https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/03/29/brazil-france-lula-macron-amazon-global-south/
FRAMEWORK ANSWER
Consider an answer in the light of the contributions of France's philosophers on liberty, equality and fraternity to forms of government and Constitutions across the world. This would be the pomp and ceremony and ego-puffing setting. Then consider the reality of France's contributions, in terms of its policies towards the third world in pursuit of its own interests. This would be the controversial reality of its activities in N abd W Africa, Indochina and elsewhere. And thirdly, that is the philo and historic legacy background to Macron's attempting to strengthen France's (and his) place in the world today, so let's look at what this visit achieved for Franco-Brazilian fraternity and trade and world survival through these mad times.
1. Enlightenment values. Firstly, note that France sees itself as having, unique among European countries, a special relationship with the Global South, in particular its former colonies in Africa, Asia and S. America.
The best perspective on this "beacon of hope" role is from its Enlightenment philosophers and the policies of its post WW2 presidents.
2. Foreign Policies. Then, if this is the ideas and idealism background, what about the realities, ie pragmatically, how did France deal with its colonies (we have talked in yesterday's blog post about Assimilation and how it isn't Multiculturism), later with decolonisation, during the Cold War, in the context of Globalisation (updating colonisation), the unipolar moment with America, and now with its position in a multipolar world of BRICS countries, with regional leaderships emerging from Brazil, Russia and China. The issues at the present would incl Geopolitics and alliances, Trade and economic union, Global Responses to war and climate change.
3. This visit - new relationship, trade deals, theme is Save The Planet. And finally to the bundles of Agreements that are always signed in the course of visits by Heads of State. What important CEOs did Macron take with him to sign deals in sectors where France leads - Luxury Goods and Fashion, Aerospace and Defense incl submarines, Nuclear Energy, Wine and Spirits, Tourism, Cosmetics and Beauty, even Finance (standard breakdown by Industry and Sector of France's more successful commercial interests in resources, outsourcing and customer markets).
SUMMARY OF THE ARTICLE
1. Introduction to a Historic Visit
French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Brazil, marked by a highly publicised trip through the Amazon alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, signifies a robust effort to strengthen ties between France and Brazil. This encounter, characterised by shared ambitions for environmental conservation and sustainable development, underscores a mutual recognition of the challenges and opportunities that lie in the relationship between the developed and developing ("The Global South") worlds.
2. A Symbolic Gesture of Unity
The imagery of Macron and Lula, navigating the Amazon and traversing the rainforest together, has been a powerful symbol of their commitment to environmental stewardship and bi-lateral cooperation. This visit not only highlights a personal rapport between the two leaders, but also serves as a testament to their countries' aligned interests, especially in terms of environmental protection and sustainable development in the Amazon region.
3. Strategic Investments in the Amazon
Central to Macron's visit was the announcement of a bilateral investment plan, committing $1.1 billion over four years to conservation and sustainable agriculture initiatives in the Amazon. This investment, involving both Brazil and French Guiana, a French overseas territory, represents a significant effort to address environmental concerns while fostering economic cooperation outside the traditional framework of the troubled Mercosur-European Union trade agreement.
4. Broader Implications for Global South Relations
The France-Brazil partnership extends beyond environmental initiatives, touching on broader geopolitical and economic issues that resonate with the Global South. France's support for reforms in the international climate finance system and a global minimum tax on billionaires reflects a sensitivity to the priorities of developing countries. This stance, as highlighted by Macron's visit, suggests a strategic alignment with Brazil and other nations of the Global South, potentially reshaping international economic and environmental policies.
5. Addressing Global Challenges
The visit also touched upon critical global issues, including the war in Ukraine and the political crisis in Venezuela, showcasing the broader diplomatic dialogue between France and Brazil. Macron's efforts to position France as a leader in a turbulent global landscape are complemented by Brazil's role as a pivotal player in the Global South, making their cooperation particularly significant in the face of uncertainties such as the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.
6. Conclusion: A Partnership of Mutual Interest
The deepening relationship between France and Brazil, exemplified by Macron's visit and the subsequent agreements, illustrates a shared commitment to addressing global challenges. This partnership, balancing environmental sustainability with economic and geopolitical considerations, represents a hopeful vision for co-operation between developed and developing nations.
Links Section
- think tank websites like Plataforma CIPÓ.
COMMENTRY
1. Philosophical Foundations
The philosophical underpinnings of France's relationship with the Global Majority can be traced back to the Enlightenment era, with its ideals of "liberty, equality, fraternity" (with the latter sadly missing today, but this visit could be seen as promoting fraternity).
Philosophers like Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Voltaire, despite their complex and sometimes contradictory views on colonisation and "the other," laid the groundwork for modern human rights and the concept of universalism. This intellectual heritage has influenced France's self-perception as a bearer of universal values, shaping its diplomatic and cultural policies.
Montesquieu's critique of despotism and advocacy for the separation of powers have been instrumental in shaping political governance models promoted by France in its foreign relations.
Rousseau's ideas on the social contract and general will can be seen in France's emphasis on democratic principles and human rights in its international engagements.
Voltaire's defense of religious tolerance and freedom of expression also resonates with France's advocacy for these values globally.
