In today’s Europe it is a common place to consider that there is a “special” relationship between France and Germany and that the Franco-German partnership played and, despite recent problems, still plays a central role in Europe. The multiplication of labels applied to Franco-German relations – axis, couple, tandem, engine, motor, privileged partnership, alliance, hard core, etc. – are only different expressions of that idea. However, in order to understand the present and future of the Franco-German partnership, it is also necessary to take its past into account.

While, for obvious reasons, much has already been written in French and German on Franco-German relations, the academic literature in English on this topic mainly deals with most recent aspects or very specific issues of the bilateral relationship. As matter of fact, a complete historical overview of the evolution of Franco-German relations still isn’t available in English. Moreover, the role and function of Franco-German relations in Europe remains largely misunderstood outside the European Union, and especially in the United States. For that reason, it seems all the more necessary to highlight the historical roots of the Franco-German entente.

Tentatively entitled From “Hereditary Enemies” to Partners – A History of Franco-German relations in Europe, this book is designed to close the gap in the scholarly literature in English on Franco-German relations. Conceived as a reader for English-speaking students, scholars and instructors, the book’s aim is to highlight and discuss the historical foundations upon which the contemporary Franco-German relationship is based, the different aspects and dimensions of the bilateral relations and, therefore, its very nature. Ultimately, the book would present the most recent results of the scholarly research on Franco-German relations in Europe and suggest new avenues of research.

Interested young researchers are invited to submit papers within the general topics listed below:
- Franco-German relations from Napoleon to World War I (Topics may include the following: France and German unification, the Franco-Prussian War, the “hereditary enemy” concept, France, Germany and the Great War, Franco-German crises in the early 1920s, the Briand-Stresemann and Locarno Era)
- Development and achievements of the bilateral relationship: Military, Cultural relations/Civil-society/city partnership, Economy

Ph.D. students, post-doctoral and young researchers will be eligible. Interested researchers should submit their application in English, French or German. However, the final paper should be written in English. The application should include a resume indicating the current affiliation/institution/position and including a brief abstract of the Ph. D-thesis, Post-doc or current project of maximum 200 words, as well as a summary of the proposed paper of maximum 800 words.

Applications should be emailed simultaneously to the editors Carine Germond (Yale University), carine.germond@yale.edu and Henning Türk (University Duisburg-Essen), henning.tuerk@nexgo.de. The deadline for submission is 1st June 2006.