The Wokisme Controversy

Focusing on French controversies about wokisme-a literal translation of the American word wokeism-this book reflects on France's ongoing transformation into a multicultural society and the divisions this change has caused.

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and following the Black Lives Matter and #MeToo movements, American debates on race, gender, and equity reverberated throughout France. While some welcomed progressive ideas on identity, gender, and race, others perceived them as the expression of a new form of American cultural imperialism incompatible with France's universal model, which rejects distinctions among citizens based on culture, race, religion, ethnicity, sex, or gender.

Given that wokisme is seen by many in France as a facet of American soft power, this book delves into French ambivalence toward Americanization. Combining analysis of political, academic, and journalistic discourse with international relations approaches, it unpacks the topic of French anti-Americanism, especially in the context of recent debates on U.S.-style woke ideology, intersectionality, and cancel culture.