Natali Malynovska

This study aims to analyze the concepts of French foreign policy that is focused on multi-vector policy of the country and are intended to clarify the main objectives: 1) Description of foreign policy concepts of France; 2) determination of the role of French schools and public fiures in creation and evaluation of national interests. The author examines the most famous French foreign policy concepts, their interpretation by scientifi schools and political circles which continues to its implementation. It allowed to form a strong theoretical base from which made it possible to single out a number of concepts and policy models. Expansionary concept is appropriate for the French policy of Cardinal Richelieu, Louis XIV, Napoleon Bonaparte, George Clemenceau, Charles de Gaulle, and after the independence of the French colonies it has continued into the concept of neo-colonialism and policy of planetary responsibility for the newly formed states. The concept of political geography was introduced by the French geographer E. Reclus and W. de la Blanche and continued by K. Haushofer, F. Moreau-Defarzh, who turned it into political sphere and laid the foundation for the French school of geopolitics. Historiographical concept has been initiated by the representatives of «Annals» school - M. Block, J. Le Fevre, L. Hoff, who returned interest into politics and raised debate among scientists about the place of France in international relations. Based on the analysis of politicians, political scientists and experts evaluation, there were considered external policy models of France. The policy of European architect gets its practical start from statement of French Foreign Minister A. Briand in 1929. However thinking of creating a single European space as a separate course in it’s foreign policy, France was able only after the collapse of the colonial empire. Its masterminds and implementers may be considered Charles de Gaulle, Jean Monnet, V. Giscard d’Estaing, Jacques Chirac. The national security policy includes nuclear umbrella and nuclear deterrence policies. The strategy of national interests protection is reflcted in the «White Book», which was published in four editions of French presidents – J. Pompidou, J. Chirac N. Sarkozy, F. Hollande and was consistent with the ambitions of France and the state of international relations. The «global responsibility» policy lies in the active participation of France in the Arab region, military operations and humanitarian intervention in Afghanistan, Côte d’Ivoire, Libya, Mali and is typical for French Presidents N. Sarkozy and F. Hollande. The architecture of French foreign policy illustrates the dependence of national and historical traditions and its inherent features that used to appear regardless of conditions. Firstly, France is concerned of its national interests. This principle can be traced in all concepts of its foreign policy. Secondly, France is always defending its right to a major role. It could never accept any defeat, and therefore was creating its relationships with other countries from a position of dominion, regardless the conditions in which it actually was. Thirdly, France defends its right to conquer. It managed to give up its colonial possessions just at a time when they questioned the internal security and order in France. Fourthly, France is typically known by charismatic rulers. Analyzing the stages of the French foreign policy, one can draw parallels between its successful implementation and bright personalities who headed it. In the XXI century, France will have to not just review its policy but it needs to change the perception and understanding of the fact that the world has changed.