Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR)
Change and Continuity in France’s External Relations: From Sarkozy to Hollande
Start date: Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:50:00 GMT
Finish date: Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:20:00 GMT
Study Half-Day organised by the Centre for European & International Studies Research and the School of Languages & Area Studies
Room 0.04 St Andrews Court University of Portsmouth
The presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy aimed to create a distinct policy style in all areas of government activity, suggesting a clear break with previous practice. This was to apply to foreign affairs as well as domestic. The new president François Hollande has also proclaimed his intention of promoting his own approach to policy, less ostentatious but ostensibly just as new. This is an appropriate moment to examine these claims, with particular reference to France’s foreign relations.
Was Sarkozy’s approach as radical as was claimed? Will Hollande’s be any different? Will the abiding constraints that weigh on France mean that room for manoeuvre remains small and that continuity is likely to prevail over the will to change? By focussing on some key areas of policy, the panel will try to provide answers to these questions.
Programme
1.50 Welcome and Introduction
2.00 – 3.30: Session I: Franco-German Relations and Defence
Chair: Emmanuel Godin
Dr Carine Germond, Marie Curie Fellow, CEISR, University of Portsmouth
France, Germany and the crisis of Europe
Prof David Hanley, Visiting Professor, CEISR, University of Portsmouth
French defence policy – doing more with less?
3.30 Coffee Break
3.50 – 5.20: Session II: France, the Mediterranean and Africa
Chair: David Hanley
Dr David Styan, Birkbeck College, University of London
France, the Arab Spring and beyond
Prof G Cumming, Cardiff University
France and Afrique noire – towards transparency?