In this special episode, I am joined by Sean J. McLaughlin, historian specialized on the relationship between Charles de Gaulle and John Fitzgerald Kennedy.  He is the author of JFK and de Gaulle: How America and France Failed in Vietnam, 1961-1963 (University Press of Kentucky, 2019). Together, we discuss the complex but utterly fascinating relationship between France and America in the post-WWII world, especially in Southeast Asia. France and America, two Allies with very different perspectives, had a rough time discussing the situation in Vietnam in the 1950's and 1960's. Add to that the personalities of key characters like de Gaulle and Kennedy, and you end up with a fascinating, if sad, story. Join us for this great discussion! Find Sean's books at the University Press of Kentucky Timecodes: Introduction 02:35- France's Place at the Outcome of WWII 10:23- De Gaulle's Relationship with America 21:21- John F. Kennedy, France and Vietnam 45:50- Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon and France 54:52- France's International Role Since the Vietnam War 59:24- France and America's Relationship Now 1:01:55- Conclusion Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche. Photo: De Gaulle and JFK in Paris, 1961. John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library, Boston Support the showReach out, support the show and give me feedback! Twitter, Facebook, Mastodon, Reddit, Threads, & Instagram Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify Become a patron on Patreon to support the show Buy me a Coffee Get beautiful “La Fayette, We are Here!” merchandise from TeePublic