Savoy and Geneva: Cross-Border Communication and Cooperation in the Present, Despite Past Conflicts

Abstract

“Greater Geneva”, a dynamic Franco-Swiss agglomeration, includes the canton of Geneva and the arrondissement of Nyon (part of the canton of Vaud) on the Swiss side, and parts of the departments of Ain and Haute Savoie on the French side. The agglomeration, which began in 1973, received its current name of “Greater Geneva” in 2012 and recently celebrated half a century of its existence, filled with cross-border communications and cooperation between France and Switzerland. However, this outcome was not predetermined. Residents of the border territories of Savoy and Geneva had to overcome numerous obstacles to economic, cultural, and interpersonal interaction. The reason for this is a centuries-old history of conflictual relations caused by territorial claims, different religions and traditions. However, local peculiarities persist to this day on both sides of Franco-Swiss border, affecting the lives of the population in one way or another.