French Concerns Over The Chinese Presence In Francophone Africa

In this thesis,I have studied how the growing Chinese presence in the traditional French sphere of influence that is Francophone Africa,has impacted the way Paris conducts its Foreign Policy.Ever since its defeat in 1870,France has sought to regain its grandeur and global rank which has been exacerbated by the Second World War.Historically,it has always relied heavily on its colonies to maintain its rank on the world scene.For decades,France managed to retain its influence in Francophone Africa and Franco-African relations did not change much despite the major changes that have affected the world order such as decolonization and the end of the cold war.It is,however,after the Chinese presence grew stronger on the continent that the French African Policy towards Francophone Africa changed more dramatically.This is why,in order to pursue its foreign policy goals of maintaining a global rank and(residual)great power role,France had to adjust its African policy.France’s survival in its former sphere of influence could only be realized by Europeanizing a part of its African policy and thus benefit from the European multiplier power.Furthermore,by promoting human and sustainable investments with a focus on young entrepreneurs,France is trying to differentiate itself from all the other competitors.By implementing these new strategies,the French Nation can continue to rely on Africa to pursue its great power aspirations and in the process contain the Chinese presence in Francophone Africa.