In this section, we showcase media reports on Progress Foundation events or publications, along with contributions from our Board members.
Countering Demographic Change
Switzerland is shrinking, immigration could dry up, and the pension system is piling up billions in debt. Three uncomfortable ways out of the dead end of an ageing population.
In the media
Taming the «Machiavellian Presidency»
The Founders’ checks and balances are fraying but holding — barely. Whether they keep holding is up to ‘We the People.’
In the media
From Trauma to Thesis: Hummler’s New Take on an Unraveling Superpower
Hardly any other Swiss private banker has had more traumatic encounters with the United States than the man from eastern Switzerland, Konrad Hummler. Yet that does not stop him from again engaging critically with the dominance of this superpower – and arriving at some surprising conclusions.
In the media
There is No Prosperity Without Trust. Thoughts on Switzerland’s Envisaged Subjugation Under the EU’s Legal Code.
For new ideas and economic prosperity, people need freedom. However, this can only exist where a society is based on trust rather than strict regulation.
In the media
Can Populism Grow Up?
Yes, if it becomes embedded in a country's political system.
In the media
A Bumpy Road to the Federal State
The founding of the Swiss Confederation was a bumpy process - not only politically, but also practically, as the chaotic journey of the first parliamentarians shows. The book "Struggle for Freedom" sheds light on the history of Swiss liberalism and its continuing challenges.
In the media
Tectonic Upheaval
At the dawn of 2025, the world casts its watchful gaze upon America, for the new – yet familiar – president remains a figure to whom many struggle to acclimate. How much will Trump actually be able to realise this time around?
In the media
Lazy Freedom
Laziness is a state of freedom, says Austrian literary scholar Daniela Strigl. One can agree with that, but only if one's own laziness is not at the expense of hard-working third parties.
In the media
Liberals Should Have the Courage to Be Unfashionable
Freedom and responsibility have brought Switzerland success. But the foundations have become fragile. What might the liberalism of the 21st century look like?
In the media
“Even in Our Supposedly Secular Age, People are Busy Preaching in Politics.”
Oliver Zimmer, author of "Preachers of Truth", describes the historical and cultural impact of the Reformation on contemporary understandings of power, authority and truth.
In the media
“Urliberale Etatisten”- In Politics, Liberal Doesn’t Just Mean Liberal
The words that Loriot put into the mouth of one of his fictional characters in 1977 were almost prophetic: In the liberal sense, liberal doesn't just mean liberal. Today, with a little imagination, almost anything can be apostrophized as liberal.
In the media
Mohrenkopf And Meitlibei
The language police are cleaning up the confectionery shelves: a Basel bakery chain has turned the allegedly sexist "Meitlibei" into a harmless "good luck charm". This is reminiscent of the campaign against the Mohrenkopf. But is everyone who makes, eats or uses the word Mohrenkopf a violent racist?
In the media
Liberalism is an unreasonable demand
Liberalism demands a lot from people. Life in freedom is uncomfortable and exhausting, characterized by insecurity and inequality. Liberal society does not promise a land of milk and honey, but that is precisely why it is humane.
In the media
Historiography should focus more on entrepreneurs and less on politicians
Our view of history is often distorted when it comes to the economy. On the one hand, the industrial revolution is often only perceived in terms of social misery. On the other hand, the importance of the economy and, above all, entrepreneurs is massively underestimated.
In the media
Ten commandments of common sense
The "legendary" words of Abraham Lincoln about the strong and the weak and the dangers of debt were never spoken by him. They were not written until long after his assassination by a preacher of German descent. But they have retained their validity in their practical dimension.
In the media
Neoliberalism? Hardly. We’re actually living in an era of neo-mercantilism
For almost all economic, many social and even some health problems of our time, an astonishing number of contemporaries only know one scapegoat. The blame lies with "evil neoliberalism". But what about the characteristics attributed to it, deregulation, austerity, social cuts and global competition? A fact check.
In the media
Fortunately, different characters and talents cannot be leveled out
Equality from the start is a great liberal good. However, if children are transferred from family to collective care too early due to a fixation on equality, this damages a pillar of liberal society.
In the media
Switzerland has a future. On the positive power of individuality
Zum Buch von Gerhard Schwarz
In the media
Understanding Switzerland
Background information about a small country
In the media