Culture, understood broadly, lay at the heart of contrasting right-wing strategies for government in France during the pivotal decade of 2002-2012. Looking at issues of secularism, education, televisual performance, public memory and nation-branding Ahearne analyses how presidents Chirac and Sarkozy sought to redefine contemporary French identity.

Introduction 1. Reforging Symbols: The New Laicity 2. Transmission: The Collège and the Socle Commun 3. Government through Television: Policy and Performance 4. Memory: History and National Identity 5. Outward Projection: France in the World Conclusion