'Professor John Loughlin has written yet another very informative book in which he combines his insights into culture, religion and history with knowledge about contemporary political developments at national and sub-national levels. [...] accessible not only for the specialist but also for the new student of French territorial politics.' - Anders Lidstrom, Professor of Political Science, Umea University, Sweden 'The author convincingly presents the French experience of decentralisation as an example of major transformations all western welfare states have been subject to. This book can be highly recommended to those interested in French territorial politics and subnational government. However, it includes more than a country study. Readers interested in the development of the modern state and in comparative local government and politics will profit from it.' - Arthur Benz, Professor of Political Science, University of Hagen, Germany 'The book is a much needed contribution to the theoretical debates on territorial governance because many academics and experts on territorial politics have tended to neglect the French case as being simply an exception in the general rule of multi-level governance in advanced Western democracies. John Loughlin magisterially clarifies how mistaken is this preconception and indicates those analytical areas where more attention should be paid in the future. This volume should become indispensable for courses in French politics and will be read with profit by anyone interested in comparative studies of regionalism and reform of the state in Europe.' - Luis Moreno, West European Politics 'Loughlin clearly demonstrates significant scholarship in this area and manages to turn what might be considered dry material into something very pleasant and easy to read.' - Karen West, Public Administration 'John Loughlin makes a rigorous and clear contribution to understanding French territorial governance. As an expert comparativist, the author has complete mastery of his chosen subject, France, and brilliantly juggles the areas of political systems, regions and political traditions.' - Romain Pasquier, Revue Francaise de Science Politique