Historian, author of numerous books on French political life, business circles and the media, Jean-Noël Jeanneney was also part of the government and directed large public institutions. In this interview, he questions the civic responsibility of the historian.
Summary of questions:
- How has your political experience changed the way you write history ?
- What do you mean by “ audiovisual, the duty to get involved » ?
- How to combine history and fiction ?
- Does history risk being exploited? ?
- What is the story for? ?
You have studied the way in which bosses and politicians (Wendel, Hugo, Mandel, Clemenceau) worked in the Republic. You were also, during François Mitterrand’s second seven-year term, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade (1991-1992) then for Communication (1992-1993). Has this experience changed your way of approaching history in general and political history in particular? ?
You are one of the pioneers in media history. Former director of Radio France (from 1982 to 1986) and of BNF (from 2002 to 2007), you are also a media man. What meaning do you give to this expression: “ Audiovisual, the duty to get involved » ?
You just published One of usa fictional dialogue between Blum and Mandel which takes place at the end of their captivity in Germany, shortly before the latter’s execution. Why did you resort to this unusual way of writing the story ?
You have thought about the way in which the historian was called upon in the public space, for the purposes of expertise, in the context of major trials, etc. At the same time, you are close to the association “ Freedom for history ”, which states in particular that “ history belongs to no one “. Does history run the risk of being exploited? ?
So begins theApology for history by Marc Bloch: “ “Dad, tell me what the story is about.” Thus, a young boy who touches me closely questioned, a few years ago, a historian father. » What does this falsely naive introduction inspire you? ?