Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité: la devise de la République française. Since the French Revolution, this motto of liberty, equality, and fraternity has served as a pillar for the republic. Though, after a period of mass dissent– from the Yellow Vests protests, to movement against the 2023 réforme de retraites, to the mass protests following the fatal police shooting of Nahel M.– does France live up to its founding ideals? 

Nabila Ramdani,  journalist, academic and broadcaster, will appear at the Library to present her new book, Fixing France: How to Repair a Broken Republic. 

In Fixing France, Ramdani develops a nuanced critique of some of France’s modern issues, from racial and religious discrimination, looming executive power, terrorism and extremism, and the rise of the far-right. Ramdani will dive into the historical dynamics that have led us to the present: what was the influence of Algeria on the founding and development of the current Fifth Republic? What issues do residents of France face in Paris intramuros, the suburbs of Grand Paris, and beyond in France’s countryside? And how can the French Republic be fixed?

Moderated by journalist and anchor Erin Ogunkeye.

About the speakers:

Nabila Ramdani is a French author of Algerian descent who works as a journalist, academic and broadcaster. Nabila began her award-winning journalistic career in the BBC Paris Bureau. She has since broadcast for outlets including Sky News, Al Jazeera and CNN, and has written extensively for The Guardian, The Daily Mail, The Washington Post and others. Educated at Paris VII University and the London School of Economics (LSE), Nabila has taught at the University of Oxford and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Erin Ogunkeye grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, but has spent more time living in Paris than any other city. She studied French law before realizing she wanted to feel a closer connection to the rest of the world by following, relaying and breaking down current events; perhaps not too differently from the way a lawyer connects with a jury. She is an anchor at France 24 and presents Live From Paris in the mornings.

Learn more:

Ramdani appeared on France24 to discuss social inequality in France in contrast with the country’s ideals, as well as the shortcomings of the Fifth Republic. Watch the interview.

Ramdani published an opinion piece in inews.co.uk on Paris’s recent bedbug outbreak as a symbol of the French Republic. Read more.Read an excerpt of Fixing France about the history of modern terrorism and its intersection with French post-revolutionary history. Read on LitHub.

Important information: The discussion will be available both online and in person. While the conversation will happen in person (the speakers will appear in the Reading Room), the Library will stream the conversation on Zoom for a live viewing experience. Both in-person and online attendees will be able to pose questions.

Attendance at this event constitutes permission for your photograph or video to be taken at the event and used by the American Library in Paris for marketing, promotional, pedagogical, or other purposes.

Copies of Fixing France will be available for purchase at the Library in the week leading up to this event and while the event takes place, generously provided by Smith&Son. All sales support this local independent bookstore.

Attendees will have the opportunity to have their copy signed following the conversation.