Reconcilable Differences: US-French Relations in the New Era [Paperback]

Michael Brenner (Author), Guillaume Parmentier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2000

The U.S.-French relationship is unique in mixing elements of rivalry and cooperation. Historical allies and comrades in arms, the United States and France are often fractious and quarrelsome. Their promotion of competing visions for a post-Cold War Europe gives a sharp edge to disputes over security and trade issues. Yet their mutual interests as partners in multiple collective enterprises compel them to find ways to put their relations on a surer footing. Doing so is also the key to meeting the larger challenge of reconciling America's dominance as the global superpower with the aspirations of a strengthening European Union. The authors of this study examine how national identity, political culture, and diplomatic style strain ties between Washington and Paris. They prescribe a set of policy and procedural remedies and lay out a strategy for sustaining more constructive collaboration.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Their book takes a solid shot at explaining the differences in the ways the two countries see themselves... and examines whether their differences can be reconciled." —Reginald Dale, European Affairs, 7/1/2002

"Brenner and Parmentier chart new territory in their analysis.... [A detailed, nuanced, and innovative work." —Celia Whitaker, Foreign Affairs, 11/1/2002

About the Author

Michael Brenner is professor of International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh and distinguished visiting fellow at the National Defense University. Guillaume Parmentier is head of the French Center on the United States at the Institut Français des Relations Internationales in Paris and professor at the University of Paris II. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Brookings Inst Pr (December 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815712537
• ISBN-13: 978-0815712534
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,148,972 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An evenhanded look at modern-day international relations, November 5, 2002

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This review is from: Reconcilable Differences: US-French Relations in the New Era (Paperback)

Reconcilable Differences: U.S.-French Relations in the New Era by Michael Brenner (Professor of International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh) and Guillaume Parmentier (Professor, University of Paris II and head of the French Center on the United States at the Institut Francais des Relations Internationales, Paris) is an evenhanded look at modern-day international relations between America and France, especially during the past decade. From economic tension, to clashes in NATO, to the dual face-off of superpower vs. multipolarity, Reconcilable Differences succinctly summarizes the highs and lows of the recent international interactions between the two nations and offers a guarded but insightful relationship projection through the near future. Also available in a hardcover edition ... Reconcilable Differences is a welcome and informative contribution to International Studies reading lists and academic reference collections.