France has responded well to the social, economic, and political challenges which began when that nation was defeated by Germany in 1940. Two major challenges have been to limit internal quarrels which reduce the nation's ability to handle current issues and to accept the fact that France is no longer the greatest power in Europe. Chapter 1 explores these challenges from an historical perspective, while chapter 2 considers the state of the nation in terms of socialist rule, the president, the prime minister, the parliament, political parties, and right wing government. Problems within the French economy are explained in chapter 3, and potential solutions from both the left and right are suggested. Chapter 4 examines methods of promoting national interests through four policies: (1) continuity; (2) change; (3) cooperation with other countries; and (4) strategies for national security. Chapter 5 projects possible political outcomes for the next few years and states that France's foreign policy will depend on external circumstances largely outside its control and the ability of the political system's leaders to make correct decisions. Discussion questions for students or community groups and an 11-item bibliography of additional readings conclude this work. (JHP)