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

(Paperback)

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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.

Reviews

"Their book takes a solid shot at explaining the differences in the ways the two countries see themselves... and examines whether their differences can be reconciled." Reginald Dale, European Affairs, 7/1/2002

"Brenner and Parmentier chart new territory in their analysis.... [A] detailed, nuanced, and innovative work." Celia Whitaker, Foreign Affairs, 11/1/2002

"'Reconcilable Differences' succinctly summarizes the highs and lows of the recent international interactions between the [U.S. and France] and offers a guarded but insightful relationship projection through the near future.... A welcome and informative contribution to International Studies reading lists and academic reference collections." Willis M. Buhle, Midwest Book Review, 9/1/2002

"[A] compact but penetrating study.... the French worldview... is depicted here with nuance and insight." W.R. Smith, Lake Forest College, Choice, 4/1/2003

"It's no wonder that the French translation of the book has won awards (Notably the 2002 France-Amerique prize) and widespread praise...[Gordon and Meunier's] brief book is an outstanding evaluation of French realities, as opposed to French rhetorical flourishes." Regina Karp, Old Dominion University, Contemporary Security Policy, 8/1/2003

"This timely study by Parmentier and Brenner helps explain the complex and often difficult relations between France and the United States. Whether Europe and America further diverge or come more closely together in the next decade depends on how these countries understand each other. This book should help make for a more constructive future." John J. Hamre, President and CEO

Author Bio

Michael Brenner is professor of International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. Guillaume Parmentier is head of the French Center on the United States (CFE) at the Institut Francais des Relations Internationales in Paris and professor at the University of Paris II.