Interview de Claude Revel

Summary

The speaker discusses the concept of norms and rules, using the metaphor of sports regulations to illustrate how those who create the rules are often advantaged over those who must follow them. They highlight the influence of notaries in international law, particularly in promoting French legal systems in countries like China and Vietnam. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of supporting foreign law students, particularly in Roman law education, to strengthen France’s legal influence globally. Ultimately, they stress the connection between legal norms, French culture, and international relations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of 'norm' or 'rule of the game' is emphasized, suggesting that the norms shape the field of play, particularly in the context of sports or governance.
• 😀 The person who sets the rules is often favored over those who must adhere to them, especially when the rules are not fully understood by the participants.
• 😀 The focus is on the importance of shaping the 'rule of the game,' meaning the establishment of norms, which influence various aspects of life, including contracts and business deals.
• 😀 The role of notaries is highlighted, particularly in international influence and the dissemination of French law through discreet but persistent cooperation with countries and international organizations.
• 😀 The notarial profession is credited with spreading French legal models internationally, notably in countries like China and Vietnam, and working with international organizations on topics like land law and agriculture.
• 😀 There is a suggestion to increase efforts in engaging with foreign elites, particularly through academic support for law students, including funding and organizational improvements in teaching Roman law abroad.
• 😀 The teaching of law, particularly Roman law, is seen as a tool for fostering stronger international relationships and promoting French legal culture.
• 😀 The script touches on the need for better financial and organizational support in the education of law students, especially in foreign institutions.
• 😀 The spread of French law is seen not just as an academic task, but also as a means of promoting France's global image and cultural influence.
• 😀 The overall message emphasizes the intertwining of legal norms, cultural influence, and international cooperation, with an underlying goal of strengthening France’s role in global legal and economic systems.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by the term 'the rule of the game'?

The speaker uses the phrase 'the rule of the game' to describe legal norms, which are like the rules in a sport. These rules, although subtle, are critical to understanding how power dynamics are shaped in society.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between those who make rules and those who follow them?

The speaker suggests that those who make the rules are often favored, as they hold more power compared to those who must follow the rules without necessarily understanding them. This imbalance highlights the importance of influencing the creation of the rules.

What role do notaries play in international legal influence, according to the speaker?

Notaries, according to the speaker, play a key role in influencing international law, particularly by promoting the French notarial system in foreign countries. Their work is described as discreet yet persistent, establishing French legal models in nations like China and Vietnam.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of notaries in spreading French legal norms?

The speaker emphasizes the role of notaries because their influence extends over time and across borders. They cooperate with foreign governments and international organizations, helping to spread French legal practices, particularly in fields like land law and agriculture.

How does the speaker view the global impact of French legal education?

The speaker believes that French legal education, especially Roman law, has a significant potential to influence legal systems abroad. However, there is a need for more support—both financially and organizationally—to promote the teaching of French legal traditions in foreign universities.

What specific improvements does the speaker suggest for promoting foreign legal education?

The speaker suggests enhancing financial and organizational support to improve the teaching of Roman law in foreign universities and training institutes. This would help boost the global image of French law and strengthen its international presence.

What role does French culture play in the speaker’s argument about legal influence?

The speaker connects legal norms to the broader image of French culture, arguing that French law is intertwined with the nation’s cultural identity. The promotion of French legal education abroad is seen as a way to reinforce this cultural influence.

What is the speaker’s perspective on the future of legal influence in countries like China and Vietnam?

The speaker is optimistic about the long-term impact of French legal norms in countries like China and Vietnam. Despite differences in legal systems, the speaker highlights that French legal principles have managed to gain traction in these countries through the efforts of notaries and legal cooperation.

How does the speaker view the current state of legal education in foreign countries?

The speaker believes that while legal education is growing globally, there is room for improvement, especially in terms of supporting law students from foreign countries and ensuring that they have access to comprehensive training in French legal systems.

What does the speaker mean by 'the influence of notaries' being 'direct' but not 'obvious'?

The speaker describes the influence of notaries as 'direct' because it leads to tangible legal changes, but 'not obvious' because their work is subtle and often not immediately visible. The long-term nature of their influence contrasts with more overt forms of legal intervention.