Understanding France in Comparison with Germany: An Introduction

This introduction is intended to provide an orientation which allows further work and deeper critical examination by the reader. The individual chapters emphasize the parallels and differences between France and Germany, for the peculiarities and characteristics of the countries to clearly emerge. Within this comparison, however, contemporary France remains always at the centre. From case to case historical developments are also considered. Another focal point is the role played by France and Germany in the European integration.