Our contemporary studies – Coppet Institute

3- Classical economics (1780-1840), 4- School of Paris (1840-1920), Equality and inequality, Frédéric Bastiat, Frédéric Passy, Gustave de Molinari, Our contemporary studies, Social issues, Yves Guyot

French classical liberals and the issue of women’s rights

3 October 2021 No Comments

It is tempting for a liberty-minded historian to leave untouched the comforting presumption that French classical liberals, who championed freedom for the individual in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, must have upheld women’s rights too. Contemporary studies, while often obliterating the role of men in the development of feminist rhetoric, have found occasionally in the history of ideas some remarkable advocates well ahead of their times, and they have offered them as objects of uncritical admiration, in a sort of reconciliatory carnival. One easily concludes that feminism was burgeoning in every century, and that the rising tide was lifting up all boats. […]

4- School of Paris (1840-1920), Alexis de Tocqueville, Equality and inequality, Gustave de Molinari, Our contemporary studies, Social issues

The United States through the eyes of French classical liberalism

3 October 2021 No Comments

In the 18th and 19th centuries, French classical liberals have often seen the United States as an example and a model. Yet, if some have loved this country in a sort of long-distance relationship, others have actually made the travel and have written detail accounts. In this article, Benoît Malbranque examines the praises and criticisms put forward by authors such as Volney, Tocqueville or Gustave de Molinari, regarding the social and economic situation of the United States.

4- School of Paris (1840-1920), Frédéric Passy, Our contemporary studies, War and peace

Benoît Malbranque, Notice on Frédéric Passy

27 May 2016 No Comments

Frédéric Passy was a pacifist, but not of the naïve kind. He was neither an anti-patriot nor an anti-militarist. He only thought that conflicts could often be avoided, provided that the settlement of international and internal disputes by peaceful means was at least tried. This is the reason why he founded several international organizations, such as the Ligue internationale et permanente de la paix (created in 1867), and the Société d’arbitrage entre les Nations (1870).

French tradition in political economy, Our contemporary studies

The Light from Paris: French excellence in economics. By Benoît Malbranque.

8 May 2016 No Comments

In order to meet a growing demand, the Institut Coppet designed and implemented a review entitled Laissons Faire. Our goal with this journal is to offer a relevant publication to challenge the economic misconceptions of our time, and increase awareness about the French Classical Liberal School. This is a new way for us to spread the message of liberty and highlight the lack of liberty-minded politicians in France. The Light from Paris. French Excellence in economics (Laissons Faire, n.1, June 2013) However limited the influence of French economists have been upon contemporary economical debates, the history of the birth and rise […]