| ID | 083684 |
| Title Proper | Appeasement in the late third republic |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Thomas, Martin |
| Publication | 2008. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This article considers whether a specifically French 'appeasement' developed among policymakers of the inter-war years and, if so, how various appeasement strategies changed over time. It does so firstly, by attempting to define this French version of appeasement partly by reference to the historiography of French inter-war foreign policy and strategic planning. The article then considers the various impersonal forces that led to changes of course in foreign policy. These include domestic social and political pressures, economic conditions, and the changing strategic balance of power in Europe. The article suggests that French appeasement was neither a constant feature of France's international strategy in the 1930s nor simply a mirror image of its British counterpart. The foundations of French diplomacy, military thinking and strategic outlook were altogether different. By the late 1930s the limitations of actual allies, the recalcitrance of some potential friends, the elusiveness of others, had all provided a powerful fillip to proponents of appeasement, although substantial minorities continued to oppose it. Ultimately, France without a great power ally was a nation compelled to appease |
| `In' analytical Note | Diplomacy and Statecraft Vol. 19, No.3; Sep 2008: p566-607 |
| Journal Source | Diplomacy and Statecraft Vol. 19, No.3; Sep 2008: p566-607 |
| Key Words | Foreign Policy ; Strategic Planning ; France |