Authoritarian populism is challenging contemporary democracies, prompting concern about their resilience. Using France as a magnifying lens, this book adopts a cautiously optimistic perspective. It argues that the gap is widening between political elites and ordinary citizens, the French remain strongly committed to democratic values Far from turning away from democracy, they call for greater participation and responsiveness from their institutions. French democracy is on a razor's edge, as frustrated citizens' expectations mount and attainable reforms await implementation.
The book tackles the contemporary democratic malaise in France head-on, presenting an impressive collection of conceptual and empirical analyses of the increasing gap between the French citizens' aspirations and unresponsive and increasingly insulated political elites.
-Hanspeter Kriesi, European University Institute, Italy
"A groundbreaking brilliant analysis of France's democratic challenges, masterfully combining elite and citizen perspectives. It not only diagnoses and deconstructs the growing divide but proposes innovative solutions to reconnect politics and society."
-Jean-Benoît Pilet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
"A timely and essential analysis of the strains confronting democracy in contemporary France, offering a vital resource that illuminates not only the French case but the wider challenges facing democracies today."
-Natasha Wunsch, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Authoritarian populism is challenging contemporary democracies, raising concerns about their resilience. Using France as a magnifying lens, we show that while the gap between political elites and ordinary citizens is widening, the French remain strongly committed to democratic values, calling for greater participation and responsiveness of institutions. French democracy is on a razor's edge, with mounting citizen frustrations and awaited reforms.
Élodie Druez, F.R.S.-FNRS Research Fellow at Université Libre de Bruxelles, GERME, Belgium.
Frédéric Gonthier, Full Professor of Political Science at Sciences Po Grenoble, University of Grenoble-Alpes, Pacte, CNRS, France.
Camille Kelbel, Scientific Advisor at F.R.S-FNRS, Belgium.
Nonna Mayer, CNRS Research Director Emerita at Sciences Po Paris, CEE, CNRS, France.
Felix-Christopher von Nostitz, Associate Professor of Political Science at the Catholic University of Lille, ESPOL-LAB, France.
Vincent Tiberj, Full Professor of Political Science at Sciences Po Bordeaux, CED, France.
