ABSTRACT
The word ‘pacifisme’ first appeared in France at the end of the nineteenth century when the world was deeply imbued with nationalism. The goals of the French peace movement are quite similar to those of other European peace movements. The French movement also shares the idea of a freeze and unilateral disarmament with its European and American counterparts. In general, it can be said that the French peace movement consists of three groups: the Communist front organizations, the independent movements and the confessional movements. One of the main activities of the French peace movement is the public distribution of magazines, booklets, pamphlets and posters. An important fact to consider in assessing the media coverage of the French peace movement is that the personnel and structure of the state-run radio and press have changed dramatically since the Socialist and Communist parties assumed power in 1981.
