The first edition of Liechtenstein: A Modern History, launched in 2003, was hailed as the most comprehensive and factual book on Liechtenstein published for decades. It has been reprinted several times, reflecting the demand for well-researched information about Liechtenstein. Since the book was first published, world events have radically affected Liechtenstein's global position, and this expanded and completely revised edition now brings Liechtenstein's story up to date. It includes a full account of Liechtenstein's response to the international financial crisis and of the chain of events that led to the Liechtenstein Declaration in 2009 in response to global standards on transparency in fiscal matters. 

 

The enormous impact on the financial services sector is admirably documented. The author has also drawn extensively on the recent ground-breaking investigations of the Independent Commission of Historians, which have done much to clarify Liechtenstein's role in the Second World War. As a former British Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechten­stein, David Beattie writes with authority about the country from a combination of first-hand experience and thorough research, including interviews with many of the key personalities. 

 

The result is an essential read for those who wish to under­stand the current status of one of the world's most individual countries, and how it has survived in the face of global change.

 

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Liechtenstein is a unique but little-known success story in modern Europe. Excluded from the League of Nations in 1920 because it was thought too small, it is now an active member of the United Nations, the Europe­an Economic Area, the Council of Europe and other international organisations. Its history has been dramatic and precarious. Several times it was in danger of vanishing from the map, most recently in 1939. It has no natural resources beyond a hard-working and entrepreneurial population. Low taxes, liberal regulation and "small government" have transformed it from an agrarian back­water into one of the most advanced high-technology industrial countries in Europe. Its manufacturing companies provide employ­ment to people from the surrounding region. Globally, they offer almost as many jobs abroad as at home. Its flourishing financial services sector, although criticised in the past, is now better regulated than many others in Europe and has been very positively assessed by the International Monetary Fund. In 2009 Liechtenstein committed itself to the OECD's global standard on transparency and information exchange in tax matters. Liechtenstein's constitution is a unique blend of a strong monarchy, vigorous direct demo­cracy and an active parliament. There is a tra­dition of robust political debate but an un­derlying desire to reach consensus. The result is a high degree of political stability, a pre­condition for the country's economic success, high standards of living and welfare and flourishing cultural life.

 

This book pulls together the threads of the country's history, institutions, politics and economy. Material from the British National Archives, some used here for the first time, gives insights into Liechtenstein's interaction with the wider world in the twentieth century. The book analyses the reasons for Liechten­stein's political survival and economic success. It ends with; a study of the prospects for this many-sided mini-state as Liechtenstein faces the challenges and opportunities of a chang­ing Europe: a Europe that might have some useful lessons to learn from Liechtenstein.

 

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About the Author David Beattie CMG

 

David Beattie was born in 1938. He was edu­cated at Merchant Taylors' School, Crosby. He studied Ancient Greek, Latin and An­cient History and then Russian at Lincoln College, Oxford.

 

He served with the Royal Navy during his National Service (1957-1959) and joined HM Diplomatic Service in 1963. He served in Moscow (1964-1966 and 1982-1985), Nicosia (1970-1974), Vienna (1978-1982) as Deputy Head UK Delegatior to the MBFR talks between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, Brussels (1987-1992) as Deput) Head and Minister UK Delegation to NATO and finally Berne (1992-1997) as HM Ambassador to Switzerland and con­currently to Liechtenstein. He was appointee Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1989. He is a Freeman of the City of London, was Master of his Livery Company in 2006-7 and is an Honorary Life Member of the British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce. He is married with two daughters and lives in Colchester, Essex.

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