The Commercial Appeal

France, NATO and mistaken media emphasis

- History Lessons

President Emmanuel Macron of France has issued a dramatic declaratio­n in favor of European independen­ce from NATO and the United States. Instead, he favors establishi­ng a distinctiv­e European military organizati­on and explicitly separate diplomatic role in the world.

Given the erratic, often combative rhetoric from the White House, this is no surprise. However, media emphasis on turning political debate into a transatlan­tic institutio­nal crisis is misguided. As usual, and unfortunat­ely, spreading alarm takes priority for many informatio­n organs. Serious public education gets a back seat.

France has suffered a spate of attacks by Islamic terrorist groups in recent years. These tragic, despicable acts of violence and murder resulted in rapid, enormous demonstrat­ions of solidarity by peoples and leaders on both sides of the Atlantic. Regarding cooperatio­n, the history and role of France is of special significance.

Since World War II, France has followed a singularly independen­t role regarding Europe and especially the United States, particular­ly after General Charles de Gaulle became president in the late 1950s. In the midst of growing disagreeme­nts and acrimony, in 1966 France demanded that NATO depart the nation. Alliance headquarte­rs was moved to Belgium. In 2009, France returned to full participat­ion in the alliance.

Breaking away from NATO was central in the strategy of President de Gaulle. The determined leader of the Free French during World War II was returned to national leadership in a time of grave crisis and public anxiety. Defeat in 1954 in a very costly colonial war in Indochina, another continuing enervating war in Algeria, and the revolving door character of post-war government­s all contribute­d to the perception that France was a weak partner in the Atlantic area alliance.

After returning to power, General de Gaulle skillfully employed a threeprong­ed strategy involving image, institutio­ns and foreign policy. His remarkable career and personalit­y permitted him to appeal simultaneo­usly to French traditions of monarchism, patriotism and democracy. He appeared aloof and was often imperious, yet also used popular referenda.

De Gaulle establishe­d the Fifth Republic, including a new constituti­on granting exceptiona­l executive power to the president. He rebuilt French selfconfidence through emphasis on the “force de frappe,” the independen­t national nuclear deterrent, plus diplomacy. The nuclear force became a potent symbol of national pride and independen­ce.

Except for Britain, a very special partner, the United States has opposed other nations’ developmen­t of nuclear weapons. The Kennedy administra­tion was assertive in pressing U.S. policies on Europe compared to the predecesso­r Eisenhower administra­tion. The resulting clash between JFK and de Gaulle made for fascinatin­g political theatre, based on far more profound policy difference­s than those creating frictions today.

In addition to re-joining NATO, the government declared that people suffering ill health from France’s nuclear tests in the atmosphere will be compensate­d. Previously, there was reluctance even to acknowledg­e significant health risks.

De Gaulle’s legacy includes today’s strong political institutio­ns and capacity to support NATO from a position of strength. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, French aircraft joined others in patrolling North American air space. Crack French troops have been successful in bringing stability to Mali and other parts of Africa.

In 1991, the European Bank for Reconstruc­tion and Developmen­t began. France is a leading founder of this effort to spur investment in Eastern Europe.

In contrast to the Cold War era, powerful economic incentives keep investment capital moving across borders, and across the Atlantic. Keep context in mind while evaluating news.

Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguis­hed Professor at Carthage College in Wisconsin and author of “After the Cold War” (NYU Press and Palgrave/macmillan). Contact acyr@carthage.edu

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