Current problems of Europe

France’s reaction to the «Arab spring»: keeping former goals within a new foreign policy

Мохова И.М., Мохов Н.В.

Mokhova I.M. – candidate of sciences (Ph.D) in Political Science. Editor of an academic journal «Asia and Africa today» Mokhov N.V. – candidate of sciences (Ph.D) in Political Science. Deputy Chief of regional division of JSC «Rosoboronexport»

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of French foreign policy changes caused by the Arab spring. The authors attempt to reveal key factors which affected an evolution of French foreign policy from supporting Maghreb authoritarian regimes to backing revolutionary process under way in the region. The article examines a new stance of French foreign policy that is focused on the support of not only protest movements but also democratic transformation and reforms undertaken by autocratic regimes, setting up partnership relations with liberal minded elites and opposition groups excluded from the political legal environment until recently.

Keywords

France, Arab spring, democracy, international relations.

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