France and the Algerian Conflict: Issues in Democracy and Political Stability, 1988-1995

Examining French policy towards Algeria under both left (1988-1993) and right (1993-1995) governments, the author argues that shifting policies for both the left and the right was predicated more on the concern for political stability and the protection of vested French interests than on any commitment to democratization. After chronologically describing the general contours of policy, the text explores the reasoning behind opposition to any take-over of the Algerian government by the Islamic Salvation Front, identifying immigration issues as the central concern of French policy-makers. The analysis partly rests on an exposition of the sway of informal networks on both economic and political levels. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).