A New French Revolution

In an essay in the current issue of The American Interest, Brookings scholar Philip Gordon writes that Sarkozy might well be able to make France a larger player in the world, "punching above its weight," the way Tony Blair did during the 1990s and early 2000s. Blair, and Thatcher before him, were able to create a new image for Britain and made the country a modern world power. But that transformation rested on the revival of the British economy, which became a symbol of success in a globalized age. France currently ranks 18th in the World Economic Forum's annual competitiveness rankings. That's not bad, but it is nowhere near commensurate with the place that the French imagine for themselves in the world.

American commentators have delighted in Sarkozy's pro-American musings and statements. But this was never the hard part. France is actually not that anti-American. It has been a staunch ally in the War on Terror. What Sarkozy is doing now is truly difficult. If he succeeds, it would mean not just a new Franco-American relationship, but a new France.

© 2007