However, the application of these principles has often been marred by accusations of cultural imperialism and economic exploitation, reflecting the tension between idealism and communication (what is said) as opposed to pragmatism and action (what is done) in France's global interactions.
2. Post-WWII Presidential Policies
Post-WWII presidents of France have each made their contributions to shaping the country's relationship with the Global Majority, navigating the decolonisation process, Cold War politics, globalization and now a multipolar world.
- Charles de Gaulle (1959-1969): De Gaulle's presidency was marked by the process of decolonization, most notably in Algeria. His acceptance of Algerian independence in 1962 was a pragmatic move that reflected the changing global attitudes towards colonialism. De Gaulle's vision of "France's grandeur" was not limited to Europe but extended globally, seeking to position France as a leader in the Global Majority through the establishment of the Francophonie, thus promoting French language and culture worldwide.
- François Mitterrand (1981-1995): Mitterrand's tenure saw a significant focus on the Global South, particularly Africa, where he sought to maintain France's influence through a policy known as Françafrique. This policy often involved direct French intervention in African politics, under the guise of supporting stability and French interests. While Mitterrand advocated for human rights, his administration faced criticism for supporting authoritarian regimes in Africa.
- Jacques Chirac (1995-2007): Chirac was known for his outspoken opposition to the Iraq War, reflecting a broader Gaullien policy of independence from American geopolitical strategies. He emphasised multilateralism and sought to strengthen France's ties with the Global Majority through cultural exchange and development aid, promoting a multipolar world where France could act as a mediator and leader among nations.
- Nicolas Sarkozy (2007-2012) and François Hollande (2012-2017): Both leaders continued France's engagement with the Global Majority but faced new challenges such as the Arab Spring (2011), the rise of China, and global terrorism. Their policies reflected a balance between economic interests, such as securing resources, supply chains and markets, and promoting democratic values and human rights.
3. Conclusion: A Legacy of Engagement and Controversy
France's philosophical legacy and the policies of its post-WWII presidents towards the Global Majority are characterised by a complex mix of idealism, pragmatism, and sometimes controversy. The Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity have provided a philosophical framework for France's global engagement, even as the country has navigated the practical realities of decolonisation, global geopolitics, economic interests and climate change. France's unique historical, cultural, and intellectual connections with the Global Majority continue to shape its foreign policy, reflecting both its aspirations and the challenges of living up to its universalist ideals.
ARTICLE - HERE IS THE ARTICLE ITSELF FROM FOREIGNPOLICY.COM
Macron and Lula Deepen Ties With Trip to Amazon
On a whirlwind tour through Brazil, the French president showed that he seeks fraternité with the global south.
‘A Franco-Brazilian Moment’
It was the head-of-state photo session seen round the internet. On Tuesday, the official social media accounts for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron shared images of the two leaders together on a trip through the Amazon. In one photo, Lula and Macron grasped hands, smiling and peering out over the bow of a ship; in another, they bounded through the sun-dappled rainforest.
The subtext was clear: The trade agreement between South American customs union Mercosur and the European Union may be on life support, but Brazil and France are still doing big things together. That day, the two leaders announced a bilateral plan to invest $1.1 billion over four years in conservation and sustainable agriculture in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and French Guiana, the latter a French overseas territory.
Macron’s visit to Brazil lasted until Thursday, when the French leader and Lula held an official meeting at Brazil’s presidential palace and signed a series of cooperation agreements.
“We are living in a Franco-Brazilian moment,” Macron’s office said. His delegation included officials from some of France’s biggest companies, including Carrefour and Airbus. Their meetings in Brazil intended to back up Macron’s assertion that the two countries can still grow their bilateral business in the absence of a new trade deal.
Whether they will be successful remains to be seen. Regardless, business is not the only reason Macron and Lula have sought closer ties. “Today, France is one of the developed countries that is most open and sensitive to certain demands of the global south,” said Maiara Folly, the executive director of Plataforma CIPÓ, a Brazilian think tank.
France has supported proposals from countries such as Barbados to reform the international climate finance system, as well as suggestions from countries such as Brazil to seek a global minimum tax on billionaires. These topics are among Brazil’s priorities for its G-20 presidency this year.
It was noteworthy that the $1.1 billion announced for the Amazon is due to be financed partially by the French and Brazilian governments, Folly told Foreign Policy. Wealthy countries often favor climate finance schemes that assume significant contributions from the private sector, but “developing countries generally worry that this emphasis on the private sector is a way to downplay the rich countries’ responsibility,” she said.
The France-Brazil Amazon investment initiative appeared to respond to those concerns. The plan includes a pledge to carry out technology transfers. On Wednesday, Lula and Macron unveiled a submarine that was built by an existing bilateral technology transfer program. France is renowned for its submarine production capabilities, which were the basis for a joint initiative with Australia that was canceled in 2021.
The possibility of a second Trump presidency in the United States looms large in Europe, and the continent is on the hunt for other dependable allies. Macron has tried to assert himself as a global leader in this unstable environment. The French president acknowledged that he and Lula had discussed Russia’s war in Ukraine and Venezuela’s political crisis.
In Brazil, Macron gains a key interlocutor in the global south. A friendly Brazil could help bring other developing countries into France’s fold. “Among traditional powers, none is closer to Brazil than France,” Lula said at his press conference with Macron on Thursday.
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