3. France as a global actor: economic and political power
France remains one of the world’s major economic and political actors, maintaining a significant role in global governance despite the challenges posed by globalisation, shifting power dynamics, and domestic transformations.
As a founding member of the European Union, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and a nuclear power, France has historically projected its influence across economic, cultural, and geopolitical domains. Nonetheless, its position has at times been contested by emerging powers and internal socio-economic shifts, prompting France to adopt varied strategies aimed at preserving its global standing and appeal.
France’s geography underpins much of its strategic importance. Located in Western Europe, it serves as a geographic bridge between Northern and Southern Europe and has extensive coastlines along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This positioning enables France to act as a conduit for transatlantic trade and Mediterranean cooperation. Its centrality within the European continent also facilitates regional integration and influence within EU institutions, while its overseas territories grant it a presence in multiple global regions, reinforcing its diplomatic reach and strategic capabilities.
#1. An influential country with diverse global reach
#A. A strong geopolitical and cultural presence
France maintains a significant position on the world stage through a combination of military strength, strategic alliances, and cultural influence.
#a) Military strength as a foundation of hard power
As the third-ranking nuclear power globally, France asserts a credible form of hard power, reinforced by its status as the leading military spender in Europe and fifth worldwide. Its commitment to international security is evident through active participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions and NATO-led operations.
Moreover, France benefits from a globally dispersed network of military bases, a capacity made possible in part by its overseas territories. These outposts, situated across all major oceans, enhance France’s ability to project power and safeguard its strategic interests. This global military footprint is further supported by France’s extensive EEZ, 10.2 million square kilometres, the second largest in the world after the US, providing both economic resources and maritime reach that underpins its international influence.
#b) A first-rate diplomatic power
France exerts substantial influence through its well-established diplomatic network and institutional presence. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, it plays a pivotal role in shaping international peace and security frameworks. Beyond the UN, France actively contributes to the governance of the global economy through its membership in the WTO, the IMF, and participation in high-level forums such as the G7 and G20 summits.
Its foundational role in the European Union further enhances its diplomatic weight, positioning France at the heart of regional decision-making processes. Additionally, France boasts the third-largest diplomatic network in the world, with an extensive array of embassies and consulates, which facilitates its global engagement and amplifies its voice on international affairs.
#c) A cultural power sustaining global soft power
#The "French way of life"
France’s cultural influence serves as a cornerstone of its soft power, projecting an image of refinement and prestige that enhances its global standing. The internationally admired “French way of life” is expressed through various cultural exports that resonate across societies. French luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel exemplify this appeal, symbolising elegance, heritage, and innovation in the global fashion industry.
Equally, French gastronomy enjoys worldwide acclaim, with its chefs, Michelin-starred restaurants, and renowned hospitality institutions like the Vatel hotel school contributing to the country’s cultural prestige. French cinema, long celebrated for its artistic quality and narrative depth, continues to captivate international audiences, with over 40 million viewers worldwide in 2018, and 27 million in 2023, indicating sustained if fluctuating global interest.
#The French language as a vehicle of global influence
The French language is a vital instrument of France’s cultural diplomacy and international outreach. It is the fifth most spoken language in the world and ranks as the second most widely taught foreign language globally, after English. This linguistic presence extends across all continents, connecting a diverse francophone community of approximately 300 million people.
French-language media further amplifies this influence, with outlets such as Radio France Internationale (RFI) broadcasting news and cultural content to audiences around the world.
Moreover, the French language holds official status in several major intergovernmental organisations, including the United Nations, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Olympic Games, and the Council of Europe. This institutional presence underscores the enduring role of the French language in global governance and diplomacy.
#B. A confirmed position in global economic dynamics
#a) A leading economic power in the world market
France holds a prominent place in the global economy, ranking as the world’s 7th largest economy by GDP in 2023. It is consistently among the top ten exporters of goods and services, reflecting the strength and diversity of its economic base. The country excels in several key sectors, including automotive manufacturing, luxury goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aeronautics, and agri-food industries, making it a vital contributor to global trade and innovation.
#b) A significant financial and corporate hub
France’s financial influence is reinforced by Paris’s role as a major global financial centre. The Euronext stock exchange, headquartered in the French capital, ranks among the most important in the world, reflecting the country's strong integration into global financial markets.
