FRANCE'S PLACE IN THE WORLD.

NATIONAL character; SOCIAL conditions in France, 1995-; SARKOZY Administration; FRENCH economy, 1995-; PUBLIC debts; POLITICAL reform; INDIVIDUALISM

In this article the author explores how France's national identity has been impacted by several issues including public debt, aging, immigration, and political tradition. According to the author, the French government's inability to adopt reforms for its prison, education, economic, and health care systems has reduced its status on an international scale. He also argues that government regulations outlined in the "Code Civile" guide hamper both innovation and individualism in France.