Two faces of France: ‘France of the Indian Ocean’/‘France in the Indian Ocean’

Abstract

In the Indian Ocean, France is both a regional state, at least on behalf of its islands, and an external great power significantly involved in the region. On the one hand, France exercises sovereignty over several small island entities and consequently claims a vast economic exclusive zone and some extended continental shelf in the Southwest and Southern Indian Ocean. Together, these island territories form what is now emerging as ‘France of the Indian Ocean’ (in French: France de l'océan Indien). On the other hand, France's interests and actions in the region extend far beyond those of its island peoples and territories, and therefore France can also be seen as an external great power pursuing its own strategic, economic and cultural goals in the Indian Ocean. In the Southwest Indian Ocean, France strives to maintain a leading political, economic and cultural influence and position. At sea, France is closely involved in maritime regional cooperation, maritime surveillance, and in securing the vital sea lanes of communication. With the other littoral states, France maintains economic relations and is particularly active in the fields of military and cultural cooperation. Thus, France is clearly a player that cannot be ignored in the Indian Ocean, especially given the geopolitical and economic landscapes associated with and products of modern globalisation.