Macron admits the Western dominated global order is being challenged, calls for revised strategies
Monday, August 28, 2023In his annual address to French ambassadors, French President Emmanuel Macron admits the Western dominated global order is being challenged, calls for strengthening of France's diplomatic on Monday.
Macron stated that: "The situation in the international
arena is becoming more complicated, which threatens the risk of weakening the
West and, in particular, Europe. We need to take a sober approach to this,
without falling into excessive pessimism ... There is a revision of the world
order, its principles, various forms of its organization, where the West has
occupied and occupies a dominant position.”
France needs to consolidate its diplomatic strategies as the
international context has become more “complex”, Macron told French ambassadors
at a meeting in Paris on Monday.
“Our international order is being challenged,” said Macron.
“War has returned to European soil, anti-French sentiment is rife, fueled by
anti-colonialism or a perceived anti-colonialism that a double standard is
being employed,” he said.
“We need to be clear, without being excessively
pessimistic,” he said, citing the rise of “new forms of protectionism” and
democratic backsliding due to a rise in illiberal powers.
Faced with these risks, Macron said France’s diplomatic
efforts should focus on security policy in the context of the war in Ukraine
and in bolstering European independence and strategic interests.
The French president also stressed the need to “avoid partitioning
the world” over the Ukraine war, at a time when many countries from the Global
South have refused to condemn Russian aggression. We must “avoid a narrative
that claims, ‘this is Europe’s war, it doesn't concern us’”, he said.
France also seeks to be a “trusted partner” on the geopolitical front, “our diplomatic efforts should keep it simple. We should protect our interests. We should also stand for our principles and our values, which are universal,” said Macron.
Keeping our readers informed about the most consequential events in this fast changing world. Manage your Subscription; invite a friend to subscribe to ISR’s Weekly Review Bulletin