Between Empire and Europe: Intellectuals and the Nation in Britain and France During the Cold War

During the Cold War, France and Great Britain's international roles changed significantly, leading to a new and challenging relationship between national and foreign policy. This book examines how the public sphere reacted and adapted to these changes and how intellectuals responded to the new global context.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 160 pages
\n Publication date: 01 January 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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Between the conclusion of World War II and the conclusion of the Cold War, France and Great Britain experienced significant transformations in their international roles. These two nations, once considered European powers, had grown to become major global powers, surpassing many European nations in terms of population, wealth, and military capabilities. This book aims to analyze the international political discourse that emerged during the Cold War, encompassing the ideas and perspectives of French and British intellectuals as well as the broader public debate they sparked. By examining how the public sphere reacted to the rapidly changing historical circumstances and how intellectuals responded to the evolving relationship between national and foreign policy within a global context, this book seeks to shed light on the complex dynamics and adaptations that shaped the international landscape during this pivotal period.

The end of World War II marked a significant turning point in the global political landscape. The war had resulted in the devastation of Europe, the emergence of new superpowers, and the establishment of international institutions such as the United Nations (UN). As the world began to rebuild and establish new order, France and Great Britain played pivotal roles in shaping the future of international relations.

France, which had suffered significant damage during the war, was determined to rebuild its economy and assert its influence on the international stage. Under the leadership of Charles de Gaulle, France pursued a policy of national renewal, emphasizing economic self-sufficiency and military strength. France also played a key role in the formation of the European Economic Community (EEC) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which were designed to promote economic cooperation and security among European nations.

Great Britain, on the other hand, had emerged as a dominant power in the aftermath of the war. The United Kingdom had a vast empire and a strong military presence, and it was widely regarded as a global superpower. Great Britain also played a key role in the establishment of the United Nations and the Bretton Woods system of international finance, which aimed to stabilize the global economy and promote trade.

However, the Cold War soon emerged as a major challenge to the international order. The Soviet Union, led by Joseph Stalin, sought to expand its influence and spread its communist ideology throughout the world. The United States, led by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, responded with a policy of containment, which aimed to prevent the spread of communism and maintain the status quo.

The Cold War had a profound impact on France and Great Britain's international roles. Both nations were involved in the conflict, either as allies or adversaries, and they played key roles in shaping the course of the war. France, for example, provided financial and military support to the United States and other Western nations in the fight against communism, while Great Britain was a key player in the formation of NATO and the development of nuclear weapons.

The Cold War also had a significant impact on the public sphere in France and Great Britain. The war had brought about a sense of uncertainty and fear, and the public was eager to hear from intellectuals and policymakers who could provide insights and explanations for the changing world order. French and British intellectuals, therefore, played a crucial role in shaping the public debate and influencing public opinion.

One of the key themes of the international political discourse during the Cold War was the concept of deterrence. Deterrence, which was first proposed by Bernard Brodie in the 1940s, was based on the idea that the threat of nuclear war could prevent an attack by one nation against another. The theory was widely accepted by both France and Great Britain, and it was used as the basis for their nuclear weapons programs and their policies of containment.

However, the Cold War also raised questions about the morality and effectiveness of deterrence. Some critics argued that deterrence was a dangerous game, that it could lead to the escalation of tensions and the risk of nuclear war. Others argued that deterrence was necessary to maintain peace and stability in the world.

Another theme of the international political discourse during the Cold War was the concept of détente. Détente, which was first proposed by French President Charles de Gaulle in the 1960s, was designed to reduce tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. The concept was based on the idea that by building trust and cooperation between the two superpowers, they could reduce the risk of conflict and promote peace.

Détente was initially welcomed by the United States, but it soon faced opposition from some quarters. Some critics argued that détente was a sign of weakness, that it was allowing the Soviet Union to gain a foothold in Western Europe and that it was undermining the United States' position as the world's dominant power. Others argued that détente was necessary to reduce the risk of nuclear war and promote stability in the world.

The Cold War also had a significant impact on the relationship between national and foreign policy in France and Great Britain. The two nations were increasingly intertwined in their foreign policies, as they sought to balance their interests and commitments to different regions of the world. This led to a complex web of alliances and agreements, as France and Great Britain sought to align their policies with the interests of the United States and other Western nations.

However, the Cold War also created tensions and conflicts between France and Great Britain. For example, there were disagreements over the role of the United Nations and the Bretton Woods system of international finance. France, for example, favored a more decentralized approach to international governance, while Great Britain favored a more centralized approach. There were also disagreements over the use of force and the deployment of military forces.

In conclusion, the end of World War II and the end of the Cold War marked a significant turning point in the global political landscape. France and Great Britain, once considered European powers, had grown to become major global powers, surpassing many European nations in terms of population, wealth, and military capabilities. This book aims to analyze the international political discourse that emerged during the Cold War, encompassing the ideas and perspectives of French and British intellectuals as well as the broader public debate they sparked. By examining how the public sphere reacted to the rapidly changing historical circumstances and how intellectuals responded to the evolving relationship between national and foreign policy within a global context, this book seeks to shed light on the complex dynamics and adaptations that shaped the international landscape during this pivotal period.

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Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781138013858\n \n