When one considers issues that are crucial to the evolution of French and Irish culture and
behaviour it is doubtful if there is anything more pertinent than globalisation and
secularisation. Clearly the experience of these concepts in both countries varies greatly: for
example while the French demonstrate a certain 'méfiance' - even 'mépris' - towards the
globalistion project which they associate with Hollywood Microsoft McDonalds and very little
that is positive the Irish particularly during the Celtic Tiger years were enthused by the
possibilities it offered in terms of material gain and liberation from the excessive control of
the Roman Catholic Church. In relation to the latter many commentators argue that
globalisation brought a more secular mindset to Ireland in recent decades whereas in France
the term 'laïcité' is strongly identified with the Republican ideology that dates back to the
French Revolution. Clearly therefore the theme is a revealing one.Cet ouvrage qui contient
des articles rédigés en anglais et en français est composé des Actes du 4e Colloque
franco-irlandais qui a eu lieu à l'université Rennes 2 en mai 2008 sous l'égide du NCFIS.
