The rapprochment between France and the Federal Republic of Germany five years after the end of World War II was the cornerstone of all subsequent Western European history. Their previous hostility was a basis for arms races and wars--their friendship, the foundation for continually widening European economic and now political community. The unexpected reunification of Germany in 1990 sent shock waves through the French political class. Julius W. Friend explains the present French-German relationship, first investigating the recent past, then laying out the problems of the present and foreseeable future. Each chapter follows the history of the French-German relationship in the postwar period, covering the DeGaulle-Adenauer collaboration, the economic power of West Germany and its policy toward the East (and their effects on France), socialist governments in both countries, and French reactions toward the events of late 1989 in East Germany--and the initial reticence of the French to accept German reunification. The book concludes with the widely posed question of whether France is the big loser in regard to the recent events in Germany. Are France and Germany together still the linchpin of a stable Europe and the European Community? Do the countries still need each other? Friend's volume attempts to answer these and other intriguing questions, suggesting a European agenda for the next decade. The Linchpin is essential reading for political scientists, European studies scholars and students, and others examining the dynamics of a crucial inter-country relationship in the new Europe.

In this informed and balanced treatment of recent French history, Julius Friend analyzes the changes, successes, and failures in the long and checkered record of former French president Frans Mitterrand. Extensive interviews with French politicians and intellectuals complement Friend's original research.Mitterrand was in office for fourteen years,

The reconciliation of France and Germany is a landmark in the history of the 20th century. Between 1870 and 1950, they fought three wars. Then, as founders of the European Community they became linked by increasingly close economic, political, and cultural ties. Friend asserts that it is no exaggeration to say that the French-German relationship has been central to the history of Western Europe in the second half of the 20th century. Friend provides a largely chronological account of the bilateral relation from the turbulence of unification through the years when an enlarged EU sought new institutions of governance. He then examines the basis of the Franco-German relationship today and looks to future changes. As Germany has become the economic giant of Europe, particularly after the reunification of West and East Germany, the relationship has changed, and Friend explores how this unequal but unavoidable partnership has adapted. An important guide for policy makers as well as scholars and students involved with contemporary European Studies.

A chronological look at French Politics. Politics in action is such a confused battleground that political analysis runs the risk of over-clarification. Confusion was not lacking in French politics between 1981 and 1988, and the author thought it useful to describe the manner in which events happened before attempting to sort out their meaning. T

"A balanced, yet critical, review of Mitterrand's fourteen-year presidency. Friend has crowned a long career as an expert on French politics with this astute analysis and assessment of a decisive chapter in the history of French Socialism. This is contemporary history at its best." -Richard Kuisel SUNY, Stony Brook "An intelligent and highly readable account of the Mitterrand years that, Friend argues, have changed the political landscape of France. ... A very good example of instant history" -Fritz Stern Foreign Affairs In this informed and balanced treatment of recent French history, Julius Friend analyzes the changes, successes, and failures in the long and checkered record of the former French president, Francois Mitterrand. Extensive interviews with French politicians and intellectuals complement his original research. Mitterrand was in office longer than any other democratic president, but Friend asks lis to consider the legacy of such a term. Elected in 1981 on a platform of radical reorganization of the French economy and society, Mitterrand was compelled to change policy within two years. Conventional austerity replaced socialist measures, and his second term was spotted by scandal and weakened by illness. The Mitterrand era saw the end of French hopes to be first among equals in Western Europe; instead, Mitterrand inaugurated a partnership with unified Germany in the European Union.

The reconciliation of France and Germany is a landmark in the history of the 20th century. Between 1870 and 1950, they fought three wars. Then, as founders of the European Community they became linked by increasingly close economic, political, and cultural ties. Friend asserts that it is no exaggeration to say that the French-German relationship has been central to the history of Western Europe in the second half of the 20th century.

Friend provides a largely chronological account of the bilateral relation from the turbulence of unification through the years when an enlarged EU sought new institutions of governance. He then examines the basis of the Franco-German relationship today and looks to future changes. As Germany has become the economic giant of Europe, particularly after the reunification of West and East Germany, the relationship has changed, and Friend explores how this unequal but unavoidable partnership has adapted. An important guide for policy makers as well as scholars and students involved with contemporary European Studies.

The rapprochment between France and the Federal Republic of Germany five years after the end of World War II was the cornerstone of all subsequent Western European history. Their previous hostility was a basis for arms races and wars--their friendship, the foundation for continually widening European economic and now political community. The unexpected reunification of Germany in 1990 sent shock waves through the French political class. Julius W. Friend explains the present French-German relationship, first investigating the recent past, then laying out the problems of the present and foreseeable future. Each chapter follows the history of the French-German relationship in the postwar period, covering the DeGaulle-Adenauer collaboration, the economic power of West Germany and its policy toward the East (and their effects on France), socialist governments in both countries, and French reactions toward the events of late 1989 in East Germany--and the initial reticence of the French to accept German reunification. The book concludes with the widely posed question of whether France is the big loser in regard to the recent events in Germany. Are France and Germany together still the "linchpin" of a stable Europe and the European Community? Do the countries still need each other? Friend's volume attempts to answer these and other intriguing questions, suggesting a European agenda for the next decade. The Linchpin is essential reading for political scientists, European studies scholars and students, and others examining the dynamics of a crucial inter-country relationship in the new Europe.