ABSTRACT
6France’s opposition to the US intervention in Iraq triggered the most bitter crisis between the two countries since President Charles de Gaulle withdrew France from NATO’s integrated structure in 1966. Since June 2004, the atmosphere has steadily improved. The relationship is now businesslike, making it possible for the two countries to achieve significant results on important and visible issues of common interest. To maintain their ability to work together in case of need, France and the United States must steer clear of the grand visions that they have often held as principal justifications for their foreign policies. When there is a mutual perception of common interests, the two nations work together extremely well. This pragmatism should be strengthened by the change of leadership that will take place in France in 2007. To be durable however, this change also needs to be paralleled in Washington.
