The Fifth French Republic: Presidents, Politics and Personalities: A Study of French Political Culture / Edition 1

by Philip Thody

Overview

The Fifth French Republic is a study of modern French politics and history, discussing the five presidents who span from 1959 to the present—Charles de Gaulle, Georges Pompidou, Valry Giscard d'Estang, Francois Mitterand and Jacques Chirac.

Philip Thody examines the importance of the similarities between the five men for an understanding of the general and political culture of France; the similarities and differences in the foreign policies pursued by the five presidents, including anti-Americanism; France's role in the European Union and her attitude to the Cold War; French domestic policies and administrative practices, attempts to decentralize the state, the role of the French civil service, the problem of immigration and the rise of the National Front.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415187541
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/15/1998
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Thody, Philip

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements, Glossary, Introduction, 1. Charles de Gaulle: the founding father, 2. Georges Pompidou: the conscientious uncle, 3. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing: the ambitious nephew, 4. François Mitterrand: the rebellious brother, 5. Jacques Chirac: the impulsive grandson, 6. Conclusion, Appendix A French régimes from 1792 to 1958, Appendix B Prime ministers of the Fifth Republic, Appendix C A note on the French civil service, Notes, Annotated bibliography, Index

Editorial Reviews

Offers an introduction to modern French politics and history, focusing on the careers and personalities of the five men elected to the Presidency since 1958. Describes how the Fifth French Republic came into existence, and discusses the way in which it differs from previous attempts to establish a viable democratic regime in France. Compares the version of democracy represented by the Fifth French Republic with the longer established constitutional practices in English-speaking democracies, paying particular attention to the role of the French civil service. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknew.com)

Booknews