France in an Age of Globalization

By Hubert Védrine

Book Overview

This provocative book takes the form of a dialogue between French Foreign Minister Hubert V drine and international relations expert Dominique Mo si. V drine expresses his frank views of the U.S. ""hyperpower,"" France's role in the world, Europe's future, the current structure of the international system, and the role of ethics in international affairs. Probing the historic, diplomatic and cultural issues that unite and divide two historical allies, the book give unique insights into French thinking about the world, and France and America's respective roles in it. ""Like the French satirical television show that twits the United States for being the 'World Company' that invades peoples lives around the globe, the French foreign minister, Hubert Vedrine, expresses frustration, and perhaps a little envy, at America's dominion.... ""Since becoming foreign minister three years ago, Mr. Vedrine, 53, a lawyer and previously the senior foreign policy advisor to Francois Mitterand when he was president, has made a priority of making distinctions between France and the United States. That has left senior American officials muttering more than usual about the French."" --New York Times

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0815700075
• ISBN13: 9780815700074
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Brookings Institution Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Insightful

Vedrine refuses to acknowledge some of the warts of France's foreign policy in the Middle East (eg. history of colonialism, arms deals including nuclear). Yet this is a minor shortcoming in an otherwise forthright representation of France's opposition to America's post-Cold War "hyperpuissance." Read this for insights on why France believes it must counterbalance America's unchallenged military, political and cultural power. Especially relevant given misrepresentations of French views vis-a-vis the Gulf.