France

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, founder of the left-wing party La France Insoumise, speaks during the meeting “From France to New York: fighting the right, building the left” hosted by the Democratic Socialists of America in Brooklyn, New York, on April 22, 2025.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon Explains How His Party Took Down the Right-Wing Jean-Luc Mélenchon Explains How His Party Took Down the Right-Wing

La France Insoumise built its electoral power and took down a rising far-right.

May 14, 2025 / Q&A / David Broder

La France Insoumise party leader Jean-Luc Melenchon (L) and Parti Socialiste first secretary Olivier Faure address supporters during a campaign meeting in Caen, France, on June 8, 2022.

The Crisis Engulfing the French Left The Crisis Engulfing the French Left

The New Popular Front alliance looked like the best hope the left had against Macron and Le Pen. But after months of internal conflicts, it’s on the brink of collapse.

Mar 6, 2025 / Cole Stangler

Founder of the far-right National Front party Jean-Marie Le Pen points his finger as he poses during a photo session at his home in Saint-Cloud on January 14, 2021.

The Toxic Legacy of Jean-Marie Le Pen The Toxic Legacy of Jean-Marie Le Pen

The elder Le Pen is dead, but far-right populists across the world still echo his mix of violent rhetoric, brazen lies, and outreach to mainstream conservatives.

Jan 8, 2025 / Obituary / David A. Bell

A view of Europe from space.

The Old World Order Is Dying. What New World Order Is Struggling to Be Born? The Old World Order Is Dying. What New World Order Is Struggling to Be Born?

Some of the world’s largest, oldest empires are collapsing before our eyes, with no clear sign of what will happen next.

Jan 2, 2025 / Alfred McCoy

The Discontents of Michel Houellebecq

The Discontents of Michel Houellebecq The Discontents of Michel Houellebecq

What happened to the French novelist?

Nov 25, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Cole Stangler

A women seated during the installation of an encampment at the Bastille to demand accommodation for homeless people in Paris on August 6, 2024.

The Paris Olympics Has Launched a War on the Poor The Paris Olympics Has Launched a War on the Poor

Paris will almost certainly be remembered as a successful Olympic site. Such recollections, however, will leave out those who suffered under its weight.

Aug 9, 2024 / Jules Boykoff and Dave Zirin

Marine Le Pen at the podium of the Rassemblement National meeting at the Palais des Congres in Perpignan in the French department of Pyrénées-Orientales on May 1, 2024.

To See How the Far Right Might Run France, See How They Run This City To See How the Far Right Might Run France, See How They Run This City

The National Rally has been governing Perpignan for years. They want much more.

Aug 5, 2024 / Rebecca Nathanson

New Popular Front deputy Gabriel Amard speaks at an NFP rally.

What the US Can Learn From the French Left What the US Can Learn From the French Left

The New Popular Front bloc denied the far right a victory by doing things the Democratic Party consistently fails to do.

Jul 29, 2024 / Harrison Stetler

Nikki Hiltz celebrates crossing the finish line to win the women's 1500 meter final at the 2024 US Olympic Team Track & Field Trials at Hayward Field on June 30, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon.

Why There Are No Trans Women Competing at the Paris Games Why There Are No Trans Women Competing at the Paris Games

There are at least two trans nonbinary athletes—Quinn and Nikki Hiltz—and they’re impossible not to cheer for.

Jul 25, 2024 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

French soldiers stand guard near to Eiffel Tower in Paris on July 21 ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Appalling Social Cleansing of Olympic Paris The Appalling Social Cleansing of Olympic Paris

In the last year, an estimated 12,500 vulnerable Paris residents were forced from their homes.

Jul 24, 2024 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

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