Developments in French Politics 5

François Hollande's victory in the 2012 presidential election stood as an important moment in French politics. As the first left-wing president to be elected in almost 20 years, his election appeared to mark a shift away from the right and a return to 'normal' politics in France. Taking stock of both the Sarkozy years and the Hollande presidency, Developments in French Politics 5 provides state-of-the-art coverage of current trends, issues and debates. In a new set of specially commissioned chapters, leading French and Anglo-American experts examine all aspects of the French political system - from central institutions and organizations through to the key policies and issues. Two key themes run through the volume: the first is whether the discourse of reform - initiated by Sarkozy - has been translated into tangible change. The second theme explores to what extent it is possible to talk of French 'exceptionalism' - a uniquely French path to identity and globalization. Assuming no prior knowledge, this book provides wide-ranging and cutting-edge analysis of the factors influencing contemporary French politics.