The Yellow Vests Movement from a Historical & Sociological Perspective

Luncheon Discussion: Political Movements in France, February 27, 2019

The French-American Foundation hosted a luncheon discussion on the Yellow Vests movement in France with guest speaker and sociologist Emanuele Ferragina of Sciences Po Paris. Moderating the event was Young Leader alumnus and foreign policy expert Richard Fontaine, President of the Center for a New American Security.

The closed-door event examined the movement from a historical and sociological perspective. Dr. Ferragina challenged guests to think critically about the social, economic, and political impetuses behind unrest in the country. Speakers discussed reasons why President Emmanuel Macron’s reforms spurred the movement and those behind his reactions to it;  its possible longevity, including its potential to take different forms over time; and the impact of its relative lack of leadership. This led to a larger conversation about the role of protesting in France in recent history.

The luncheon ended with questions from the audience that reflected varying perspectives within the group of both the movement itself and Macron’s reforms. Guests and speakers continued to discuss the subjects of the luncheon after the panel finished.

The French-American Foundation organizes programs throughout the year to encourage dialogue surrounding topical issues in French and US politics. For more information on our upcoming events, please consult our events page here.