French political parties, globalisation and Europe

As a series of related processes, all bearing on the political autonomy of nation states, globalisation has clear implications for parties, historically accustomed to acting within the framework of the nation state. Yet little has been written on French political parties in this context. This survey of their understanding of and responses to globalisation finds a highly differentiated pattern, in accord with old ideological traditions, with the most articulate critiques coming from the liberal Right and the communists. Europe is seen as the major site of resistance to globalisation, but not by the most ideological forces (Greens and national-populists). Generally the parties' discourse needs further development.