The Sarkozy Phenomenon

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Democracy, Biography & Memoir, Political
Cover of the book The Sarkozy Phenomenon by Nick Hewlett, Andrews UK
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Nick Hewlett ISBN: 9781845408244
Publisher: Andrews UK Publication: May 11, 2017
Imprint: Imprint Academic Language: English
Author: Nick Hewlett
ISBN: 9781845408244
Publisher: Andrews UK
Publication: May 11, 2017
Imprint: Imprint Academic
Language: English

After his victory at the Presidential elections in May 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy quickly became both deeply controversial and intriguing. It was clear from the start that his rule was to be the most autocratic since Charles de Gaulle's; Prime Minister, government and parliament found themselves eclipsed by the ever-present, hyperactive President who sought to take many decisions on his own and to implement changes in numerous different domains, but with no obvious overall plan. His sweeping reform programme was inspired by a perceived need for rupture with the past, and bringing former Socialists into government seemed to confirm his insistence on the validity of some left-leaning points of reference as well as those on the right. To many, Sarkozy was both dangerous and unfathomable, like Napoleon. In this short book the author argues that the Sarkozy phenomenon is best explained by principal reference to the notion of Bonapartism, which of course has a long history in French politics. Bonapartism is an exceptional form of political rule which results from an unstable situation and where an authoritarian leader steps in and appeals to the electorate in populist fashion with promises of modernization and progress. But Sarkozy's authoritarian, populist rule is also influenced by the extreme right as well as by more conventional centre-right politics in which Sarkozy worked for many years. Yet Sarkozy is less out of step with trends in other liberal democratic states than it might seem; in other highly industrialized countries also a long-term decline of interest in politics has combined with the emergence of highly personalized, media-driven political leadership. The book is written in a clear, accessible way which assumes little prior acquaintance with French politics or history. Those with little knowledge of French politics will find it rewarding, as will as readers with greater familiarity with the field.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

After his victory at the Presidential elections in May 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy quickly became both deeply controversial and intriguing. It was clear from the start that his rule was to be the most autocratic since Charles de Gaulle's; Prime Minister, government and parliament found themselves eclipsed by the ever-present, hyperactive President who sought to take many decisions on his own and to implement changes in numerous different domains, but with no obvious overall plan. His sweeping reform programme was inspired by a perceived need for rupture with the past, and bringing former Socialists into government seemed to confirm his insistence on the validity of some left-leaning points of reference as well as those on the right. To many, Sarkozy was both dangerous and unfathomable, like Napoleon. In this short book the author argues that the Sarkozy phenomenon is best explained by principal reference to the notion of Bonapartism, which of course has a long history in French politics. Bonapartism is an exceptional form of political rule which results from an unstable situation and where an authoritarian leader steps in and appeals to the electorate in populist fashion with promises of modernization and progress. But Sarkozy's authoritarian, populist rule is also influenced by the extreme right as well as by more conventional centre-right politics in which Sarkozy worked for many years. Yet Sarkozy is less out of step with trends in other liberal democratic states than it might seem; in other highly industrialized countries also a long-term decline of interest in politics has combined with the emergence of highly personalized, media-driven political leadership. The book is written in a clear, accessible way which assumes little prior acquaintance with French politics or history. Those with little knowledge of French politics will find it rewarding, as will as readers with greater familiarity with the field.

More books from Andrews UK

Cover of the book 15000 Useful Phrases by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book Tobias Brown Inventor Esquire by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book Travels in Blood and Honey by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book Celebrated Crimes 'The Cenci', 'The Countess of St Geran' and 'Karl Ludwig Sand' by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book General Gordon by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book The Diary of an Unwilling Virgin by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book Titanic, A Very Peculiar History by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book The Intellectual Legacy of Michael Oakeshott by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book Changes by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book In The Shadow of Crows by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book The Rixton Quiz Book by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book The Ismay Line by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book Aileen the Alien by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book Majesty by Nick Hewlett
Cover of the book 101 Amazing Benedict Cumberbatch Facts by Nick Hewlett
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy