French Foreign Policy

France has long charted its own course in the world. While their foreign policy usually moves in parallel with the rest of the Western world, the French often make a show of their independence by taking a unique route to the ultimate consensus. And, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (along with the United States, Russia, China, and the United Kingdom), whatever France does in the world has implications for U.S. foreign policy.

Little of this underlying truth will change under new President Nicholas Sarkozy, but a new attitude--especially toward America--is expected. Here are a few resources which begin to outline the Sarkozy era.

• Time magazine's coverage, headlined, "A 'Pro-American' French President?," says, "But while the new President's foreign policy will feature some differences from that of his predecessor--even some surprises--analysts have poured cold water on the idea that in foreign policy, Sarkozy will be the 'anti-Chirac.'"
• A Radio Free Europe story ("Sarkozy Win Leaves Foreign Policy Unclear") says, "Sarkozy, a former interior minister, has no international experience beyond the limited amount gained in his ministerial dealings in such areas as immigration, customs issues, and money laundering. But his enthusiasm for the United States is clear..."
• United Press International offers this summary of Arab newspaper editorials on the Sarkozy victory.
• Writing for Slate, Anne Applebauam says, "So, farewell then, [outgoing French President] Jacques Chirac. Take your scorn for the Anglo-American world with you."
• Jennifer Brea, the About Guide to World News, has extensive coverage of the French elections.