This dynamic introduction to contemporary France analyzes the problems and possibilities of democracy in a globalizing world. France was present at the creation of modern democratic politics in the eighteenth century, yet democratic stability has often eluded the country. Now, as established and new democracies everywhere confront the challenges of globalization--cultural diversity, economic change, the erosion of state sovereignty--France's rich and varied experience contains valuable lessons about what works (democratically speaking) and what does not. Anne Sa'adah describes actors,...

In today's Europe, deep cracks are showing in the system of political cooperation that was designed to prevent the geopolitical catastrophes that ravaged the continent in the first half of the twentieth century. Europeans are haunted, once again, by the specters of nationalism, fascism, and economic protectionism. Instead of sounding the alarm, many conservatives have become cheerleaders for the demise of the European Union (EU). This compelling book represents the first systematic attempt to justify the European project from a free-market, conservative viewpoint. Although many of their...