External Relations of the Canton of Zurich in 2005–2024: Institutions, Priorities, and Main Directions

The study of the external relations of constituent units within federal states – particularly Switzerland – is of enduring scholarly interest for several reasons. Firstly, an examination of the specific experience of the Swiss cantons in the sphere of external engagement may offer valuable insights for enhancing the external relations frameworks of Russia’s federal subjects. Secondly, an analysis of the division of powers between the federal government and the cantons could contribute to the further development of the Russian model of federalism. This article aims to identify the principal features of the Canton of Zurich’s external relations in the period from 2005 to 2024. To this end, it examines the legal and institutional foundations underpinning Zurich’s external engagement, outlines its priorities and interests, and analyses the main directions pursued over this period. The specific focus on Zurich enables a detailed exploration of the theoretical and practical dimensions of subnational external relations in Switzerland – an area that has received limited attention in both Russian and international scholarship to date. The study concludes that the Canton of Zurich enjoys substantial autonomy in this domain and has developed a range of innovative mechanisms to advance its interests abroad. The sophistication of Zurich’s external relations, together with the strengths of the Swiss federal model more broadly, may serve as a useful point of reference for Russian regions – particularly those that are economically advanced and situated along national borders.