French Globalization Projects

Globalization is not an anonymous process taking place behind the backs of its actors. This volume examines the efforts in France and its expansive empire since the 16th century to develop and organize the relevant part of the world in a way that suited their respective interests. This perspective opens a new perspective on French history and its diverse global interrelationships. The French globalization project has always been in competition with others, wrestling for interpretive sovereignty and power shares. It was never able to fully prevail, but has repeatedly adapted to new conditions. This can be observed in economic and technological history, as well as in political and colonial history, as well as in the history of culture and ideas. The handbook offers a comprehensive panorama of one of the most long-term globalization projects in modern history. It summarizes research that has been newly initiated in various countries in recent years.