French Literature Reviews - 2026
Abram de Swaan, The Transnational Society. Languages, Cultures and Politics
History, Politics and Society
As rigorous as it is inventive, this book offers a stimulating perspective on the issues of "internationalization" and "globalization." Taking a counter-intuitive approach, it focuses on national institutions; yet, rather than adopting a strictly national standpoint, Abram de Swaan demonstrates how nation-states and their institutions are inextricably intertwined with transnational structures that are often remarkably prominent. Even in areas traditionally considered to be domestic affairs par excellence—such as language policy and the school system—de Swaan unexpectedly reveals the primacy of transnational structures. Analyses of current and future cultural practices or educational curricula that spontaneously confine themselves within national borders overlook the fundamental nature of their embedding within what can be conceptualized as an emerging transnational society. This book thus radically shifts the dominant perspective in the social sciences and renews our understanding of several core issues, particularly regarding the ongoing process of European integration.
Abram de Swaan is Professor Emeritus at the University of Amsterdam. He has taught at the Collège de France in Paris and at universities across several countries. His books have been translated into twelve languages. His works published in French include Diviser pour tuer. Les régimes génocidaires et leurs hommes de main (Seuil, "Liber", 2016) and Contre les femmes. La montée d’une haine mondiale (Seuil, 2021).
Translated from Dutch by Bertrand Abraham and from English by Sophie Renaut.
By shifting the analytical lens away from isolated domestic frameworks, the author examines how educational systems and language policies operate within broader international networks. This perspective challenges conventional approaches in the social sciences, offering fresh tools to comprehend the dynamics of European integration and the structural forces shaping contemporary culture. It directly addresses scholars and students seeking to understand the complex interplay between local governance and worldwide phenomena.
Rooted in rigorous sociological inquiry, the work contributes to ongoing debates concerning globalization and the persistence of state institutions. Abram de Swaan brings extensive international academic experience to this study, building upon a notable body of research translated into numerous languages. The volume serves as an essential resource for readers interested in the institutional realities of our interconnected world and the evolving relationship between national politics and transnational society.