Autant en emporte la guerre. Les régimes politiques à l'épreuve

Abstract

Gone with the war: the testing of political regimes, Jean-Jacques Becker Unlike previous wars, 20th century conflicts do upset existing political regimes. The relation between war and political change is, however, not mechani-cal. In some instances, such as the growth of communism or fascism, war has played a crucial role. In others — the breakdown of the Central Empires in 1918, or the fall of France in 1940 — war accelerates change, but is not its prime cause. In the last analysis, Clausewitz's conclusions are no longer sufficient : explanation must at times take into account irrational elements.