Economist Podcasts The French connection: Macron’s state visit to America
Nov 29, 2022
Sophie Petters, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist and an expert on French politics, joins Ainsley Johnstone, a data journalist specializing in data analysis, to delve into the intricate Franco-American relations. They discuss the complexities of the Ukraine conflict and its implications for energy prices, revealing a worrying forecast for winter mortality in Europe. The conversation also touches on a Ghanaian brewery owner's struggle to succeed amidst business challenges, highlighting the tough entrepreneurial climate in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Macron's State Visit
- Emmanuel Macron's second US state visit emphasizes America's commitment to France.
- The visit follows the AUKUS pact, which strained relations by scuttling a French-Australian submarine deal.
US-France Relations and Ukraine
- The US values France as a key ally in maintaining European unity, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine.
- Both nations support Ukraine while aiming to avoid escalation and acknowledge the eventual need for negotiations.
Points of Contention and Cooperation
- Despite some disagreements, like Macron's suggestion of China's mediating role, the US sees value in Macron's communication with Putin.
- France's significant Indo-Pacific presence makes it a crucial partner for the US in containing China.