Synopses & Reviews
Gaffney analyzes how de Gaulle came to power in 1958 and how the focus on an exceptional individual meant that he was able to confer a particular style of leadership on the Fifth Republic. The five Presidents who came after him have each capitalized on their own political 'persona.' Including a new preface to the paperback edition.
Review
The book is written in a very engaging way and students of French politics will certainly find that it summarises extremely well some of the key developments in the Fifth Republic.' - West European Politics
Synopsis
Gaffney analyzes how de Gaulle came to power in 1958: The drama surrounding the Fourth Republic's collapse, and the focus upon an exceptional individual meant that de Gaulle was able to confer a particular style of leadership on the Fifth Republic. The five Presidents who came after him have each capitalized on their own political 'persona.'
About the Author
JOHN GAFFNEY Professor of Politics at Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
Table of Contents
Preface to the Paperback Edition 1958: The Gaullist Settlement and French Politics 1958-1968: The Consolidation and Evolution of the Fifth Republic1968 and its Aftermath 1969-1974: Gaullism Without de Gaulle1974-1981: The Giscard Years1981-1988: From the République Sociale to the République Française1988-2002: The Long Decade of Vindictiveness, Miscalculations, Defeat, Farce, Good Luck, Good Government, and CatastropheThe Presidential Election of 2007Conclusion