This introduction to contemporary France analyzes the problems and possibilities of democracy in a globalizing world. France was present at the creation of modern democratic politics in the eighteenth century, yet democratic stability has often eluded the country. Now, as established and new democracies everywhere confront the challenges of globalization-cultural diversity, economic chance, the erosion of state sovereignty, France's rich and varied experience contains valuable lessons about what works (democratically speaking) and what does not.