Waiting for Hollande: French foreign policy beyond Europe's borders

He won’t be untested on the world stage for long. No sooner will François Hollande be sworn in that he will jet off to Berlin, Washington, and Chicago for sit-downs and summits. On foreign policy, French presidents always seem to grapple with two shadows – that of their immediate predecessor and that of Fifth Republic founder Charles de Gaulle.

DEBATE

Pierre CONESA. Former French Defence Ministry official; Author of "The manufacturing of an enemy, or how to kill with a clean conscience";
Judah GRUNSTEIN. Editor-in-Chief, World Politics Review;
Vincent JAUVERT. Senior Correspondent, Le Nouvel Observateur;
Annemie NEYTS-UYTTEBROECK. Belgian MEP (from Brussels).

Produced by François Picard, Anelise Borges, Mary Colombel, Christopher Davis.

Watch the second part here.

Presenter

François Picard

24/02/2011 - THE DEBATE

Portrait of a tyrant: who is the real Gaddafi? (Part 2)

In power for over 40 years, Libya’s Muammar Gadhafi is the Arab world’s longest serving leader. He was once dubbed the mad dog of the middle east by US President Ronald Reagan and this week he lived up to his nickname by promising to annihilate his opponents in a ranting hour long speech. Just how far is Gadhafi prepared to go in order to hold on to power?

24/02/2011 - THE DEBATE

Revolt in Libya: is it time to intervene? (Part 1)

The dream that began in Tunisia and Egypt has turned in to a nightmare in Libya. Hundreds are feared dead in a brutal crackdown ordered by Colonel Gadhafi. Given the rapprochement between Libya’s firebrand leader and the west in recent years, is it now time for the international community to intervene and protect the Libyan people from Gadhafi’s wrath?

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24/02/2011 - THE DEBATE

Revolt in Libya: is it time to intervene?

23/02/2011 - THE DEBATE

Arab awakening: has France mishandled the regional revolutions? (Part 2)

The French government has appeared out of touch and wrong footed by recent events in the Middle East. There’s been a series of gaffes linking the foreign minister to Tunisia’s ousted President and President Sarkozy is urging his ministers to favour France in the future, when it comes to foreign holidays. What can France do to restore its influence in the region?.