Democracy in Modern France

(Paperback)

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With its unique blend of political history and political theory, this book is a welcome addition to the series on Politics, Culture and Society in the New Europe. Nick Hewlett begins his fascinating study with a discussion of the various ways in which the concept of democracy has been interpreted. He continues by tracing the effect of France's revolutionary tradition on the theory and practice of democracy since the Enlightenment, looking in particular at both republican democracy and direct democracy. Hewlett examines the implications for democracy of profound social and political conflict in France and offers an unusual critique of the institutions and structures of formal politics, suggesting that their relationship with democracy is more tenuous than is often assumed. The political philosophy of `new liberals' such as Luc Ferry and Marcel Gauchet is also discussed in detail. Thought-provoking, original and closely-argued, this book explores some key aspects of politics in France whilst making a strong case for greater direct participation of ordinary people in politics. Nick Hewlett is Professor of French Studies and Director of the Centre for European Research at Oxford Brookes University. He is author of Modern French Politics. Conflict and Consensus since 1945 (1998), co-author of Contemporary France (with Jill Forbes and Franois Nectoux, 1994 and 2001), and co-editor of Currents in Contemporary French intellectual Life (with Christopher Flood, 2000) and Unity and Diversity in the New Europe (with Barrie Axford and Daniela Berghahn, 2000).

Reviews

"With its broad coverage of French history and of more contemporary developments, Hewlett's book provides an excellent foundation text for students specialising in the study of modern French politics. However, it should also be of gret interest to researchers, and Hewlett's reflections on questions such as democracy, globalisation and social equality are of profound significance for contemporary debates" Sarah Waters, Modern & Contemporary France Journal, December 2007
"...this book is indeed a welcome contribution to the Politics, Culture and Society in the New Europe series. Written in a clear and concise manner, Hewlett considers an overtly dense subject in such a way as to be understood by Everyman - which, given the numerous strands of democracy (liberal democracy, associative democracy, deliberative democracy, utilitarian democracy et al) really is no mean feat." David Marx,Former Books Editor of Juice Magazine, 2009
'Written in a clear and elegant style, this book combines a comprehensive view of political theory with a lucid account of French political history. The French case from modernity to the present is indeed, as Hewlett notes, a fascinating one. He is equal to the task of highlighting its vicissitudes.' University of Leeds, Max Silverman * Blurb from reviewer *

Author Bio

Nick Hewlett is Professor of French Studies and Chair of the Department at the University of Warwick, UK. His previous publications include Modern French Politics (Polity Press, 1998), ContemporaryFrance: Politics, Economics and Society Since 1945 (with Jill Forbes and Franois Nectoux, Longman, 2000) and Democracy in Modern France (Continuum, 2003).