Complementing this is the La Défense business district, one of Europe’s largest financial and commercial centres. It hosts over 1,500 corporate headquarters, including 15 of the world’s top 50 TNCs, underscoring France’s centrality in international business and finance.
#c) The global footprint of French TNCs
French TNCs play a key role in extending the country’s economic influence worldwide. Collectively, they operate more than 38,000 subsidiaries across nearly 190 countries, including a strong presence in the banking sector.
Several French firms rank among the most powerful TNCs globally. Notably, four are listed among the world’s top 100 in terms of wealth and reach: LVMH (luxury goods), Sanofi (pharmaceuticals), TotalEnergies (energy), and L’Oréal (cosmetics). Their global operations show France’s capacity to shape international markets across diverse sectors.
#C. An attractive territory
#a) The world’s leading tourist destination
Its position underscores both its cultural appeal and its economic vitality. In 2024, the country welcomed over 100 million international visitors, surpassing other major destinations such as Spain and the United States. This sustained attractiveness reflects the global prestige of French heritage, landscapes, gastronomy, and urban experiences, particularly Paris, often considered a capital of art, fashion, and culture.
#b) A prime destination for foreign direct investment (FDI)
France also shows its economic appeal through its capacity to attract foreign direct investment. In 2019, it ranked among the top five most attractive countries worldwide for FDI and held the leading position in Europe. This reflects investor confidence in France’s infrastructure, skilled workforce, innovation capacity, and central location within the European market.
#c) A privileged host for major international events
France regularly hosts high-profile international events across diverse domains, reinforcing its visibility and influence on the world stage. It is a preferred venue for major summits and diplomatic gatherings, global cultural festivals, and prestigious sporting competitions. The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris exemplify this international appeal and underscore France’s organisational capacity, infrastructure quality, and global stature as a cultural and sporting hub.
#2. A state with worldwide strategic aspirations
#A. Military strategies for global influence
#a) Consolidating military and space power
France continues to reinforce its status as a leading military and space power through substantial investment and strategic modernisation. Recent years have seen a marked increase in defence spending, reflecting the state’s commitment to maintaining operational readiness and technological superiority.
A key component of this strategy is the development of military space capabilities. France has established a dedicated space command and invested heavily in space-based assets, including observation, surveillance, and secure telecommunications systems. These initiatives aim to enhance national security and ensure resilience in the face of emerging threats in the increasingly contested domain of outer space.
#b) Asserting leadership through multilateral diplomacy
France is a committed actor in multilateral diplomacy, seeking to shape global governance by addressing transnational challenges and promoting international cooperation. It plays a leading role in global climate governance, notably hosting the landmark COP21 conference in 2015, which resulted in the Paris Agreement, a key milestone in international efforts to combat climate change.
Moreover, France has positioned itself as a diplomatic mediator in moments of international tension. A notable example is its opposition to the United States’ proposed intervention in Iraq in 2003, where France signalled its dissent by threatening to use its veto power at the United Nations Security Council. Such actions reflect France’s ambition to uphold a multilateral international order and to assert an independent foreign policy voice on the global stage.
#c) Strategic investment in research and innovation
France places strong emphasis on research and development (R&D) as a cornerstone of its economic resilience and global competitiveness. The country’s dynamic technology sector, notably through the growth of “French Tech”, includes over 9,500 startups, reflecting a robust ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.
In parallel, France actively supports the transition to a green economy. Public and private investment is directed towards sectors such as recycling, renewable energy, smart grids, and energy efficiency. These initiatives aim not only to meet environmental targets but also to position France as a leader in sustainable technologies within the global market.
#B. Leveraging a global diplomatic network
#a) Active and visible diplomacy on the international stage
France maintains a highly active diplomatic presence, frequently initiating and participating in major international discussions. It has played a prominent role in coordinating responses to global crises, notably in the context of the war in Ukraine, where it has supported European unity and dialogue through high-level engagements and multilateral meetings.
This proactive stance is further exemplified by frequent diplomatic missions led by the French president and key ministers, underlining France’s commitment to maintaining influence and fostering international cooperation on matters of global significance.
