Panel to Examine American-French Relations

Posted on Oct. 6, 2004

In recognition of both the long history of French-American friendship and the present tensions in this enduring alliance, a panel discussion on the history and changing nature of French and American relations will be held at UNC featuring prominent speakers who are media and academic experts.

The event, “French-American Relations on the Eve of the Election” is set for Oct. 20 at the George Watts Hill Alumni Center. The program begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public at no charge. The topics and speakers will be:

• Erwan Lagadec from the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars will discuss “French American Relations Today: Enduring Conflicts or Political Sound Bites.”
• Steven Vincent, history professor at N.C. State University, will discuss “France-U.S.: The Tensions of a Partnership in War and Peace.”
• Terry Maguire, co-owner of FrancePress and publisher of Journal Français and France Today, will discuss “How the French Media Portrays American Politics Today.”
• Lloyd Kramer, the University’s Dean Smith Distinguished Term Professor of History, will serve as moderator.

The audience will be able to ask questions and contribute comments in a “public conversation” session moderated by Kramer, followed by a French-American wine and cheese reception. “We seek to provide a public forum for anyone who has an interest in France, the United States and the issues that unite or divide them,” Kramer said.

The program is sponsored by the Institut Français de Washington and the UNC General Alumni Association. The institute, an organization for French-American studies, was founded in 1926 in Washington, D.C., and has been based on the UNC campus since 1972.

Before the panel presentations, Catherine A. Maley, institute president and also professor of French and Romance linguistics at UNC, will provide introductory remarks.

The program also is being conducted with support from the Office of the Provost, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Kenan Fund in the department of history and UNC’s department of Romance languages.

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