Geopolitical upheavals are of greater concern to the French than one might think. A large portion of the population, including the youth, is passionate about these topics, as evidenced by the success of podcasts, streams, and specialized books, the popularity of specialized subjects in high school, and the interest in higher education courses offering such programs. Conferences on the state of the world in Paris and other regions also attract a wide audience. These are strong indicators of a growing enthusiasm in recent months, which must be taken into account in the upcoming presidential and legislative campaigns in 2027.
Wars and conflicts are seeing their definition, scope, and modalities expand: they not only lack resolution, but also go beyond the use of heavy weapons. Information disorders, attempts to destabilize societies and economies, challenges to human rights and territorial sovereignty rightly feed into a collective anxiety. Crises, whether energy-related, commercial, environmental, financial, migratory, or democratic – and we know how seriously collective sentiment is underestimated – are indeed perceived as global challenges by the general public.
Assuming that the electorate is disinterested in geopolitical issues would be a monumental mistake. Addressing the concerns of the population therefore requires zooming out to the global perspective: France does not exist in isolation. Understanding the complexity of international changes and power dynamics is essential if one wants to have an impact on the world, exert influence, anticipate, and build the future. A nationally centered agenda is nonsensical. Voters are tired of political infighting and repetitive programmatic discourses. Continuously focusing on “security,” for example, is futile if the threats to territorial integrity or economic, energy, and technological sovereignty of our country and of European institutions, companies, and populations are disregarded.
Promoting a diplomacy of democratic values
Yes, the world is violent. But worry and astonishment do not equate to resignation. The “club diplomacy” model is not inevitable: the grandiose model of threats, intimidation, extortion (not to mention unprecedented levels of corruption and nepotism), and imperialism is starting to waver. Its loss of credibility will not leave a void for long: by whom, by what will it be filled? Are we going to relinquish this opportunity to China, which now claims to take up the mantle of defending international law and stability? Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are not just riling up European public opinion: they are embarrassing, or even leading astray, the far-right movements of the Old Continent (Meloni, Orban, etc.). We must take advantage of this.
Initiating a global dynamic in favor of diplomacy based on values of freedom and solidarity, ensuring respect for the law, strengthening our country’s sovereignty through investments in science, education, and culture (often overlooked riches), investing in mastered technological tools (AI, European digital currencies, etc.), ensuring that France regains influence in the world, strengthening the influence of major international organizations (UN, UNESCO, WHO, etc.), likely founding new alliances, promoting a European defense, democratic principles, and mutual aid. In short, creating a world of freedoms respectful of everyone, not just out of a moral sense but from a convergence of interests that form the majority planetary interest. This is what is at stake today, and even more so tomorrow.
A unifying societal project for 2027 cannot ignore a geopolitical vision and program. It must rely on scientific and technical knowledge, rather than the constant media buzz fed by self-appointed “commentariat” experts. The general public (and therefore the electorate, encompassing all generations and social classes) demands this and is right to do so.
Context: The article discusses the increasing interest among the French population, including the youth, in geopolitics and the global challenges faced in today’s world. The importance of understanding international dynamics and promoting diplomacy based on democratic values is highlighted.
Fact Check: The article promotes the idea that geopolitical awareness is crucial for voters and emphasizes the need for a global perspective when addressing societal issues and challenges. It underlines the significance of diplomatic approaches rooted in democratic principles for a better future.
