ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the contemporary political system in France. It focuses precisely on the question of the particularities of French politics and culture when compared with those of other contemporary developed countries. The book demonstrates the continuity of the French exceptionalism, and argues that France is in many ways simply reflecting global and European phenomena. It provides many facets of French cultural and political life, managing to stay abreast of a frequently changing, fast-shifting cultural and political landscape since the presidential and legislative elections of 2017 has been a near-impossible feat. The book aims to bring together scholars from a range of career stages and across international borders, from institutions in the United Kingdom, France, the United State and Australia.