Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian media: Three Palestinians were killed after being targeted by Israeli drone fire in the al-Shujaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City
Nicolas Maduro: The Palestinian cause is the most sacred cause for humanity, and we propose sending teams of builders, farmers, and doctors to Gaza to help the people
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Lebanon: IOF infiltrate Khallet Wardeh towards the municipality in the town of Aita al-Shaab, south of Lebanon.
Leaders of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey sign a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Trump arrives in Sharm el-Sheikh
Israeli PM's office: PM informed Trump he would not attend Sharm el-Sheikh Summit on account of Jewish holidays.
Israeli media: Netanyahu makes last-minute decision to cancel trip to Sharm el-Sheikh.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Large crowds gather in Khan Younis to welcome the liberated Palestinian detainees, waving flags of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in celebration
Buses of released prisoners arrive in Ramallah
Israeli media: Netanyahu gifts Trump a "Golden Dove".

Why Macron backed down on deploying troops to Ukraine: Analysis

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: The Responsible Statecraft
  • 27 Aug 2024 17:31
2 Min Read

Writer Dylan Motin says there is more to Macron's foreign policy than merely supporting the liberal order.

Listen
  • x
  • macron
    French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris next to the Denfert Rochereau Square in Paris, France, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. (Teresa Suarez/ Pool photo via AP)

An analysis published in The Responsible Statecraft argues that French President Emmanuel Macron's bold rhetoric about potentially deploying French troops to Ukraine was more of a strategic maneuver than a genuine commitment to military intervention.

Back in February, Macron made headlines when he suggested the possible deployment of French troops to Ukraine. "There is no consensus today to send ground troops... but nothing should be excluded. We will do whatever it takes to ensure that Russia cannot win this war," Macron said after a meeting of European leaders in Paris.

The move was initially seen as a significant show of European leadership in support of the liberal international order. However, Macron quickly softened his stance and did not follow up with substantial military or financial support for Ukraine.

Read more: Macron launches talks to choose new government, PM for France

According to writer Dylan Motin, there is more to Macron's foreign policy than merely supporting the liberal order; it reflects a blend of realpolitik and respect for France's independent interests.

Related News

Spain rebukes Trump’s NATO expulsion threat over defense spending

NATO launches annual nuclear drills amid rising tensions

"Macron also takes inspiration from former President Nicolas Sarkozy (2007-2012), who supports the need to simultaneously build up the European Union, remain in NATO, and seek rapprochement and accommodation with Russia," Motin writes.

"Macron respects the alliance with the US but also understands that France's interests do not always align with Washington's views."

However, by late 2023, French intelligence assessed that Ukraine was losing the war, influencing Macron's decision-making. Additionally, domestic political pressures, such as the European Parliament elections, impacted his stance.

Concerns over Germany's military resurgence also played a role in his foreign policy calculations. As Motin puts it, "we cannot say that [a formidable German army] worked too well for us during the last century."

"Paris could not possibly be indifferent to a reawakening Germany," he says.

Despite his rhetoric, Macron never intended to commit French troops directly to Ukraine. His statements were more about positioning France as a leader and managing internal and European dynamics. Ultimately, Macron's threat did not change Moscow's approach, and France did not escalate its involvement.

Read more: French president says ready to continue dialogue with Putin

  • Nato
  • Russia
  • Emmanuel Macron
  • France
  • Ukraine
  • Macron
Russia & NATO

Russia & NATO

As the Draconian Western-led sanctions on Russia exacerbate the economic crisis worldwide, and as Russian troops gain more ground despite the influx of military aid into Ukraine, exposing US direct involvement in bio-labs spread across Eastern Europe and the insurgence of neo-Nazi groups… How will things unfold?

Most Read

Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jaafarawi in an undated image in Gaza, occupied Palestine (Social media)

Gaza Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jafarawi killed by collaborators

  • Politics
  • 12 Oct 2025
Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl

The Life of a No-Girl: The one verse Taylor Swift refuses to sing

  • Arts and Culture
  • 8 Oct 2025
Ceasefire in Gaza takes effect amid conflicting signals and bombings

Gaza ceasefire takes effect; 'Israel' resumes bombing, timing disputed

  • Politics
  • 9 Oct 2025
Illustration of fists breaking shackles, representing the liberation of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons. (Illustrated by: AL Mayadeen English/Batoul Chamas)

4 prominent Palestinian detainees to be freed: Who are they?

  • Palestine
  • 13 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Freed Palestinian prisoners carry rifles as they arrive in the Gaza Strip following their release from Israeli jails, outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, October 13, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Palestinian resistance remains steadfast, victorious Larijani says

Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Laffan inspecting the command structure of the 10th Infantry Brigade in Kfarskhna-Zgharta on October 13, 2025. (Lebanonese Army)
Politics

Lebanese Army chief: Israeli aggression threatens Lebanon's security

Hamas fighters escort buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners arriving in the Gaza Strip after their release from Israeli jails, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, October 13, 2025 (AP)
Politics

154 Palestinian prisoners exiled to Egypt under exchange deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives before US President Donald Trump addresses the Knesset, Israel's parliament, Monday, October 13, 2025 in Occupied Al-Quds. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)
Politics

Netanyahu withdraws from Sharm el-Sheikh summit amid regional pushback

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS