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May 16, 2012 | Hollande and Afghanistan: A Delicate Balance

Vivien Pertusot: Tensions are already emerging between France’s new President and key partners. The potential for early French withdrawal from Afghanistan is one of the issues at the heart of them and has caused concerns in Allied capitals and at NATO. But let’s not exaggerate the issue.

October 27, 2009 | Sarkozy's Three-way NATO Bet

Camille Grand: France’s return to full military membership of NATO inevitably raised fears that the first casualty might be the European defense project. But far from weakening ESDP, President Sarkozy’s move intends to strengthen it while at the same time hastening NATO’s reform.

February 20, 2009 | In Defense of the Czech EU Presidency

Tobias Wolny: Do not be misled by President Klaus’s speech to the European Parliament. The Czech EU presidency has done a good job so far, managing a number of unexpected international and domestic issues over the last two months. And the Czechs deserve more credit from fellow European leaders in the current debate on protectionism.

December 30, 2008 | Sarkozy: Bush in French Garb

Thomas Speckmann: Nicolas Sarkozy governs according to his own agenda, to the disadvantage of Europe. His political style is similar to the unilateral approach of President Bush, condemned by so many Europeans. France cannot continue to give its longstanding ally, Germany, the cold shoulder. Sarkozy must cease his go-it-alone policies and become “Sarkozy l’Européen.”

July 18, 2008 | Is the US Really Better Off With Sarkozy?

Nikolas Kirrill Gvosdev: Despite the proclaimed cooperative approach, Franco-American tensions could grow bigger than under Chirac. Sarkozy’s Euro-Atlantic, yet independent, foreign policy moves could well be at odds with the next US president’s understanding of multilateralism.

July 15, 2008 | Drawing-up a Balance Sheet for Europe

Pierre Drai: The Irish “no” came as a surprise to many European policymakers. Yet it is their own failure to cater to the needs and desires of their voters and close the gap between policies and reality that caused it. The EU needs to be more transparent domestically and take on greater responsibility internationally if real deadlock is to be avoided in the future.

July 2, 2008 | Europe so Close Yet so Far

Stephanie von Hayek: Although the Lisbon Treaty is a step forward for a Europe of the citizens, the Irish said no. And it is understandable they did. There is a lack of transparency and political dialogue within the EU which needs to be filled in by politicians on all levels.

February 25, 2008 | EU Expansion to Israel and Palestine

Leon Hadar: The EU should put its money where its mouth is and work towards inviting both Israel and Palestine to join the EU. With the election of a new US president, Europe could gain more control in the Middle East, but only if it simultaneously accepts more responsibility.

December 4, 2007 | Will NATO's Prodigal Son Return?

Dominique Moisi: I considers how likely it is that France will return to NATO’s military command. Regardless of Sarkozy’s decision, the issue represents a new strategy: “to link progress in building a common European defense and security structure with a redefinition of NATO.”

September 24, 2007 | What Is France's Place In The World?

Dominique Moisi: France should come to terms with the present century and come back into Europe. I have a few answers to the question that went unasked in the recent French presidential election campaign, and seems to have gone unconsidered by the French people.

August 13, 2007 | Will Kosovo End the Transatlantic Honeymoon?

Nikolas Kirrill Gvosdev: The US course of action on statehood for Kosovo will be a major test for the newly fortified transatlantic relationship.

June 18, 2007 | 4 Myths About America-Bashing in Europe

William Drozdiak: I call on the United States and Europe to realize that conventional anti-Americanism is grounded in a few basic myths. Jan Ross called the growing tide of Anti-Americanism a new global ideology, but a closer look reveals that things are not as dire as they may seem.

November 8, 2011 | "Credibility" Gap in Merkozy's Eurozone Strategy

Merkel and Sarkozy’s shifting strategy on the Euro crisis is undermining the credibility of the EU and hurting investment. ++ Suddenly introducing foreign exchange risk to the Eurozone has frightened the very market forces needed to rescue debt-ridden Greece and Italy. ++ This has created a vicious circle of political instability which further harms investment. ++ If it is to survive, the

April 2, 2010 | Renewing the Oldest Atlantic Alliance

French President Nicolas Sarkozy made it clear in 2007 that he was “A friend of America,” as he sought to repair damage to a transatlantic relationship that has deteriorated as a result of the Iraq war. ++ More recently, Sarkozy has aggressively courted Obama’s favor but thus far has failed to establish a close working relationship with the American President. ++ “Obama hasn’t seemed to take

March 13, 2009 | France Re-Discovers NATO

After 43 years of abstinence France is returning to NATO. ++ President Sarkozy decided that France should “reintegrat[e] into all structures of the Atlantic alliance.” ++ The move brings France closer to the US and undoes de Gaulle’s refusal “to allow the French armed forces to submit to US command,” stirring criticism from both “old-guard Gaullists”

February 19, 2009 | NATO Is Not the Answer

Sarkozy’s decision to rejoin NATO’s military command is the wrong response to the new era Obama has ushered in. ++ NATO remains an organization designed for the Cold War era without the legitimacy to take on a universal role. ++ Sarkozy is sending out a signal that France wishes to remain part of the “western family,” locked in a defensive mindset of yesteryear. ++

January 30, 2009 | Sarkozysm, Second Class Gaullism

France finds itself once again immersed in massive protests directed against Mr. Sarkozy, compared by several to General de Gaulle for their common attempts to monopolize power. ++ A striking difference, however, ought to be pointed out: Sarkozysm has “no heroic feats of courage, no sacrifice for the common good, little sense of history or public service.” ++ The socialist party has so far been

January 12, 2009 | Overactive, Mr Sarkozy?

Taking office upon a promise of “a rupture” with French national and foreign policy, Nicolas Sarkozy differentiates himself from his predecessors through the active role he assumes in the international arena. ++ The current crisis in Gaza is a crisis which may well “measure up to Sarkozy’s metabolism.” ++ His different approach towards the US and Israel — he publicly stated that he

November 27, 2008 | Europe's Role Reversal over Russia

In the past, the European right reliably took a hard-line stance against Russian expansionism, with the left playing the role of apologists. ++ “Today, there has been an odd reversal,” with the likes of Merkel, Berlusconi, and Sarkozy – Europe’s right – acting as stalwarts for Russia (the latter having done a phenomenal job of irking Eastern Europe in the process).

November 11, 2008 | Sarkozy Against "Polite Conversation"

French President Sarkozy is rushing on with demands for the upcoming G20-meeting, at the expense of diplomacy. ++ His harsh call for multilateral action, blaming Wall Street for the crisis, is explained by a feeling of support from public opinion in Europe. ++ However, the crisis was not fabricated only in the US; Europe’s structures have their own faults. ++ Sensible targets for the summit would

November 7, 2008 | Blank Czech: The Next EU Presidency

The Czech government is ready for the EU presidency.++ “In the past two decades, the central and east European (CEE) economies have done their homework, introducing reforms, with bank bail-outs and privatizations.” ++ The Czech presidency must address three problems: eurozone recapitalization, central European members vulnerable to a euro-wide recession, and new members needing financial support.

October 29, 2008 | Bush 3.0 - Enter the Twilight Zone

We are entering “the twilight zone,” the interregnum period between the election and the ascendance of the new president, where president Bush could act with menacing impunity. ++ The recent raid on Syria, which killed eight, is not an aberration from the Bush Doctrine, with some even considering it “no big deal” – but this attack might portend more ominous,

October 27, 2008 | Sarkozy's EU Coup d'état

Nicolas Sarkozy wishes to remain “president of the eurozone” for another year. ++ Chances are this coup will work, given the current situation. ++ The financial turmoil will likely require another eurozone summit meeting to address lingering problems; existing bank recapitalization plans need revision on a European level; Germany’s push for minimal eurozone intervention is not nearly as popular

October 24, 2008 | Nationalism Trumps Global Economic Cooperation

Financial turmoil has provoked leading nations to recognize the need for economic cooperation, yet fierce nationalism has reared its head amid the calls for global unity. ++ “Economics and finance may be global, but politics is still local.” ++ Western nations seek to retain power in the world system and emerging nations do not wish to yield their sovereignty. ++ Ideally the next US president

October 22, 2008 | "Super-Sarko's Plans for the World"

National governments of the EU have dealt with the financial crisis, ignoring the power of EU institutions. ++ State aid laws have been neglected aiming to “prevent EU governments from subsidising national companies.” ++ President Sarkozy is calling for tighter “supervision of the international banking systems” and for a “crackdown on international tax havens”

October 14, 2008 | Russia Can "Talk Away" Georgia Conflict

Moscow’s recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia does not correlate with universal approval, and an international dialogue concerning the status of Georgia is set to begin. ++ Europe has proven itself too dissolute to confront Russia openly: Sarkozy has advocated global mediation, emphasizing Georgia’s weakness, and Merkel speaks of “Georgia’s core territory,” nearly cow-towing to the Russian

October 6, 2008 | Potential EU Monetary Crisis - Recapitalize Now

Despite the success of some initial bank bailouts granted by the EU, such as Fortis, Europe is still short of an overall financial strategy. ++ Three things are needed: first, money to recapitalize the banking sector; second, a semi-permanent EU crisis committee to make financial decisions; and third, clear rules indicating when to recapitalize. ++ Sarkozy was right to support a EUR 300 billion

September 30, 2008 | Financial Anger the World Over, but Misguided

Anger stemming from the financial mess is ubiquitous; the biggest backlash comes from outside the Anglo-American world and is directed at their unique type of capitalism. ++ The disparity between individualism and solidarity is the primary cause. ++ Markets are not perfect, nor are Adam Smith’s theories. ++ “Arm’s-length finance,” a distinctly Anglo-American style, has made headway on the

July 17, 2008 | "France Has Stepped Out of Hibernation"

Despite a controversial relationship to the media, opposition to Turkish EU membership, and waning popularity at home, Sarkozy in all his recklessness is a positive force for France and for Europe. ++ The president has transformed France’s foreign relations turning it into a credible ally and intermediary. ++ Rapprochement with the US and Israel has brought independence to France and cohesiveness

July 3, 2008 | EU Constitution for a "Protective Europe"

Besides a Europe of markets, trade, and economic liberalization the French President Nicolas Sarkozy calls for a “protective Europe.” ++ With this, he intends to assuage the discontent of people who feel abandonned by the EU in the face of globalization. ++ Sarkozy’s policy style forces the EU to wake up from its political lethargy. ++ Yet, his strategy can only be

June 25, 2008 | Europe's Dilemma: Accommodating Iraqi Refugees

Violence in Iraq has driven over 2 million refugees abroad, especially to Europe. ++ Several EU countries believe their current immigration policy is too lax and that responsibility is unevenly distributed. ++ Taking over the next European Council Presidency, Sarkozy is planning on proposing an “immigration pact” that would make borders more impermeable. ++ Germany’s CDU party

June 24, 2008 | The Emergence of a Another Two-Speed Europe

Most EU leaders want to continue with the ratification of the Lisbon treaty regardless of the disastrous outcome of the Irish vote. ++ Sarkozy and Merkel in particular are pushing for the treaty to be implemented, yet only governments and political elites are eager to proceed. ++ The treaty has split the EU along geographical lines: the reluctant eastern Europeans, the Irish, and the others. ++

June 16, 2008 | The French Could Help EU-Alliance Communication

While the US and Germany would welcome full French participation in NATO, Sarkozy faces stiff resistance to the notion domestically. ++ The fact that French military representation in NATO “far exceeds” analogous French efforts in ESDP should be addressed. ++ The US should emphasize its role as partner rather than leader with regards to NATO, and “positional bargaining” needs to be avoided by all

June 11, 2008 | "The New American Realism" Fairs Well in the EU

Some may be tempted to ignore Bush during his final tour of Europe, a US President on his way out does not need the same attention as one on his way in. ++ Bush’s presidency, however, has marked an epoch-making shift: the emphasis of US diplomacy moved away from stability concerns and toward the spread democratic freedom; an emphasis that is strengthening the Atlantic

June 10, 2008 | A Lame Duck and Chickens Cramp EU/US Dialog

US President George W. Bush’s final visit to Europe is likely to be only ceremonial and of little real substance. ++ The EU and the US are deeply divided over issues of trade, especially the import ban on American poultry. ++ Meanwhile, Bush - who’s presidency is soon to end - has too little leverage to elicit European cooperation on such issues as Afghanistan and Iraq. ++ The question remains

June 9, 2008 | Europe: Trapped Between Washington and Tehran?

Europe is playing a dangerous game with Iran. ++ Supporting US-endorsed sanctions while simultaneously maintaining business ties with Iran has resulted in a “schizophrenic policy.” ++ While the US sees a nuclear Iran as absolutely unacceptable, many Europeans’ worst nightmare instead is a US or Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. ++ “Europe’s new leaders may speak loudly, but they still

June 2, 2008 | Germany Would do Well to Look Towards France

President Sarkozy has announced that citizens of the 2004 EU accession countries will be permitted to work freely in France beginning in July. ++ This development contrasts sharply with Germany where “borders will remain firmly shut for another three years.” ++ While wage modernization and the boom enjoyed by export partners mean that the short-run looks bright for Germany, the country’s

April 30, 2008 | Sarkozy l' Américain?

The election of Nicolas Sarkozy was a source of hope for the future of Franco-American and transatlantic relations. Sarkozy made no secret of his intention to kick start a new era of French foreign policy and effect a radical break away from a forty year old Gaullist anti-American tradition, loyally held up by his predecessor Jacques Chirac. Now nearly a year has gone by since the proclaimed

March 25, 2008 | Bringing NATO and the ESDP Closer Together

British skepticism towards EU defense and opposition to “operational headquarters” for EU military missions may jeopardize Sarkozy’s plan to simultaneously increase the EU’s military role and obtain approval at home for full membership to NATO. ++ A compromise in the form of common headquarters for both NATO and the ESDP would put an end to a pointless rivalry while optimizing the work of both

March 18, 2008 | Germany's Position on Iran is Crucial

During Merkel’s visit, Israel needs to clarify that Germany must support tougher sanctions, break diplomatic ties, and end governmental trade subsidies with Iran. ++ Brown and Sarkozy are already supportive of more restrictive sanctions, but if Germany remains indecisive, effective action against Iran will be impossible. ++ Israel only further endangers itself claiming that Germany is doing

August 27, 2007 | Die Zeit's Joffe on World Series Time for Merkel

Angela Merkel’s leadership style thus far has resembled that of Otto von Bismarck, Europe’s “honest broker” in the late 1870’s. But with new leaders in power in France and Britain, the real diplomatic test is still ahead, argues Josef Joffe. The publisher-editor of the influential German weekly Die Zeit writes that it remains to be seen whether Merkel can moderate diverging

June 11, 2007 | Sarkozy and the Arab world: French policy at the crossroads?

New French president Nicolas Sarkozy could initiate a historic shift in French Middle East policy, says Pascal Boniface, director of the IRIS Institute for International and Strategic Relations.

For forty years, French policy has been viewed as pro-Arab, an approach which has been attributed to French commercial interests and a large Muslim population. According to Boniface, however,