Nervousness surrounding US commitments to NATO continue to
drive the EU to look inward. From the Franco-German Aachen Treaty signed in
January 2019, to talk of creating a European Army, many of the nations within
Europe are re-thinking security and strategy.
France and Germany have an increased standing in light of
Brexit and France which has long served as a Western 'alternative' when it
comes to arms is profiting handsomely as a result.
The Saudis and the various Gulf States all do business with
Washington but France fills that special place that allows them to purchase
Western arms and yet escape being completely under Washington's domination. The
growing divide between the EU and US only makes these deals all the more
appealing.... allowing for more leverage in negotiation.
Other nations like Lebanon are looking to re-affirm
historical ties with the French... all the more in this age of instability. A
strong Western partner is desirable and once again France provides an
attractive alternative to the United States.
And of course India finds itself in a similar situation.
Seeking to expand its power and influence, the massive nation has forged an
alliance with Washington but at the same time, New Delhi doesn't with to become
a mere satrapy of the American Empire. Once again France fills this crucial
space... a space so often a source irritation by the more hawkish and
nationalist elements within US circles of power.
To them, the French are backstabbers and schemers but of
course the French largely reject US claims of dominance and their narratives
regarding global democracy. Even though the last three presidents (Sarkozy,
Hollande and Macron) have moved closer to Washington, Paris continues to
quietly pursue its traditional role... all the more in the age of Trump.
And from the standpoint of the nations who are on the fringes
of the US power structure, the French are a convenient means of asserting a
little autonomy... and they produce weapons systems on par with US quality and
technology.
Given that the US has engaged in corporate espionage and
particularly in France, it's hard to imagine that such attempts at theft and
even sabotage aren't taking place as we speak.
Of course these operations run both ways as the French (and
undoubtedly the Germans) engage in the same activities. The Aachen Treaty would
lead one to believe such collaborations are likely to continue and even
escalate as organisations like the BND seek to disentangle themselves from
American control. Thus far they have (by all indications) failed to do so but
the Trumpian dust hasn't settled yet.
See also:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.