To Be Feared Is to Be Free: Macron’s Realist Turn

Summary⁣ of the Article: Macron, Power, and ⁤the Future of French (and Liberal) Security

This article analyzes French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement that “a free people must‍ sometimes ⁣be feared” as a important strategic repositioning of France within the current global political landscape. It argues that the statement isn’t a rhetorical flourish, but a deliberate articulation of a long-held French doctrine emphasizing the necessity of power – and the fear it inspires – for safeguarding liberty.

Here are the key takeaways:

* Power as a Foundation for Freedom: Macron’s statement reflects ‍a Machiavellian and Schmittian understanding of politics. It asserts that freedom isn’t guaranteed by ideals or⁤ institutions alone, but by the credible threat of force. Being feared ⁣is crucial for being taken seriously and deterring potential adversaries.
* ⁣ france’s Commitment to Power: This isn’t just rhetoric. France demonstrably backs up this ideology with significant investment in its⁢ military – consistently around 2% of GDP, an self-reliant nuclear deterrent, and a⁣ planned €413⁣ billion spending increase over the next several years.
* Shifting Global Context: The article argues this repositioning is a response to a ‍changing world order. The liberal promise of a world governed by law and commerce‍ is weakening, particularly with the return of great power competition, the war in Ukraine, and uncertainty surrounding US commitment to European security.
* Deterrence is Key: ⁣ The author highlights that the survival⁤ of liberal democracies ⁣now depends on their ability to deter aggression, not just ⁤on their soft ⁣power or normative appeal.⁣ Admiration is⁢ desirable, but fear is indispensable.
* Reassertion of‍ Realpolitik: Macron’s ⁤statement signals a rejection of the idea that politics can be removed from international relations. It’s ⁢a return to a more realistic view⁣ where power is the ultimate arbiter and the foundation ⁤of sovereignty.
*‍ Not⁢ Abandoning Values, but Grounding Them: ⁣The article clarifies that this isn’t a rejection of ⁤liberal values or institutions, but a recognition that they need to be underpinned by a strong military and the willingness‍ to use it. Rules are fragile without the power to enforce them.

In essence, the article portrays Macron as recognizing that in a perilous world, a liberal democracy must be prepared⁤ to project power ‍and instill⁣ caution in potential adversaries to ensure its own survival. He is bringing a traditionally realist outlook back into the mainstream discourse of a liberal nation.