An analysis of the reality and the direction of Nicolas Sarkozy’s presidency, after 20 months in power. The author scrutinizes a style and method that closely resemble the very French tradition of Bonapartism.

Upon studying all the dimensions of Nicolas Sarkozy’s politics (ideology, style, method of governance, and policies established in the main sectors of presidential action), Alain Duhamel concludes that, in reality, Sarkozyism strongly resembles a modern version of that uniquely original French phenomenon, Bonapartism. With astute thumbnail observations of the President’s lieutenants, allies, and adversaries, the author measures his chances of success. They are minimal if he stops to compromise, only so-so if he plunges on at a gallop, and favoured rather than handicapped by the current economic crisis. The President-First Consul can succeed only by audacity and constant motion. And therefore, he is condemned to be perpetually on the offensive.