GIVEN THAT GAULLISM IS JUST A REACTION TO THE ANGLOSPHERE...:

Gaullist no more?: Nicolas Sarkozy comes under attack for his new Atlanticism in defence (The Economist, 4/03/08)

The Socialists were cross that Mr Sarkozy announced France's intention to “reinforce its military presence” in Afghanistan in a speech to Britain's Parliament the previous week, rather than on French soil. “It has little to do with Afghanistan,” declared Jean-Marc Ayrault, leader of the Socialist parliamentary group, “and a lot to do with President Sarkozy's Atlanticist obsession.” Even members of Mr Sarkozy's UMP party were half-hearted, fearing that a reorientation could curb France's ability to pursue an independent foreign policy in the Gaullist tradition. The voters seem hostile: fully 68% are against sending extra troops, says BVA, a pollster, and only 15% are in favour.

Mr Sarkozy's decisions have been brewing for a long time. During his election campaign he made no secret of his admiration for America and his desire to mend Franco-American relations. He called America “the greatest democracy in the world” (this was before he told the British their parliament was the mother of all parliamentary democracies). One left-wing politician called him “an American neo-conservative with a French passport”.

...how could an Anglophile be one?

Posted by Orrin Judd at April 3, 2008 7:52 PM