This book investigates the critical failure of French diplomacy in the face of rising Nazi Germany between 1932 and 1939. It examines the internal political divisions and external pressures that paralyzed France's foreign policy during this crucial pre-war period. The work draws upon extensive archival research and diplomatic correspondence to reconstruct the decision-making processes and the strategic miscalculations that led to France's unpreparedness for war.

This work is recognized as a significant contribution to the understanding of interwar European diplomacy. Scholars often cite Duroselle's meticulous research and insightful analysis of the complex factors that led to France's vulnerability. The book provides a detailed, often sobering, account of the diplomatic failures that preceded the outbreak of World War II, making it an essential read for students of history and international relations.