By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a New Year’s address to French diplomats, President Emmanuel Macron criticized the United States for departing from international norms and distancing itself from its allies. Macron highlighted the weakening of multilateral institutions and the world’s potential division by powerful nations. He also addressed the need for Europe to protect its interests, advocating for the consolidation of European tech regulations, specifically the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA). Macron’s remarks underscored ongoing efforts to navigate an evolving international landscape and counter Washington’s foreign policy actions.
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France’s Macron slams “temptation to divide up world” among “great powers.” It’s a phrase that really gets you thinking, doesn’t it? What’s the context here? Well, it seems like Macron is sounding the alarm, perhaps seeing a dangerous shift in global dynamics – a potential resurgence of something we thought we’d left in the past: the carving up of the world among powerful nations. He’s calling it a “temptation,” but maybe it’s something more forceful, more like a plan already in motion.
This idea of a world divided among “great powers” has a long, and frankly, troubling history. We’ve seen how that movie plays out before. The 1930s and 40s in Europe offer a stark reminder of where that path leads. It leads to destruction, to conflict, and ultimately, to a devastating reshaping of the world. It’s hard to ignore the echo of the past in current events.
Of course, the definition of a “great power” is key here. Is Russia really in that category? Some might argue that its self-assessment is rather ambitious. And who exactly are the players involved? The United States and China seem to be the frontrunners, at least in terms of raw power. And the European Union, while lacking a unified military force, is a significant economic and political player, potentially able to project influence. France itself is clearly aspiring to be part of the conversation, to have a strong voice on the world stage.
Now, it’s worth thinking about the reasons why a world divided among great powers is so dangerous. One obvious reason is the potential for conflict. When nations believe their interests are fundamentally at odds, when they see the world as a zero-sum game, they become more likely to resort to force to achieve their goals. There is always the risk of a dangerous arms race or proxy wars. This can spiral into a broader conflagration, especially when nuclear weapons are in the mix. The world order, or what remains of it, was built to prevent this scenario.
Interestingly, this whole concept has caused a bit of a stir, hasn’t it? Some view Macron’s comments as a bit hypocritical, given France’s own history of colonialism and influence in places like Africa. There is no doubt that France has its own baggage when it comes to global power dynamics, its own historical ties, and its own interests to protect. Some point out that hypocrisy is just a part of the game.
The current political landscape in the United States, as some argue, makes it even more critical to resist the temptation to divide the world. Some believe that appealing to a certain segment of the US population requires a show of strength and clear resolve. This is a crucial point, and it’s likely a factor in Macron’s thinking. He’s talking about a fundamental shift, a way of thinking that could have grave consequences.
The stakes are high. It’s a reminder that we can’t take peace and stability for granted. This is not simply about diplomacy and speeches. It’s about recognizing the dynamics at play and trying to build a world where cooperation and shared interests are prioritized over division and dominance. We may not like to acknowledge it, but that is our situation.