ABSTRACT

French Politics and Society is the ideal companion for all students of France and French politics with a strong reputation for its lucidity and lively exposition of the French polity. This third edition remains a highly readable text and offers a broad, critical and comprehensive understanding of French politics.

The book provides an excellent description of French institutions and ensures readers access to background information through discussing historical developments, political forces, public policy, and the evolution of important aspects of French society.

Key updates for the third edition include:

  • extensive updates including the Chirac, Sarkozy and Hollande presidencies;
  • inclusion of constitutional and state reform coverage since 2008;
  • the French party system and evolution of the French left and right;
  • more on France’s positioning with regards to Brussels and the impact of the European economic crisis.

French Politics and Society is essential reading for all undergraduates studying French politics, French studies, European studies or comparative politics.

part I|64 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|18 pages

The making of modern France

chapter 2|28 pages

France since 1958

chapter 3|16 pages

French political culture

Representations and realities

part II|95 pages

Institutions and power

chapter 4|21 pages

Presidents and prime ministers

chapter 5|21 pages

Checks and balances?

chapter 6|23 pages

Reforming the state

chapter 7|25 pages

A decentralised republic in a unitary state?

Local and regional government

part III|65 pages

Political forces and representation

chapter 8|17 pages

The French party system

Change and understanding change

chapter 9|24 pages

French parties today

chapter 10|21 pages

The representation of interests

part IV|81 pages

Reshaping modern France

chapter 11|24 pages

Society, citizenship and welfare

chapter 13|25 pages

Europe and Europeanisation

chapter 14|11 pages

The Republic in danger?