This provocative book takes the form of a dialogue between French Foreign Minister Hubert Vamp233eacutedrine and international relations expert Dominique Moamp239si. Vamp233drine expresses his frank views of the U.S. hyperpower Franceampaposs role in the world Europeampaposs future the current structure of the international system and the role of ethics in international affairs. Probing the historic diplomatic and cultural issues that unite and divide two historical allies the book give unique insights into French thinking about the world and France and Americaampaposs respective roles in it. Like the French satirical television show that twits the United States for being the ampaposWorld Companyampapos that invades peoples lives around the globe the French foreign minister Hubert Vedrine expresses frustration and perhaps a little envy at Americaampaposs dominion.... Since becoming foreign minister three years ago Mr. Vedrine 53 a lawyer and previously the senior foreign policy advisor to Francois Mitterand when he was president has made a priority of making distinctions between France and the United States. That has left senior American officials muttering more than usual about the French. New York Times