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France

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Although France's demographic and economic weight in the world is tending to decline, it nevertheless retains important attributes of power. Its diplomacy and defense policy bear witness to this.

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The integrated territorial approach (ITA). Hopes and limits of local stabilisation in the Sahel

Date de publication
08 July 2024
Accroche

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the attacks of 11 September 2001, the proliferation of local conflicts and the partitioning of certain states (Yugoslavia, Somalia) have given rise to external interventions, both bilateral and multilateral, in which the military element has been combined with civil action in innovative ways.

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France Adapts to an Era of Strategic Competition With China

Date de publication
05 June 2024
Accroche
Under Macron, France is positioning itself as a "balanced power," carefully navigating the complexities of engaging with China. 
 
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Macron’s China Policy: Dropping Illusions and Bringing Back Realpolitik

Date de publication
14 May 2024
Accroche

One may regret that France has not upgraded its China policy sooner, but it seems that the French president is now clear-eyed that it is not enough to only have a good relationship with Beijing, it is also necessary to reinstate the balance of power.

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Xi Jinping’s Visit to France: Stumbling Blocks Pile Up on the Path of Bilateral Cooperation

Date de publication
02 May 2024
Accroche

On May 6 and 7, Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to France, his first to Europe since 2019 and the Covid-19 pandemic. Emmanuel Macron and Xi Jinping will celebrate Franco-Chinese friendship and the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between their two countries. It comes at a time when the bilateral relationship is officially perceived as positive on both sides, especially after the French President’s visit to China in April 2023.

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Germany’s Strategy on Climate Foreign Policy: Balancing Sustainable Development and Energy Security

Date de publication
18 March 2024
Accroche

With the war in Ukraine, Germany’s “traffic light” coalition government has had to adapt its climate policy to the upheavals caused by this war, which has turned its economic, energy, and military model upside down. Against a backdrop of high energy costs and increasing calls for reshoring in Europe, German industry is looking at how to maintain its competitiveness while decarbonizing its industry.

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Troubled Twins: The FCAS and MGCS Weapon Systems and Franco-German Co-operation

Date de publication
04 December 2023
Accroche

The FCAS (Future Combat Air System) and the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) represent the latest chapter in a more than seven decades-long history of Franco-German defense co-operation.

Johanna MÖHRING
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France in the Indo-Pacific: The Need for a Pragmatic Strategic Posture

Date de publication
10 October 2023
Accroche

As US-China rivalry reaches its peak and the likelihood of a high-intensity conflict in the region seems greater than ever, this report advocates for a pragmatic recalibration of France’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific. This adjustment should be grounded in a realistic reframing of ambitions and an analysis of France’s core interests and the threats it faces.

Zeitenwende: The Bundeswehr’s Paradigm Shift

Date de publication
29 September 2023
Accroche

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, marked a turning point in German defense policy. After thirty years of military downsizing, the Bundeswehr found itself at an extremely low capability level just as a high-intensity war involving a great power was breaking out on Europe’s doorstep for the first time since 1945. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s response was to embrace this “turning point” (Zeitenwende) by launching a major program to reequip Germany’s armed forces.

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France’s Place Within NATO: Toward a Strategic Aggiornamento?

Date de publication
27 June 2023
Accroche

With a rapidly deteriorating security environment, a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, internal disputes exploding into public view, and questions being raised about the scope of its security responsibilities, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) seemed to be in dire straits at the time of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

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Emmanuel Macron Visits China: Stability in the Taiwan Strait Should be a Priority for France

Date de publication
03 April 2023
Accroche

President Emmanuel Macron will visit China from April 4 to 8 for the first time since 2019 and five months after his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali.

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Macron’s China Policy: Dropping Illusions and Bringing Back Realpolitik

Date de publication
14 May 2024
Accroche

One may regret that France has not upgraded its China policy sooner, but it seems that the French president is now clear-eyed that it is not enough to only have a good relationship with Beijing, it is also necessary to reinstate the balance of power.

Zeitenwende: The Bundeswehr’s Paradigm Shift

Date de publication
29 September 2023
Accroche

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, marked a turning point in German defense policy. After thirty years of military downsizing, the Bundeswehr found itself at an extremely low capability level just as a high-intensity war involving a great power was breaking out on Europe’s doorstep for the first time since 1945. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s response was to embrace this “turning point” (Zeitenwende) by launching a major program to reequip Germany’s armed forces.

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France’s Place Within NATO: Toward a Strategic Aggiornamento?

