Reconcilable Differences: U.S.-French Relations in the New Era

By Michael Brenner and Guillaume Parmentier

Book Overview

The U.S.-French relationship is unique in mixing elements of rivalry and cooperation. Historical allies and comrades in arms, the United States and France are often fractious and quarrelsome. Their promotion of competing visions for a post-Cold War Europe gives a sharp edge to disputes over security and trade issues. Yet their mutual interests as partners in multiple collective enterprises compel them to find ways to put their relations on a surer footing. Doing so is also the key to meeting the larger challenge of reconciling America's dominance as the global superpower with the aspirations of a strengthening European Union. The authors of this study examine how national identity, political culture, and diplomatic style strain ties between Washington and Paris. They prescribe a set of policy and procedural remedies and lay out a strategy for sustaining more constructive collaboration.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0815712537
• ISBN13: 9780815712534
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Brookings Institution Press
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

An evenhanded look at modern-day international relations

Reconcilable Differences: U.S.-French Relations in the New Era by Michael Brenner (Professor of International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh) and Guillaume Parmentier (Professor, University of Paris II and head of the French Center on the United States at the Institut Francais des Relations Internationales, Paris) is an evenhanded look at modern-day international relations between America and France, especially during the past decade. From economic tension, to clashes in NATO, to the dual face-off of superpower vs. multipolarity, Reconcilable Differences succinctly summarizes the highs and lows of the recent international interactions between the two nations and offers a guarded but insightful relationship projection through the near future. Also available in a hardcover edition ... Reconcilable Differences is a welcome and informative contribution to International Studies reading lists and academic reference collections.