Fifth French Republic: Presidents Politics and Personalities

<p><em>The Fifth French Republic</em> is a study of modern French politics and history, discussing the five presidents who span from 1959 to the present--Charles de Gaulle, Georges Pompidou, Valry Giscard d'Estang, Francois Mitterand and Jacques Chirac.</p><p>Philip Thody examines the importance of the similarities between the five men for an understanding of the general and political culture of France; the similarities and differences in the foreign policies pursued by the five presidents, including anti-Americanism; France's role in the European Union and her attitude to the Cold War; French domestic policies and administrative practices, attempts to decentralize the state, the role of the French civil service, the problem of immigration and the rise of the National Front.</p> Acknowledgements, Glossary, Introduction, 1. Charles de Gaulle: the founding father, 2. Georges Pompidou: the conscientious uncle, 3. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing: the ambitious nephew, 4. François Mitterrand: the rebellious brother, 5. Jacques Chirac: the impulsive grandson, 6. Conclusion, Appendix A French régimes from 1792 to 1958, Appendix B Prime ministers of the Fifth Republic, Appendix C A note on the French civil service, Notes, Annotated bibliography, Index