Happy disassociation: Polemological prospects with René Girard

Abstract

In conclusion I would like to go into the question as to what sense the expression “Franceo-German relations” has from the standpoint of what has been considered here. It will presumably come as no surprise if the word “relations” acquires a somewhat ironic aspect here. Of course I have no intention of belittling the multifaceted network of Franco-German interactions which came into being as a result of the Elysée treaty—from the transformation of state visits into routine consultations, to the regular meetings of foreign and defence ministers, from joint economic boards to the production of the Airbus. The exchange of students is also an excellent idea as well as bilingual education wherever it is practised. However, I would at this point like to refrain from dealing with these, in themselves valuable forms of organized contact, leaving them to those in charge and relying on these professionals of such encounters to keep these relations functioning irrespective of any philosophical and cultural theoretical commentary.