| Author (Person) | Rapnouil, Manuel Lafont |
|---|---|
| Publisher | European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) |
| Series Title | Policy Brief |
| Series Details | April 2018 |
| Publication Date | 10/04/2018 |
| ISBN | 978-1-911544-51-7 |
| Content Type | Journal | Series | Blog, Report |
|
Summary + The Middle East is a key stage for France’s foreign policy, one where it bids to prove its credentials as an international power, punching above its weight and demonstrating the independence that is so important to the French sense of place in the world. + In this context, the Arab uprisings and their subsequent upheavals have been a particular challenge, to such an extent that France attempted to recalibrate its strategy. Despite this, France soon settled back into its traditional realism by adopting an approach based on “reassurance”. + Under this approach, France sought to foster stability by reassuring its partners against their perceived anxiety in the face of domestic instability, regional changes, and international uncertainties. But “reassurance” did not deliver and France still faces key challenges in the region. + France also feels increasingly ‘alone in the desert’, with little European support. Even with armed conflicts, terrorism, and migration flows across the region, France has failed to rally its European partners around strategic purpose. + Emmanuel Macron’s ardent pro-Europeanism presents an opportunity for France, and for Europe. But France must move on from its 'reassurance' approach and better embed its leadership in concerted European cooperation. |
|
| Source Link | http://www.ecfr.eu/page/-/ECFR251_how_france_can_lead_europe_in_the_middle_east.pdf |
| Related Links |
|
| Countries / Regions | France, Middle East, Northern Africa |
