Customer Reviews

Dangerous De-Liaisons: What's Really Behind the War between France and the U.S.

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This is an excellent book that analyzes the reasons behind the French-American political rift. The writing is very lively, as it is structured as a debate between two very insightful journalists: Jean-Mari Colombani, editor of Le Monde, and Walter Wells, editor of the International Herald Tribune. Both live in Paris.

The two co-authors do an excellent job in contrasting the two cultures. This is not a third class political shouting match. Both of them are well versed in both cultures, and agree on as many points as they disagree. But, throughout, they educate you on the extensive differences between these two dominant cultures of the Western World.

It is no surprise that our governments clash. Both of them do not take well to being number two. In a sense, from an intellectual standpoint, both governments are as unilateral as the other. It happens one leads the number one power and attempts to lead the World; the other leads a second tier nation and attempts to lead the number one supranational governmental body. It is in their respective "attempts" that the French and American governments experience growing frustration.

In several ways, the two countries represent polar opposites of a Western style democracy.

France is really a technocracy much more than a democracy. The members of the power structure in both commerce and politics typically have graduated from the top universities with degrees in engineering, political science, law, or business. Within such an elitist system there is very little chance for entrepreneurship. The opportunity for self-made success American style are close to zero in France. In good part, this is because of France's hefty socialist safety net. It is nice for the unemployed, but it's heavy tax and regulatory structure makes it virtually impossible to start a business. The power is totally centralized. It is Paris or else. This was the way Napoleon Bonaparte structured France as a centralized Republic run by an elite. Two centuries later not a whole lot has changed.

The U.S. is a truer democracy with its own qualities and flaws. Our society is much more open. Individuals have a greater chance to succeed regardless of their educational background. As a result, the American labor markets are far more flexible, and the economy is far more productive than the French one. Similarly, the American rate of innovation and implementation of such innovations is much superior to France. On the other hand, intellectuals are often scorned. Elitism is sometimes dismissed to an excessive degree. Repercussions of this are many. Including a steady deterioration of the intellectual content of our entertainment culture that aims at the lowest common denominator within our society. This is because there are more bucks to be made with the masses, and the higher Nielsen ratings are there to prove it.

After reading this book, you will feel a lot more ambivalent about any preconceived ideas you had regarding the French-American tension. You may even feel that ideally Americans should be a bit more like French in terms of education, culture, insights, and intellect; and French more like Americans in terms of self-reliance, entrepreneurship, dynamism, optimism, and accountability. But, it is a bit like dogs and cats; they will always remain pretty dissimilar.

An essential read for anyone who wonders why even French youth say they like Americans, but criticize almost everything Americans do. And anyone who wonders why, before Janaury 2003, Americans have generally considered France an ally, but generally think they are way too self-important.

The downside of the English edition? The translation gets at best 3 stars because of idiomatic shortcomings. And where were the editors? There are usage or syntax gaffes which cause one to read portions again with annoying frequency. Not always successfully.

Read the French edition if you can.

Still highly recommended, but only 4 stars for the English edition.

Dangerous De-Liaisons, What's Really Behind the War Between France and the US by Jean-Marie Colombani and Walter Wells is very pertinent to read during this pre-election period in the United States. This book was written by two of the world's leading newspaper editors. Colombani is editor of Le Monde, the major French newspaper, and Wells is an American who is editor in chief of The International Herald Tribune. The book has the format of a friendly but very well informed conversation between the two editors. The reader learns much of the history of the two nations and the conflict over the US war in Iraq. These men focus on the reasons behind the deteriorated relationship between France and the US, the new world in which terrorism has become a chief concern worldwide, and the rapidly developing economic impact of the growing European Union. If you are remotely interested in the way the world views the US and the international concept of the US since the end of the Cold War, this book is vital to read. You will gain insights into why relationships have deteriorated and what is behind the scenes that the general public does not know. It is a fascinating read to learn and explore "the chilling question: Can our two nations once again unite to make the world a better place - or has our war only just begun?"

Highly topical book providing a good discussion of the US/French divide with some good insights. Colombani's material generally fares better throughout, not because he is any more "right" or "wrong" in his observations, but his comments are more thoughtful and developed. Wells' perspectives often seem grounded in the repetition of cable news show cliches with a light flavoring of patrician insight from the NY Times or Washington Post, but little more. Overall Wells fares o.k. though. The book's format keeps the discussion moving and makes for very easy reading and well-worth the purchase price.