Francouzi a Němci na cestě ke sblížení – Filipová Lucie (2013)

The book "The French and the Germans on the Path to Reconciliation" represents the first Czech monograph that explores the development of Franco-German relations from 1950 to 2000 and is largely based on original research. Lucie Filipová examines this topic in line with the concept of "history from below," which shows that the establishment of long-term cooperation between France and Germany was contributed to not only by political, economic, and cultural elites but also by the involvement of several million ordinary citizens – specifically observed here through the example of partnerships between cities or smaller municipalities. These partnerships are unique in the Franco-German case due to their overall number (over two thousand cases in 2000), the diversity of joint activities, and the peace potential that has been associated with them from the beginning, which allows them to fulfill an undeniable model role not only in Europe. The book is intended for those interested in the relations of two key actors in contemporary European politics, as well as for those dealing with the foreign activities of municipalities and cities. In many ways, it can also be inspiring for the interpretation of Czech-German relations.