Le Grand Continent: A Pan-European Project

Le Grand Continent, founded in 2019, is a French-language, online journal dedicated to European geostrategy and political thought. It distinguishes itself through its long-form analysis, in-depth interviews, and commitment to fostering a genuinely European intellectual space, transcending national perspectives.

Aims and Scope

The journal’s primary objective is to encourage strategic thinking about Europe’s role in a rapidly changing world. It seeks to understand the continent’s place in global power dynamics, examining its relationships with other major actors like the United States, China, and Russia. The publication provides a platform for discussing European defense, economic policy, technological sovereignty, and cultural identity.

Intellectual Approach

Le Grand Continent positions itself as a counterweight to the perceived intellectual dominance of Anglo-Saxon thought within European discourse. It aims to reclaim a tradition of European thinking, drawing inspiration from diverse philosophical and political currents. It promotes rigorous scholarship and eschews simplistic or ideological pronouncements. The publication embraces complexity and encourages debate, recognizing that a strong Europe requires intellectual pluralism.

Content and Format

The journal publishes a wide range of content, including essays, interviews, book reviews, and data visualizations. A notable characteristic is the length and depth of its articles, which often extend to several thousand words. This commitment to long-form journalism allows for more nuanced and comprehensive analysis than is typically found in shorter formats. The journal also features contributions from a diverse array of voices, including academics, policymakers, journalists, and artists.

Pan-European Focus

Le Grand Continent explicitly seeks to overcome the fragmentation of European intellectual life along national lines. It features writers and perspectives from across the continent, promoting dialogue and understanding between different European societies. The journal’s name itself—”The Great Continent”—reflects this ambition. It envisions Europe as a unified political and cultural entity, capable of acting collectively on the world stage.

Impact and Influence

In a relatively short period, Le Grand Continent has established itself as a significant voice in European intellectual circles. Its articles are widely read and discussed, and its contributors are frequently invited to speak at conferences and events. The journal has played a role in shaping debates on key issues facing Europe, and it has contributed to a growing sense of European identity and purpose. It is considered influential among European policy makers, academics, and intellectuals, contributing substantially to the discourse surrounding the future of the European Union and its role in the world.

Ultimately, Le Grand Continent represents a concerted effort to revitalize European thought and to equip the continent with the intellectual tools it needs to navigate the challenges of the 21st century.