The focus of this 1991 book is on the decentralization reforms legislated by the Socialist government in France from 1982 to 1986. These reforms redefined the role of the central state in the periphery and gave extensive new powers to territorial governments. Vivien Schmidt examines these reforms and their impact in comparative historical perspective. Tracing the history of decentralization from the French Revolution to the present, the book highlights the significant reforms at the beginning of the Third Republic in the 1870s. It then analyses the actual impact of the reforms of both the 1870s and the 1980s on local government institutions and processes. Professor Schmidt uses an innovative mix of methods borrowed from political sociology and cultural anthropology, combined with historical analysis and extensive interviews with national and local politicians and civil servants. She provides important theoretical insights into the changing nature of the French state in addition to revealing significant historical patterns.

"As a richly detailed and clearly argued account and interpretation of recent events, this work surely warrants the attention of historians." American Historical Review

"Democratizing France is a balanced and thorough analysis of the Socialist local government reforms...historically informed...The book will become an indispensable reference for all serious students of French politics and administration." Social Science Quarterly

"...a comprehensive and thoroughly documented treatment of decentralization--its history, its ideology, its political consequences, and its shortcomings. In its sweep and detail, it complements, updates, and goes beyond existing studies...." The Review of Politics