Date de publication
27 June 2023
Accroche

With a rapidly deteriorating security environment, a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, internal disputes exploding into public view, and questions being raised about the scope of its security responsibilities, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) seemed to be in dire straits at the time of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

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A Rough Year Ahead for the China-France Strategic Partnership

Date de publication
05 February 2021
Accroche

2020 has been a challenging year for the world economy. Although the magnitude of the shock triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic differed widely from one country to another, no economy was left unscathed. 

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The Future of Europe in the Context of Sino-American Competition - Foreword

Date de publication
30 December 2019
Accroche

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 speech by Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Economy and Finance.

Bruno LE MAIRE
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The Crucial Challenge of Cyberthreats

Date de publication
30 December 2019
Accroche

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 debate moderated by Marc Hecker between Thomas Gomart and Jean-Louis Gergorin.

Thomas GOMART Marc HECKER Jean-Louis GERGORIN
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Foreword

Date de publication
30 December 2019
Accroche

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.

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Industry Response to New Protectionism

Date de publication
30 December 2019
Accroche

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 debate moderated by Thierry de Montbrial between Jean-Paul Agon and Patrick Pouyané.

Jean-Paul AGON Patrick POUYANNÉ Thierry de MONTBRIAL
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The Future of Europe in the Context of Sino-American Competition - Foreword

Date de publication
30 December 2019
Accroche

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 speech by Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Economy and Finance.

Bruno LE MAIRE
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France vs. Jihadism: The Republic in a New Age of Terror

Date de publication
30 January 2017
Accroche

This paper assesses the current state of the jihadist threat to France, as well as the French authorities’ security response. With the upcoming presidential election, 2017 will be a decisive year for the country. Terrorism will be at the heart of the campaign and ISIS will most likely try to strike again.

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Macron's Taiwan comments expose muddled China policy

27 April 2023
Accroche

French President Emmanuel Macron's call for Europe to steer clear of a Taiwan conflict -- rooted in France's pride and deep-seated resistance to following America's lead -- has raised questions about where he and Paris really stand on China.

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Does Macron's stance on Taiwan weaken G7 deterrence against China?

11 April 2023
Accroche

One of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s top goals for next month’s Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima is to create a united front on issues like China and Ukraine. But finding a unified approach to dealing with Beijing’s assertiveness might have just become harder.

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France’s Macron Renews Call for a Sovereign Europe Less Reliant on Foreign Powers

11 April 2023
Accroche

French president’s remarks follow criticism over his warning that Europe should steer clear of U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan

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Europe is ‘counting on China’ to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, leaders tell Xi Jinping in Beijing

07 April 2023
Accroche

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron deliver united message to Chinese president during visit ; but as French leader signed over 20 business deals on China trip, EU chief took sterner line with Xi on economic grievances, human rights and Taiwan

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In China, Macron appeals to Xi to help end Ukraine conflict

06 April 2023
Accroche

French President Emmanuel Macron called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to help convince Russia to hold negotiations toward ending the war in Ukraine as the two leaders met in Beijing on Thursday.

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wall street journal
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France’s Emmanuel Macron to Press Xi Jinping on China’s Support of Russia

05 April 2023
Accroche

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to press Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a trip to China this week to limit support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to French officials, amid growing Western concerns over Beijing’s deepening economic and political ties with Moscow.

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Business as Usual for Next Franco-German Couple, Despite Sticking Points

19 November 2021
Nom du journal, revue ou émission
Euractiv
Accroche

While some argue that the next Franco-German power couple could be business as usual, there are some potential sticking points ahead.

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France returns its ambassador to Australia, but years of antagonism lie ahead

08 October 2021
Accroche

France is eager to prevent the crisis from spiralling further as it recognises it is in its national interest, and President Macron’s favour, to end it. But damage has been done, writes Ahmed Aboudouh.

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France’s submarine trouble highlights its precarious status as a great power

22 September 2021
Accroche

French admiral says US has broken a pact among nuclear powers on the UN Security Council by agreeing to sell nuclear submarines.

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The end of the Merkel-Macron era — a mediocre legacy?

16 September 2021
Accroche

German Chancellor Merkel has met with French President Macron in what could be her final working visit to France. Some analysts say their cooperation should have produced more results.

Support independent French research

Ifri, a foundation recognized as being of public utility, relies largely on private donors – companies and individuals – to guarantee its sustainability and intellectual independence. Through their funding, donors help maintain the Institute's position among the world's leading think tanks. By benefiting from an internationally recognized network and expertise, donors refine their understanding of geopolitical risk and its consequences on global politics and the economy. In 2026, Ifri partners with over 90 French and international companies and organizations.

Presentation of Ramses 2026, Ifri, Paris
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