Liechtenstein. A modern history

Abstract:

This book is the first serious, all-round study of Liechtenstein published in English for many years.

The book is organised in five parts. The first and largest of these deals with Liechtenstein's history from the early Princes of Liechtenstein, through the First World War and its Campaign for International Recognition, the Second World War and its aftermath, the economic miracle of the period 1950-1990, the Council of Europe and admission to the United Nations, and finally the country’s experience in the European Economic Area (1988-1995).

Part two, which looks at Liechtenstein’s Constitution and politics, opens with chapters on the 1921 Constitution and the recent years of the Constitutional Controversy (1992-2003). The powers and constitutional role of the Prince, the Parliament and Government are each given attention in individual chapters. These are followed by chapters on direct democracy, the courts, local government, and the relationship between State and Church.

Part three examines the economy, and opens with an overview before going on to explore industry, financial services, a separate chapter dedicated to the supervision and regulation of financial services, and finally a chapter on bank secrecy and tax competition.

Part four looks at modern Liechtenstein with chapters on foreign policy and the role of Liechtenstein in the wider world. Part five looks forward to the future of Liechtenstein and offers the suggestion that the European Union might benefit from a study of Liechtenstein's political and economic culture.

The work will interest scholars and students engaged in constitutional politics, government and international relations.

David Beattie is a former British Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.