CIS Zurich

In an era of rapid global transformations and ever denser multilateral networks, national and international politics are becoming more and more intertwined. At CIS Zurich, we seek to integrate the study of national political systems (Comparative Politics) and the study of international politics (International Relations). Our research and educational activities thus concentrate on the complex interconnections between domestic, international and transnational political processes, structures, and institutions. The approaches used to that end range from formal theory, qualitative case studies and field and experimental research to statistical (econometric) methods and computational modeling. Download CIS Brochure (pdf) >>

The principal venues for cooperation among CIS-based scientists are:

• research seminars and an annual workshop;
• a large research program, “Challenges to Democracy in the 21st Century” (NCCR Democracy);
• a joint MA program in Comparative and International Studies;
• the CIS Graduate School (PhD program);
• public events with leading academics and political practitioners.

CIS activities focus on research, teaching and outreach:

research

The CIS is one of the leading political science research centers in Europe. Most research at the CIS concentrates on four broad themes: democracy, political violence, markets and politics, and sustainable development. Moreover, we are the leading house of a large Swiss research program, the National Center of  Competence in Research “Challenges to Democracy in the 21st Century” (NCCR Democracy). >>

teaching

The breadth of topics covered by CIS-based scientists is reflected in the variety of degree programs. CIS faculty members teach courses for students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. >>

outreach

The CIS regularly hosts public lectures and podium discussions with leading academics and political practitioners. >>