Mitterrand, the Socialists and French Security Policy: Left Elites and French Nuclear Politics

by Mason, John G.

• ISBN13: 9780847686964
• ISBN10: 0847686965
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-03-30
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Pub Inc

Summary

France was the only nation on the European continent to pursue an ambitious array of nuclear weapons programs independent of the United States during the Cold War, and this was due largely to the exceptional support of Socialist political and cultural elites. Mitterrand, the Socialists, and French Security Policy focuses on the role of Left party political and intellectual elites in facilitating the "normalization" of nuclear weapons policy, and in promoting a "European evolution" of the French defense command during the Mitterrand presidency. Political scientist John G. Mason examines France's exceptional position as an independent nuclear power during the Cold War years and today. Based upon extensive interviews and surveys within the Parisian intellectual and policy elites of the Mitterrand era, the book investigates some of the mechanisms by which French public opinion is lead and policy consensus is developed and enforced. An essential book for students and scholars of French and European politics, security studies, and international relations.