14/02/2014
Juan Tovar Ruiz is a postdoctoral researcher. University Carlos III of Madrid
It is interesting to see how French President François Hollande’s first state visit to the United States has become the subject of gossip and protocol headaches due to his recent separation from France’s first lady. However, news on couché paper conceal a deeper debate on an alliance which has had its ups and downs over time and has not always maintained such a good health, which has led the President of the United States to treat the French President with such deference, including a gala dinner at the White House and a visit to President Jefferson’s home.
When we recall the relations between the United States and France, the two countries where the first revolutions in modern history took place, we can note that their history is full of ups and downs with remarkable episodes such as the purchase of Louisiana by Jefferson, the tension caused by Napoleon III’s intervention in Mexico, him taking a stance in the US Civil War, both countries taking part in both World Wars and, more recently, General de Gaulle’s attempts to show his independence from the US power by withdrawing from NATO military command, and the existing discrepancies regarding the Iraq war in 2003.
However, all disagreements which have occurred over the last years have led to one of the most pro-US phases in the recent history of France. President Sarkozy’s decidedly pro-American attitude and his significant role in recent military interventions such as Libya, continued by President Holland in other settings such as Mali, facing the rejection of the British Parliament, as well as strongly supporting the intervention in Syria have made France one of its main military partners in the transatlantic context. A highly appreciated relationship by the US power, given the current circumstances of its traditional European allies making expenditure cuts in said area.
Nevertheless, common positions over the last years on issues such as Libya and Syria should not lead us to forget the disagreements which have arisen between both countries due to espionage scandals, French reluctance regarding the Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement and differences on nuclear negotiations with Iran and relevant sanctions at a moment when France wants to restore its trade ties with a traditionally pariah State. However, the level achieved by the current relationship between both powers is now at its finest moments to overcome said disagreements and to continue acting as an essential pillar to keep supporting the currently underestimated and always polemic transatlantic relationship.