France Contested in Overseas Territories - Politique étrangère, Vol. 90, No. 1, Spring 2025
New Caledonia, Mayotte: France's overseas territories were severely shaken in 2024. Beyond explanations of the economic situation, the place of these overseas territories in French policies and strategies is once again being called into question.
Are France's overseas territories the remnants of an outdated colonialism? Or, on the contrary, are they supports for an extended French presence that the opening-up of the world makes indispensable, and barriers raised here and there against the appetites of new powers? In any case, what policies should the Hexagone pursue in these regions, to promote better development and more effective integration into their environment? And is the legal status of these overseas territories untouchable?
Three years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is it time for negotiation and diplomacy? The opening of negotiations to end the conflict would presuppose that each of the direct protagonists believes it is in their interest to do so; that we know what we intend to negotiate–a simple suspension of operations or the conditions for a more lasting peace; and that we can agree on security guarantees for Ukraine in both hypotheses: a provisional ceasefire or the organization of peace. These security guarantees are extremely complex to define, as we have known for some time. In any event, the European Union, which is largely absent from the debate today, would be well advised to bring its weight to bear, which it cannot do without a common strategy and common resources.
This issue is available in French only: Outre-mer : la France contestée
FRANCE CONTESTED IN ITS OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
Overseas Territories in French Foreign Policy, by Frédéric Charillon and Fred Constant
French Overseas Territories: The Other Illusion of Power, by Richard Werly
The Caribbean: Geopolitical Interfaces?, by Laurent Giacobbi
La Réunion and Mayotte, France's Last Cards in Africa, by Christophe Rocheland
Oceania: An Underestimated Emancipation of French Collectivities, by Jean-Marc Regnault
New Caledonia, between Crises and Indo-Pacific Strategies, by Frédéric Angleviel
UKRAINE: WHAT SECURITY GUARANTEES?
Ukraine: A Year of Uncertain Peace, by Pierre Vimont
The Long History of Security Guarantees to Ukraine: 1991-2025, by Jean de Gliniasty
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Trump 2: Challenges for the US Military Posture, by Morgan Paglia
Afghanistan under Taliban control, by David Izadifar
Germany in Europe: Embarrassed Leadership, by Claire Demesmay
BAROMETERS
The Post-Barkhane Era in the Sahel: Jihadists on the Doorstep of Power?, by Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos
Pakistan at a Crossroads, by Nathalène Reynolds
Mexico: A President in Obrador's Shadow?, by Isabelle Rousseau
BOOK REVIEWS
Under the direction of Marc Hecker
Les Nouvelles Règles du jeu. Comment éviter le chaos planétaire, by George Papaconstantinou and Jean Pisani-Ferry
La Grande Rupture. 1989-2024. De la chute du mur à la guerre d'Ukraine, by Georges-Henri Soutou
From Thomas Gomart
Israël, l’impossible État normal, by Denis Charbit
The Killing of Gaza: Reports on a Catastrophe, by Gideon Levy
Une étrange défaite. Sur le consentement à l'écrasement de Gaza, by Didier Fassin
Israël-Palestine, année zéro. Le 7 octobre 2023, une onde de choc mondiale, by David Khalfa (ed.)
From Amélie Férey
240 pages. 23 euros.
March 4th, 2025.
Diffusion : Pollen/Dif'Pop.
Subscription: Armand Colin.
To buy an issue: leslibraires.fr.
To buy the Epub (in French): Immatériel.fr.
Have a look on Politique étrangère's blog: Politique étrangère.
Find out more
Discover all our analysesDigital Revolution, Economic Upheaval
The digital revolution is profoundly shaking up the economy, with the impact felt well beyond the digital sector itself. Indeed, it is transforming the very concept of value creation. Artificial intelligence represents a new phase that requires a colossal investment in physical infrastructure like data centers. Europe failed to grasp the scale of these changes in time, but it does have certain advantages.
Germany: The Return of Military Service?
Abolished in 2011, conscription returned to Germany in 2025, albeit in a new, voluntary form. The decision in 2011 was broadly supported. Public opinion, like the political sphere, is more divided now. The reintroduction of voluntary service for men reflects the demands of the geopolitical landscape and the Bundeswehr’s need for troops. It remains to be seen whether the model chosen will fulfill the requirements of defense chiefs.
Foreword
In this special issue of Politique étrangère devoted to the proceedings of the conference organized by Ifri on April 10, 2019, in the Grand Amphitheater of the Sorbonne, on the occasion of its fortieth anniversary, read the foreword by Thierry de Montbrial, founder and president of Ifri.
Europe and Africa
In this special issue of Politique étrangère devoted to the proceedings of the conference organized by Ifri on April 10, 2019, in the Grand Amphitheater of the Sorbonne, on the occasion of its fortieth anniversary, discover the conversation between Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of La Francophonie and Thierrry de Montbrial, Founder and Executive Chairman of Ifri.