France

The Never-Ending Mène

The filibuster is a round of pétanque where nobody shoots: endless pointing, no tir, and a cochonnet nobody is allowed to reach.

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The Apéro and the Happy Hour

France drinks before dinner as a sacred ritual. America drinks after work as a limited-time offer. Both are telling the truth about themselves.

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Carreau Season

The most beautiful shot in pétanque — striking the opponent's boule so cleanly that yours takes its place — is also the perfect description of a certain kind of political moment.

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La buvette / The Tailgate

The game beside the game: where France and America actually govern themselves.

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The Art of Disagreement

In France, arguing is a social art. In America, it's a bug report. Both countries are convinced the other is doing it wrong.

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