o2roer2022 21:40 The United States and France, The Power between Myth and Realty
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Publié sur JFRI - Institut frangais des relations internationales (https:/hwww.ifr.org (https://www.ifriorg))
‘Accusl ft) > The Urited States and France, The Power between Myth and Realty
Notes de I'Ifri - The United States and France.
The Power between Myth and Reality Philippe
Moreau Defarges. Transatlantic series, Notes
de I'Ifri, No. 14, Paris, Ifri, (original French title:
Les Etats-Unis et la France. La puissance
entre mythes et réalités)
Publié le 31/05/1999
Philippe MOREAU DEFARGES
Distributed by la Documentation frangaise (text in French).
Abstract
Franco-American relations cannot be simple. The two countries share a long and common history during which, at least
during the 20th century (with the exception of Vichy) they were both on the same side, But while American power
continued to increase rapidly, France remained an ancient nation struggling to hang on to its status. Whereas France
attempts- often with little success- to build a ‘good’ relationship with the United States, the United States, on the other
hand, is both intrigued and annoyed by what it interprets as the tantrums of an old lady who is never satisfied.
Franco-American fiction is primarily based on three specific issues: Economics, culture and Europe
Firstly, economics. Ideological quarrels on the hegemony of the dollar are now a thing of the past. Finally, France is,
pleased and proud to be a forerunner in playing host to American multinationals. As for French firms, their implantation in
the US is honorable, even though it is a far cry from the number of German firms implanted in the US. Moreover,
Americanization — or said otherwise, the diffusion of American norms- of the French economy seems inevitable, But does
this Americanization symbolize the triumph of the United States? Nobody owns the rules, At times they may serve one
while at other times they may serve the other.
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Next, culture, From the 17th century to the dawn of the 20th century, it could be said that French culture was universal.
Since World War I, however, Anglo-American culture has taken over this tile, leaving France to struggle to preserve the
status of French and the diversity of cultures. But what are the real stakes? Both American and French cultures are faced
with the same challenge- the challenge of multicultural claims. Anglo-American English is now the language of business.
and trade, sports and science. In brief, itis today's world super class. Yet competition stil remains present, not between
cultures, but between the industries of image. The weight of the US is great and long-lasting. What can France do? Can it
equal the US? But would this not eventually lead to the creation of American products, without American know-how and
without their power to conquer markets. Can France protect the delicate blossoms of cinema, art and essay? Would this
not imply plunging into a sophistication which is little accessible?
Finally, Europe. Is this not a pertinent field where France, by bringing together and guiding the Europeans, is offered a
leverge that enables it to equal the US? Under the presidency of General de Gaulle, who for a moment dreamed: in vain-
ofa transatlantic directoire, Europe became a Franco-American stake. But are the Europeans ready to renounce
‘American protection? Is the United States capable of imaging itself as no longer being Europe's peacekeeper? Will France
accept the price of a strong European entity: its transformation in favor of the European Union?
In conclusion, is it desirable and possible to normalize Franco-American relations? Both countries probably understand
each other very well, their disagreements (mostly on the French side) are more the results of political utility. The major
challenges facing these two States are no doubt beyond and outside their bi-lateral relations. France's great dream is to
be a ‘pain to the world’. Does this dream have the slightest significance in today's international context? As for the United
States, itis the Rome of today- but for how long?
URL source: hitos://www.ifr.orgiftinode/1784
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