ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 introduces the reader to various interpretations of the French polity, namely those based on the revolutionary tradition, sub-cultural identities, centre-periphery relations, and patterns of authority. Concentrating upon some of the most influential French, American and British studies, the chapter aims to provide a broad understanding of the complexity of French political culture. This exercise is an indispensable preliminary to the wider context of institutional development engaged in Part 2.
