France has long been engaged in a very active cultural and scientific diplomacy. It aims both at ensuring and valorising the international presence of France in the domains of language, culture, communication, or higher education and research. This diplomacy is backed by a network of cooperation services in embassies and cultural institutions, as well as by numerous operators and specialised agencies in various sectors. This book asks whether cultural diplomacy, invented by France in the 18th century, is in danger. It asks whether the present system, aimed at helping artists and creators, professionals of teaching and culture, researchers and intellectuals, can be improved. And it argues that a diplomacy of influence needs coherent foreign policy connecting sectors and promoting partnerships.

French Studies in and for the 21st Century draws together a range of key scholars to examine the current state of French Studies in the UK, taking account of the variety of factors which have made the discipline what it is. The book looks ahead to the place of French Studies in a world that is increasingly interdisciplinary, and where student demands, new technologies and transnational education are changing the ways in which we learn, teach, research and assess. Required reading for all UK French Studies scholars, the book will also be an essential text for the French Studies community worldwide as it grapples with current demands and plans for the future.

The steady increase in joint programmes and qualifications offered by UK and French universities is a cause for celebration. But language constraints, financial pressures and political uncertainty present real obstacles to continued expansion. How are these to be overcome? And how can higher education institutions on either side of the Channel help each other to realise the enormous potential of Franco-British partnerships? Franco-British Academic Partnerships: The Next Chapter is a valuable opportunity not only to take stock of intensifying bilateral cooperation in the higher education sector, but also to share experience and best practice, and, hopefully, to identify some new initiatives and areas for collaboration. Boasting contributions from leading politicians and higher education managers, alongside essays from distinguished international scholars, the book will be required reading for academics and university leaders.

French Studies in and for the 21st Century draws together a range of key scholars to examine the current state of French Studies in the UK, taking account of the variety of factors which have made the discipline what it is. The book looks ahead to the place of French Studies in a world that is increasingly interdisciplinary, and where student demands, new technologies and transnational education are changing the ways in which we learn, teach, research and assess. Required reading for all UK French Studies scholars, the book will also be an essential text for the French Studies community worldwide as it grapples with current demands and plans for the future.