Manuela Albertone, Pierre Birnbaum

Quel individu et pour quel État?

Introduction

Quel individu et pour quel État?. Découvrez l'œuvre de Pierre Birnbaum, explorant l'État, l'individu et les élites en France (Révolution à Vichy) par la sociologie politique et l'histoire. Dialogue éclairant.

Abstract

Sociology and history intersect in the intellectual trajectory and research of Pierre Birnbaum, Professor Emeritus at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. He has studied power and ideologies in contemporary France and the United States and is particularly renowned for his contributions on the relationship between the State and politico-administrative elites. He has also taken a comparative interest in the relationships between types of State and Jewish history. While the connection between sociology and history characterizes the work of many French sociologists, Pierre Birnbaum’s academic background and experiences include moments that make him an exemplary case of interdisciplinarity for analyzing what idea of the State, and what relationship between State and individual, emerges from key moments in French history—from the French Revolution to the Third Republic, from the Dreyfus Affair to Vichy. In this dialogue, Pierre Birnbaum discusses with Manuela Albertone his personal and intellectual experiences and his interdisciplinary approach. English title: Which Individual for which State? A Dialogue Between Political Sociology and History Keywords: Political Sociology, Interdisciplinary History, Jewish History, French Revolution, Administrative Elites, Types of State

Review

This review pertains to a fascinating contribution that frames itself as a dialogue exploring the extensive intellectual legacy of Professor Pierre Birnbaum. Titled "Quel individu et pour quel État?" (Which Individual for which State?), the piece promises a deep dive into the intersections of sociology and history through Birnbaum's distinguished career. The abstract clearly positions Birnbaum as a pivotal figure whose research on power, ideologies, and the relationship between the State and politico-administrative elites in both contemporary France and the United States offers significant insights. The interdisciplinary nature of his work, particularly in bridging sociology and history, is presented as a central and exemplary characteristic, making this dialogue a valuable exploration of methodological approaches to complex socio-historical questions. The core strength of this article lies in its focus on a scholar whose trajectory is uniquely suited to address the fundamental question of the individual's place within the State. By tracing Birnbaum's engagement with key moments in French history—from the French Revolution and the Third Republic to the Dreyfus Affair and Vichy—the dialogue offers a rich historical canvas through which to understand the evolving relationship between state structures and individual identity. Furthermore, Birnbaum's comparative interest in "types of State and Jewish history" introduces a crucial dimension, adding layers of complexity to the analysis of state formation, belonging, and exclusion. This approach promises not only to illuminate Birnbaum's specific contributions but also to provide a broader framework for comprehending the dynamic interplay between political structures and societal experiences. As a dialogue between Pierre Birnbaum and Manuela Albertone, the article is poised to offer a unique blend of personal reflection and intellectual analysis. This format is particularly effective for revealing the genesis and development of a scholar's interdisciplinary approach, making it highly valuable for students and researchers interested in political sociology, French history, Jewish studies, and the history of social thought. The piece's exploration of "what idea of the State, and what relationship between State and individual, emerges from key moments in French history" is timely and relevant, providing a reflective lens through which to examine enduring questions of citizenship, power, and identity. This contribution is highly recommended for its potential to synthesize a lifetime of scholarship into an accessible and thought-provoking discussion.

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