International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education
Editors: A/Prof John Lidstone, Queensland University of Technology and Prof Joseph P. Stoltman, Western Michigan University
Book Review Editor: Dr Sarah Witham Bednarz, Texas A & M University
Editorial Assistant: Donna Bennett, Australia
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Volume: 12 Number: 3 Page: 231–254
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The Development of Nation and Europe in French Geography Textbooks Since 1945
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Olivier Mentz
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In his book Géopolitique (1995), the French journalist Bernard Guetta described Europe as a reality and as the most important challenge ofthe present time. Despite its variety oflanguages, its national peculiarities and traditions, Europe is characterised by a common civilisation
with a special reference to its history. Guetta continues arguing that the defence ofnational prebends cannot be the aim ofEurope. On the contrary, a commonly defined work may contribute to enforce the singularity of each nation in Europe. France should be aware that without Europe it would
be no more than a medium-sized political power within the 'global players' – with diminishing importance. He ends with the statement: 'L'Europe est une nouvelle frontière, et c'est sur de grandes ambitions que se fonde la grandeur des nations – des Nations unies d'Europe'
(Guetta, 1995: 80).
Keywords: EUROPE, FRANCE, TEXTBOOKS, GEOGRAPHY
© 2003 Channel View Publications
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