Culture, understood broadly, lay at the heart of contrasting right-wing strategies for government in France during the pivotal decade of 2002-2012. Looking at issues of secularism, education, televisual performance, public memory and nation-branding Ahearne analyses how presidents Chirac and Sarkozy sought to redefine contemporary French identity.

Autorentext
Jeremy Ahearne is Professor of French Studies and Cultural Policy Studies at the University of Warwick, UK, where he is also Director of the Centre for Cultural Policy Studies. He has published widely on French culture, politics and intellectual history.

Inhalt
Introduction 1. Reforging Symbols: The New Laicity 2. Transmission: The Collège and the Socle Commun 3. Government through Television: Policy and Performance 4. Memory: History and National Identity 5. Outward Projection: France in the World Conclusion