Summary
This article addresses the concerns of Europe that President Macron expresses in his interview with The Economist. While this could be viewed as politically motivated, the article disagrees. The first concern is that European security is highly threatened. Macron is skeptical about the passive efforts against Russia. He calls Europe for action, and aims to escape US influence. Another problem that Macron identifies is the gap of industrial level between Europe and the US / China. He believes Europe needs specialization and scale. He lastly addresses the political chaos in Europe, criticizing the far right.
It should be noted that Macron goes against Marine Le Pen in the near election. His propositions could be abortive for some reasons. First, it could damage European security. Distancing America seems quite possible, but for the European alternative, not quite. Second, the EU itself requires many governments to agree to the policy, which seems unlikely. Macron’s not in the best situation either, being quite unpopular in France.
Vocabulary
Blitzkrieg
- Definition: A swift and intense military attack intended to bring about a quick victory.
- Example Sentence: The army launched a blitzkrieg, overwhelming the enemy forces in a matter of days.
Unruly
- Definition: Disorderly and disruptive; not amenable to discipline or control.
- Example Sentence: The unruly crowd was difficult for the police to manage during the protest.
Bedeviled
- Definition: (Past tense of bedevil) To cause continual trouble or harassment.
- Example Sentence: The project was bedeviled by technical issues from the start.
Flout
- Definition: To openly disregard (a rule, law, or convention).
- Example Sentence: The company was fined for flouting environmental regulations.
Gaullist Orthodoxy
- Definition: The political principles and policies associated with Charles de Gaulle, emphasizing French nationalism and independence.
- Example Sentence: The politician’s views were heavily influenced by Gaullist orthodoxy, advocating for a strong, independent France.
Scathe
- Definition: To harm or injure.
- Example Sentence: The harsh review did little to scathe the artist’s reputation, as her fans remained loyal.
Prescient
- Definition: Having or showing knowledge of events before they take place.
- Example Sentence: His prescient comments about the economy were proven correct when the market crashed.
Jupiterian
- Definition: Relating to or characteristic of a powerful, authoritative, and often aloof leader, reminiscent of the Roman god Jupiter or the grandeur associated with the planet Jupiter.
- Example Sentence: Mr Macron’s critics called it a mix of electioneering, the usual French self-interest, and the intellectual vanity of a Jupiterian president thinking about his legacy.