Abstract Guided by the question "Who can learn from whom?" the author compares how domestic actors in the Netherlands and Switzerland tackle global problems involving scarce natural resources. Variables such as storylines, policy instruments, and actor networks are framed by political traditions and the general "philosophy" behind each country's policy. Both countries pursue their own strategy, and give environmental policy high priority in their political agendas. But Dutch policy is shaped by a specific tradition of negotiation and "voluntary" agreements between ministries and polluter groups. Swiss policy emphasizes binding legislation. Empirical observations are embedded in political theories dealing with potential shifts from sectoral thinking towards ecological modernization, sustainable principles, and network management. It is argued that the real challenge for politics and science is to include normative debate in open policy‐making systems. However, it is suggested that there is not much time left to experiment with new policy styles.