ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the need to understand the relation between the needs and nature of African states and the role of Europe, particularly France, and the United States in defending free world interests. In its African policy, France has a very different concept of its role than have the other former metropoles. This different attitude is reflected in the nature of economic relations between France and some of its former colonies, and in particular, in the fact that the French view of things African goes far beyond a handful of economic ties. French views and activities in Africa cannot be divided merely into relations with former colonies and with others' former colonies, any more than they can be divided into relations with moderates who frequently cooperate with France and with radicals who often oppose French policies. The western arc of Africa from Senegal to Zaire is the zone of active French concern.
