Discussing France's Foreign Policy and Global Relations | International Relations Cluster Roundtable

In this month’s episode of Roundtable discussion, the panellists had diverse opinions on France's position in European security. Some believed that France plays a significant role in the EU's defense and security policy, while others thought that it could lead to increased tensions with the US. On the topic of President Macron's statements about the strategic independence of Europe, opinions were divided, with some supporting the idea and others expressing concern about potential consequences. The French colonial history and current relations with former colonies were also discussed, with some experts praising France's proactive defense of its colonies and others suggesting that France could do more to address the root causes of instability in those regions. Regarding the ongoing protests in France, opinions varied, but some believed that it could impact President Macron's ability to turn the country's policies around. Finally, the experts discussed the factors that shape France's foreign policy and identified the issues in US-French relations, which include differences over issues such as climate change and trade policies.