Turning Memories into Power: Swiss Archives as a Tool of Republican Policymaking
By Jan Haugner, Relevant Tomorrow (No. 27–28)
A new study by Jan Haugner examines the political use of archives in early modern Switzerland (c. 1650–1798). Archives were integral to republican governance, described as the “Soul of the State” and used to justify decisions, establish precedents, and stabilize political order.
The content of archives was shaped by political relevance. Inclusion and exclusion of information reflected broader strategies of governance. Archives functioned as both institutions of memory and instruments representing an idealized state.
This comparative study highlights the political value of early modern archives and encourages further research beyond single-case approaches.
Read the full article here: Relevant Tomorrow No. 27–28
Image modified by ChatGPT