Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • China
    • Syria
    • Israel-Iran
  • Research
    • Briefs
    • Explainers
    • Reports
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Europe and Eurasia / If France has said “Oui!”, America can say “Non”
Europe and Eurasia, Grand strategy, NATO

April 26, 2023

If France has said “Oui!”, America can say “Non”

By Erik Gartzke

French president Emmanuel Macron has again sparked controversy by suggesting that Europe should chart an independent course from the United States, this time over Taiwan. This is a recurring theme from the French leader, one that is both a challenge to his fellow Europeans and an opportunity for the United States.

On the one hand, the French have sought ways to distance themselves and Europe from U.S. leadership, while at the same time advancing their own authority. On the other hand, they have shown a reluctance to participate in the very organizations they seek to benefit from and to head. It is not easy to belong to a group whose leader does not seem to want to be a member.

Read at The National Interest

Author

Photo of Erik Gartzke

Erik
Gartzke

Non-Resident Fellow

Defense Priorities

More on Europe

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

What do ‘security guarantees’ mean for Ukraine?

By Daniel DePetris

August 22, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Trump should walk away from Ukraine before it’s too late

By Christopher McCallion

August 19, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia

Jennifer Kavanagh and Heather Conley on the Russia-Ukraine War

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

August 19, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Trump’s Russia-Ukraine talks raise two conditions key to ending war

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

August 18, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Trump-Zelenskyy meeting updates: U.S. to arrange Russia-Ukraine summit

Featuring Benjamin Friedman

August 18, 2025

op-edRussia, Europe and Eurasia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

Why Trump’s summit with Putin was doomed from the very beginning

By Daniel DePetris

August 18, 2025

Events on Europe and Eurasia

See All Events
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Air power, Diplomacy, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Land power, Military analysis, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Ukraine’s critical choice: Pursue peace or fight on

April 16, 2025
virtualChina, Alliances, Balance of power, Diplomacy, Grand strategy, Russia

Past Virtual Event: China-Russia: Cooperation or a no-limits alliance?

April 3, 2025
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Trump and Ukraine: Prolonging or ending the war

December 13, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2025 Defense Priorities All Right Reserved