France and the World since 1870

This study charts France’s relations with the rest of the world over the whole of the 20th century. Those relations are characterized by remarkable degrees of continuity in terms of how France perceives herself, how she perceives others and how she believes the two should interact. In short, France’s relations with the rest of the world are an example of a tremendous over-investment in grandeur. Yet throughout the 20th century France showed remarkable resilience in maintaining her great power status in the face of repeated setbacks and defeats internally and externally. Despite her decline to a medium-sized power, like Britain, she has continued to “punch above her weight”. This work analyses the deep forces that have shaped France’s international relations, from material aspects such as geography, demography and economics to more abstract features of France’s national identity such as notions of the state, the civilizing mission and ideas of grandeur.
A series of thematic chapters spanning the whole of the 20th century look at how foreign policy is formulated and executed, the nature of strategy and defence, France’s allies and adversaries, the civilizing mission and cultural diplomacy, and intelligence assessment. A final chapter looks at France’s position in the post Cold War era, her adjustment to the new international system and the extent to which old mentalities and demons have persisted or been resurrected.

Author Biography

John F.V. Keiger is Professor of International History and Director of the European Studies Research Institute at the University of Salford, UK, and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.