The Intelligence from The Economist The Intelligence: Our meeting with Macron
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May 3, 2024 
Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, and Edward Carr, deputy editor, share their insights from a revealing meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron's bleak assessment of global challenges calls for urgent action, especially in light of geopolitical tensions and the Ukraine conflict. He advocates for European defense independence and the need for a united front against emerging threats. The duo also delves into Europe's technological and political landscape, highlighting the importance of R&D investment and collaboration amidst rising nationalism.
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Macron's Three Wars
- Macron's overall vision is framed by three wars: WWI, WWII, and the war in Ukraine.
- He connects these wars through themes of civilizational fragility, elite complacency, and the need for preparedness.
Russia: A Multi-Domain Threat
- Macron sees Russia as the biggest immediate threat, emphasizing its multi-domain aggression.
- He believes Russia's victory in Ukraine would jeopardize European security, even suggesting potential troop deployment.
Europe's Tech Gap
- Macron believes Europe is falling behind the US and China in key technologies.
- He advocates for strategic investment and protectionism to ensure Europe's competitiveness.