Russia — France relations under President Emmanuel Macron: Achievements and inconsistencies

Abstract

This article examines the state and prospects of Russia-France relations on the basis of preliminary results of Emmanuel Macron’s presidency. The author assumes that the dialogue between these two countries has traditionally been characterized by a certain duality, where close cooperation in various spheres did not exclude mutual contradictions. The analysis of the main examples from bilateral relations in 2017–2021 shows that this feature is still observed at present. On the one hand, cooperation between Moscow and Paris clearly has experienced a revival after the last years of François Hollande’s term, as expresses in constant meetings at the highest level and the restart of ministerial contacts. The French government demonstrates its readiness to discuss a wide range of topics, including European security, strategic stability, conflict resolution in Ukraine and the Middle East, and development of economic and cultural ties. On the other hand, under Macron the list of issues on which both countries hold different positions has continued to grow. Paris negatively perceives the spread of the Kremlin’s international influence; emphasizes the difference in basic values; disagrees with Moscow on priorities of further settlement of regional conflicts, Internet, and space governance; openly criticizes the Russian presence in Africa; and supports Western allies in several political affairs. This kind of duality will likely continue after the 2022 presidential elections in the Fifth Republic, because each of the potential winners, while trying to continue bilateral cooperation, will inevitably have to take into account obligations within the Euro-Atlantic community. At the same time, with the beginning of Russia’s special operation in Ukraine in February 2022, French diplomacy is expected to make focus on toughness rather than dialogue.