France since the 1970s: History, Politics and Memory in an Age of Uncertainty

Product Description Until the mid-20th century, France saw itself as a great power with universalist aspirations and global ambitions. But the Second World War and decolonisation irrevocably changed France's place in the world. Despite attempts to restore the country's 'grandeur' in the 1960s, the French have been forced to reconcile themselves to their modest place at the heart of a changing Europe. What impact has this had on political life? How have the French reimagined the revolutionary, republican and reactionary ideologies that have been so crucial to their history? How has the arrival of hundreds of thousands of postcolonial migrants transformed politics? These are just some of the questions at the heart of France since the 1970s. With contributions from leading specialists on topics as varied as the legacy of empire and neo-liberalism, it explores how the French have dealt with the pervasive sense of uncertainty that has become a defining feature of contemporary European politics. Review “All of the essays [in this collection] contribute to the recent history of France ... [and] many of them point to the importance of developments not bound by the post-1970s era ... Curious readers will certainly want to follow up this volume.” -Booksandideas.net Book Description An examination of the varied ways in which French politics has adapted to a growing sense of political and economic uncertainty since the late 1960s. About the Author Emile Chabal is a Chancellor's Fellow in History at the University of Edinburgh, UK.