Politics Shift with Hélène de Lauzun

In a thought-provoking podcast recorded on August 28, 2025, Helène De Lauzun, the Paris correspondent for the European Conservative and author of L'histoire de l'Autriche (The History of Austria), delved into the historical roots and modern expressions of conservatism in France.

The discussion centred around whether conservatism can reclaim its historical depth in a secular and globalized France. The current political landscape of France is polarized, with the National Rally's rise being a topic of debate. Some view the National Rally as a conservative revival, while others see it as a populist deviation.

Today in France, nationalist ideas similar to those of the National Rally are primarily represented by Marine Le Pen and her party. These ideas impact France's historical conservative traditions by emphasizing national identity, sovereignty, and skepticism toward globalization, while partially diverging from traditional Gaullist and right-wing conservatism by adopting more populist and sometimes radical tones.

The podcast did not delve into specific details about the ideological divisions within conservative thought in France or how the National Rally reflects or deviates from traditional conservative ideals. Instead, it focused on Mark and Helène's exploration of Helène's intellectual journey as a historian.

The pre-Revolutionary legacy of France was a key focus of the discussion. Conservatism in France is fragmented into Bonapartist, liberal, Catholic, and counter-revolutionary traditions, but the podcast did not discuss this fragmentation.

Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen were discussed in relation to French conservatism, but the podcast did not provide specific details on how they reflect or challenge these ideals. The podcast did not discuss any specific figures besides these three.

The podcast did not provide details on how conservatism is expressed in modern France beyond its historical depth, nor did it provide new information about Helène De Lauzun's intellectual journey or her views on conservatism in France.