Switzerland was among the countries originally cited by Sternberger as an example of constitutional patriotism. The country has never been a nation-state, but rather has always been a confederacy, which is today populated by four main ethnic groups. The heterogeny of Switzerland stems from its historical position in Europe and its need to defend against its neighbors. Its identity is "driven by a process of demarcation from others, triggered,among others, by the experience of defence against superior enemies." This leads theorists such as Habermas, to put it forth as a "prototypical political nation." The cornerstones of Swiss national identity are prescribed to the political values of direct democracy, neutrality and federalism. These cornerstones show themselves in the country's policies and institutions which reinforce and are reinforced by the Swiss people, creating the common identity. This has been critiqued by scholars who suggest that "nationally specific interpretations of constitutional principles do not predispose a common national culture." Eugster writes about Swiss' multi-cultural identity and cultural diversity as an integral part of Swiss identity, not superseding the national political identity, but at least as a factor standing alongside it. This argument counters the prevalent discussion of Switzerland as a fundamental example of constitutional patriotism.