France

France: The colonial republic
The roots of France’s ascendant racism lie as deep as the origins of the French republic itself, argues Yasser Louati

On the narcissism of small differences
In an interview with the TNI's Nick Buxton, social scientist and activist Susan George reflects on the French Presidential Elections.

Before you go to Calais… How to make your help for refugees effective
Lots of people now want to help the refugees in Calais – but turning up unannounced with a van-load of stuff can do more harm than good. Kate Bradley looks at the best ways to make a difference

Reclaiming the legacy of the Paris Commune
Jane Shallice reviews Communal Luxury: The Political Imaginary of the Paris Commune, by Kristin Ross

Breakthrough of the Left Front in France
Christophe Aguiton looks at the foundations and future of Jean-Luc Melenchon's Left Front and left politics in France

Border stories
Frances Webber investigates the tabloid fantasies and desperate realities surrounding migrants in Calais

Almost revolutionary
John Mullen looks at the new hopes on France's radical left, where two new left parties and a looser federation are being founded

France’s new anti-capitalist party
There's been surprisingly little discussion in the UK on the launch of the 'new anti-capitalist party' in France. Jim Jepps spoke to John Mullen, the editor of Socialisme International, to find out more

The left has only itself to blame
The right-wing election victory in France should never have happened, writes Philippe Marlière.

Why French and Dutch citizens are saying NO
The French referendum on the EU constitution takes place on 29 May, followed by a similar referendum in The Netherlands on 1 June. Opinions polls show the 'no' side edging ahead, but in both countries it's still too close to call. The following virtual interview is based on presentations given at the Transnational Institute (TNI) Fellows' Meeting in Amsterdam on 21 May.

Paris is burning
In 1991, after violent riots between youths and police scarred the suburbs of Lyon, French sociologist Alain Tourraine predicted that 'it will only be a few years before we face the kind of massive urban explosion of the American experience'. The 12 nights of consecutive violence following the deaths of two young Muslim men of African descent in a Paris suburb indicate that Tourraine's dark vision of a ghettoised, post-colonial France is now upon us.

Who really bombed Paris?
The French response to 'Islamic terrorism' after the 1995 Paris metro bombing is often held up as a model. But there is strong evidence that the attacks were part of the Algerian government's 'dirty war' on its opponents.

Non de gauche: the French Left after the referendum
The French No vote in the 29 May referendum on the European constitution had immediate consequences, both for the fate of the treaty and for domestic politics. But this was no mere mid-term protest against an unpopular government, nor further evidence of France's famed 'ungovernability', the fact that no government in the last thirty years has lasted more than one term in office. It actually marks an important staging post in the making of a new Left on the terrain of capitalist globalisation.

French Hijab ban: one year on
Naima Bouteldja on why French Muslim school children are not celebrating the first anniversary of the 'headscarf ban'.