewRepublic: We analyzed 60,000+ respondents in the 2024 Cooperative Election Study. Gen Z has the lowest racial resentment of any generation. The generational shift overwhelms the education divide that supposedly defines modern politics.
The Shocking Truth About Gen Z Voters Is That They’re Pretty Great
Stop panicking: They are the most progressive generation ever, especially on race. If that surprises you, you’ve been listening to the wrong story.
newrepublic.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:44 PM
2/🧵 New piece with @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social in @NewRepublic: We analyzed 60,000+ respondents in the 2024 Cooperative Election Study. Gen Z has the lowest racial resentment of any generation. The generational shift overwhelms the education divide that supposedly defines modern politics.
A widening gap: Switzerland’s richest cantons keep getting richer (Zug!) while poorer cantons remain stuck, despite fiscal equalization.
Also, federalism lacks acceptance, particularly among younger generations. My interview on Radio SRF: www.srf.ch/play/radio/r... @economiesuisse.bsky.social
Also, federalism lacks acceptance, particularly among younger generations. My interview on Radio SRF: www.srf.ch/play/radio/r... @economiesuisse.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 8:00 AM
A widening gap: Switzerland’s richest cantons keep getting richer (Zug!) while poorer cantons remain stuck, despite fiscal equalization.
Also, federalism lacks acceptance, particularly among younger generations. My interview on Radio SRF: www.srf.ch/play/radio/r... @economiesuisse.bsky.social
Also, federalism lacks acceptance, particularly among younger generations. My interview on Radio SRF: www.srf.ch/play/radio/r... @economiesuisse.bsky.social
4 years ago, we proposed in an op-ed how the federal and subnational levels could govern jointly.
Now that model is already being implemented in two of the biggest cross-cutting challenges of our time: digitalization & security.
Today, we encouraged its further use! @unibe.ch @unil.bsky.social
Now that model is already being implemented in two of the biggest cross-cutting challenges of our time: digitalization & security.
Today, we encouraged its further use! @unibe.ch @unil.bsky.social
November 14, 2025 at 4:42 PM
4 years ago, we proposed in an op-ed how the federal and subnational levels could govern jointly.
Now that model is already being implemented in two of the biggest cross-cutting challenges of our time: digitalization & security.
Today, we encouraged its further use! @unibe.ch @unil.bsky.social
Now that model is already being implemented in two of the biggest cross-cutting challenges of our time: digitalization & security.
Today, we encouraged its further use! @unibe.ch @unil.bsky.social
Off to the NATIONALE FÖDERALISMUSKONFERENZ where we’ll hopefully tackle some of the key challenges for Swiss federalism:
▪️What to do when, already in 2023, only 50.5% of residents in the canton of Basel-Stadt were eligible to vote (a minority decides for the majority)?
foederalismuskonferenz.ch
▪️What to do when, already in 2023, only 50.5% of residents in the canton of Basel-Stadt were eligible to vote (a minority decides for the majority)?
foederalismuskonferenz.ch
November 13, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Off to the NATIONALE FÖDERALISMUSKONFERENZ where we’ll hopefully tackle some of the key challenges for Swiss federalism:
▪️What to do when, already in 2023, only 50.5% of residents in the canton of Basel-Stadt were eligible to vote (a minority decides for the majority)?
foederalismuskonferenz.ch
▪️What to do when, already in 2023, only 50.5% of residents in the canton of Basel-Stadt were eligible to vote (a minority decides for the majority)?
foederalismuskonferenz.ch
Humbled & honored to take the stage in a completely sold-out prime-time event location in my hometown to discuss the future of democracy.
Just deeply grateful for this experience & to the editor-in-chief @cellmob.bsky.social for the kind invite.
Listen to the podcast www.derbund.ch/live-gesprae...
Just deeply grateful for this experience & to the editor-in-chief @cellmob.bsky.social for the kind invite.
Listen to the podcast www.derbund.ch/live-gesprae...
November 12, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Humbled & honored to take the stage in a completely sold-out prime-time event location in my hometown to discuss the future of democracy.
Just deeply grateful for this experience & to the editor-in-chief @cellmob.bsky.social for the kind invite.
Listen to the podcast www.derbund.ch/live-gesprae...
Just deeply grateful for this experience & to the editor-in-chief @cellmob.bsky.social for the kind invite.
Listen to the podcast www.derbund.ch/live-gesprae...
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
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🇨🇭