#b) Negotiating strategic agreements to reinforce global influence
France actively uses diplomacy to secure strategic agreements that bolster its economic and geopolitical standing. This includes the export of military equipment, involvement in international mergers and acquisitions, and the negotiation of free trade agreements with key global partners such as Canada (CETA) and Japan (JEFTA).
A notable recent example is France’s agreement to sell Rafale fighter jets to India, a major defence contract that not only supports the French aerospace industry but also strengthens bilateral ties and France’s role as a global arms supplier. France leverages diplomacy to advance both economic interests and strategic partnerships on the world stage.
#c) Promoting influence through global cultural and educational networks
France extends its soft power through an extensive network of cultural, linguistic, and educational institutions established across all continents. These institutions serve as platforms for cultural diplomacy and foster long-term influence through education and intercultural exchange.
Linguistic outreach is particularly prominent through the Alliances Françaises, present in 131 countries, which offer French language instruction and support artistic creation in French. Notable examples include institutions such as the French Institute of Mauritius (IFM), which contribute to the local cultural landscape while strengthening ties to France.
Beyond language, non-linguistic institutions also play a crucial role. The AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) oversees a vast network of French schools in 139 countries, where 60% of students are non-French nationals. Similarly, cultural partnerships, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, exemplify France’s ability to export and share its cultural heritage.
France also promotes its values through international cooperation structures like La Francophonie, which unites 88 member states and represents over one billion people. Originally centred on linguistic and cultural solidarity, the organisation has evolved to embrace academic collaboration and the promotion of democratic values, contributing to France’s global influence in multiple spheres.
#C. Challenges to France’s global ambitions
#a) Intensifying global economic competition
France’s international aspirations are tempered by increasing competition in the global economic landscape. In 2017, India, an emerging economic power, surpassed France to become the world’s sixth-largest economy by GDP, relegating France to seventh position. While France maintains a significantly higher GDP per capita, this shift reflects a broader trend of emerging economies gaining ground in global rankings.
Looking ahead, economic projections suggest that France may fall to twelfth place globally by 2050, highlighting the structural challenges it faces in maintaining its current level of economic influence in a rapidly evolving global order.
#b) Structural trade imbalances
France faces persistent challenges in its external trade, marked by a significant trade deficit. This imbalance is partly attributable to the relatively small number of firms engaged in exporting, which limits the country’s capacity to offset imports through international sales.
Additionally, France remains heavily dependent on imports of hydrocarbons to meet its energy needs, making its trade balance vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices and supply disruptions. These structural dependencies constrain France’s economic sovereignty and complicate efforts to enhance competitiveness on the global stage.
#c) Structural vulnerabilities
France’s economic trajectory is also constrained by a series of persistent structural weaknesses. Public debt remains high, placing pressure on fiscal policy and limiting room for manoeuvre in times of economic uncertainty. Economic growth remains modest, with projections for 2023 hovering around 1%, reflecting broader stagnation trends within mature economies.
Unemployment, while on a gradual decline, remains a concern at 7.3% as of 2024. Furthermore, France has experienced a marked decline in its industrial base: whereas industry accounted for 25% of GDP in 1980, it contributes only around 10% today. This deindustrialisation presents challenges to long-term productivity, employment, and trade performance, posing obstacles to the country’s ambition of retaining global economic influence.
#Reputational challenges and contested foreign policy in Africa
France’s global ambitions are also undermined by growing criticism and resistance to its foreign policy, particularly in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Once a dominant actor in the region through its historical ties and military presence, France now faces increasing hostility from both political elites and civil society in several African countries. Accusations of neocolonial behaviour, economic interference, and support for unpopular regimes have fuelled anti-French sentiment, eroding the soft power France once enjoyed across much of the continent.
This deterioration in France’s image has been visible in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where French military operations, initially launched under the banner of counterterrorism and regional stability, have come under sharp scrutiny. The expulsion of French ambassadors and the suspension or termination of military cooperation agreements in these states reflect a broader loss of influence, with many local populations turning towards alternative partners such as Russia or China.
These developments reveal the limits of France’s global strategy, highlighting the growing need to adapt its diplomatic posture to new geopolitical realities and to rebuild trust where its presence is increasingly viewed as contentious.