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Added paragraph on the british empire and splendid isolation
This starkly isolationist posture is the product of Swiss direct democracy. Swiss voters have repeatedly voted on issues of international integration. In five of the six cases, they delivered a sharp rebuff to the international community and to their own government. One explanation focuses on the renewed linguistic cleavage between German speakers and French speakers. Also critical has been the desire to preserve a wide scope for Swiss direct democracy by rejecting binding international agreements. Finally, government campaign tactics have exacerbated popular opposition to international integration.<ref> Kris W. Kobach, "Spurn Thy Neighbour: Direct Democracy and Swiss Isolationism." ''West European Politics'' 1997 20(3): 185-211 </ref>
This starkly isolationist posture is the product of Swiss direct democracy. Swiss voters have repeatedly voted on issues of international integration. In five of the six cases, they delivered a sharp rebuff to the international community and to their own government. One explanation focuses on the renewed linguistic cleavage between German speakers and French speakers. Also critical has been the desire to preserve a wide scope for Swiss direct democracy by rejecting binding international agreements. Finally, government campaign tactics have exacerbated popular opposition to international integration.<ref> Kris W. Kobach, "Spurn Thy Neighbour: Direct Democracy and Swiss Isolationism." ''West European Politics'' 1997 20(3): 185-211 </ref>
== The British Empire ==
[[United Kingdom|The British Empire]] followed a policy of "Splendid Isolation" during the 19th century. Britain tried to stay out of any major alliances whilst also trying to maintain a balance of power in mainland [[Europe]] so as to avoid any dominant power arising to threaten their overseas territories or Britain itself. This policy ended in 1904 with the signing of the [[Entente Cordiale]] between Britain, [[France]] and the [[Russia]]
==Further reading==
==Further reading==