Bypassing Russia is bad diplomacy

The French president, who is going through a popularity crisis and has a weak government, adopts a bellicose tone after stating that a dialog with Moscow is needed. To reestablish his role in Europe or for domestic political reasons?

Ever since its ignominious defeat in the Napoleonic wars, France is entrapped in the predicament of countries that get sandwiched between great powers. Following World War II, France addressed this predicament by forging an axis with Germany in Europe.

Macron talks of defeating Russia. Instead, Washington and Brussels should concentrate on bringing the conflict to a peaceful end.

When asked whether France should prepare for war with Russia, the answer of french people was an emphatic “no”

Recent public displays throughout the Global South show the French leader isn’t the only who doesn’t want to be seen as a US ‘vassal.’

Five statements made over a period of a few days by high level government officials received very little media attention. When combined, though, they produce a pattern that could make headlines.