Governing and Governance in France

'Cole's book is a tour de force bringing together up to date research perspective on public policy and governance together with clear pedagogical presentation of complex changes within France. Far from old debates and characterisation of French exceptionalism, the book provides a unique analysis of the governance of France, based upon massive field work, a systematic use of the main comparative European literature and an original fine grain understanding of social and political changes. From champagne producers, education elites, Britanny cultural leaders, to regulatory agencies or the Council of the state, a different French society is governed through the instruments of a restructured state.' Patrick Le Galès, Directeur de recherche au CNRS, CEVIPOF and Professor of Sociology and Public Policy, Sciences Po2, Paris
'Built upon the firm foundations of exhaustive fieldwork and an immensely detailed grasp of both the contours of the French state, and the debates surrounding its contemporary evolution, Governing and Governance in France combines admirable empirical depth with impressive and insightful theoretical sophistication. Systematically situating French governance and state capacities in a broader comparative and conceptual context, Cole's outstanding book lucidly explores the dilemmas and difficulties of the profound political and economic transition from dirigiste market-steering state to France's contemporary regulatory, market-supporting state. This theoretically and empirically ambitious book also masterfully synthesises and critiques an impressive range of political science literature, and it will be compulsory reading for all serious scholars of the evolving nature of governance, and of contemporary French politics.' Dr Ben Clift, Associate Professor of Political Economy, University of Warwick