France Since the Liberation - Between Exceptionalism and Convergence

This book focuses on the tension between the modernising thrust that places France on a trajectory of convergence with comparable liberal democracies and the defence of a national specificity that can act as a brake, complicating France's relationship with its neighbours, its present and its past.
This ambivalence in French political and social life stems from the conscious attempt to rebuild the nation after the trauma of Occupation during World War II and the new beginning provided by the Liberation. The government of the Fourth Republic embraced the pursuit of a modernisation that would enable it to regain its place among the world's leading democratic states. However, this modernising ambition co-exists with the belief in a specific destiny and a unique sense of mission that are intrinsic to the emergence of a sense of nationhood after the revolution of 1789. Raymond defines a critical perspective that draws together historical, economic, social, and political issues into a coherent understanding of what makes France the way it is today.
Written with both academic rigour and a highly accessible clarity of style, this volume is a valuable resource for students, educators, and researchers in French and European Studies.

List of contents

Introduction 1. The Republic That Never Died 2. Tidying up History 3. End of Empire and the Pursuit of a Modern France 4. The European Horizon: Championing the Nation and National Champions 5. The Enduring Extra-Territoriality of Nationhood 6. Squaring the Circle: French Exceptionalism in a Converging Europe 7. The Republic 'One and Indivisible': A Unique Consensus? 8. The Decline of an Exceptional Model of Leadership. Conclusion

About the author

Gino Raymond is Emeritus Professor of French at Bristol University. His research interests range widely across French literature, politics, and society.

Summary

This book focuses on the tension between the modernising thrust that places France on a trajectory of convergence with comparable liberal democracies and the defence of a national specificity that can act as a brake, complicating France’s relationship with its neighbours, its present and past.

Product details

• Authors: Gino Raymond, Gino (University of Bristol Raymond
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 20.02.2024
• EAN: 9781032637433
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3263743-3
• No. of pages: 256
• Series: Routledge Studies in the Modern History of France
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > Modern era up to 1918; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; France, European History, 20th Century, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Colonialism & Post-Colonialism, HISTORY / Europe / France, 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / European, 20th century, c 1900 to c 1999, Colonialism & imperialism, Politics & government, Second World War, Politics and government, Colonialism and imperialism, c 1939 to c 1945 (including WW2), National liberation & independence, post-colonialism, National liberation and independence, History / Wars & Conflicts / World War II / European Theater