ABSTRACT
The Left historically has identified itself in France as the party of social justice. Despite General de Gaulle's unique popularity in Third World nations, and aided by the Right's historical record of rigid pursuit of self-interest, socialism has successfully claimed as its own the tradition of social generosity within the French political culture. In considering whether the Left's traditions in Third World policy are being invigorated today, certain differences distinguish the Socialist and Communist Parties, differences in elan which seem congruent with a more General pattern. According to the Communists, French capitalism emerged from World War II in a condition of dependency, stagnation, indebtedness, and general political impotence. The French naval and military presence in the Indian Ocean is quite modest compared to US and Soviet activity. Nevertheless, French policy makers continue to regard France as a power with an international role to play.
