Macron criticizes America: colonial aggression and tension with Russia
In a fiery speech reflecting the deepening transatlantic divide, French President Emmanuel Macron launched a scathing attack on US foreign policy during his annual address to French ambassadors. Macron expressed his deep regret over what he described as Washington's gradual abandonment of its traditional allies and its continued disregard for the international rules upon which the modern world order is built, pointing to the emergence of what he termed a "new colonial aggression" growing in international diplomatic relations.
The decline of international institutions and the dominance of superpowers
In his remarks, the French president asserted that the world is witnessing a steady decline in the performance and effectiveness of multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations and other international bodies, in favor of the logic of power. Macron stated, "We live in a world governed by superpowers that have a genuine desire to divide the world amongst themselves," warning that this approach threatens global stability and weakens the ability of Europe and its allies to protect their strategic interests. These statements come in the context of Macron's repeated calls for the necessity of achieving "strategic autonomy" for Europe, to reduce reliance on the American security umbrella, which, in his view, has become less reliable than ever.
tense geopolitical context
Macron's statements take on particular significance given the major geopolitical shifts the world is witnessing, as France seeks to solidify its position as a global balancing power, independent of absolute subservience to American decisions. Observers believe that the use of the term "neo-colonialism" reflects French and European discontent with Washington's unilateral economic and security policies, which often harm the interests of its European allies, whether through extraterritorial sanctions or sudden military interventions.
Russia accuses Washington of maritime piracy
In a separate development that intensifies criticism of US actions, Moscow accused the United States of escalating international tensions and threatening maritime safety. This came after Russia announced that US forces had seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic. The Russian Foreign Ministry described the action as "piracy" aimed at militarizing the oceans.
Risks of military escalation
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that the US move "will only lead to further military and political tension" between the two nuclear powers. Moscow expressed deep concern over what it called "Washington's readiness to provoke international crises," noting that such actions threaten global trade routes and open the door to dangerous scenarios of direct confrontation. This incident indicates that international competition is no longer limited to political influence, but has extended to include military and economic harassment on the high seas, presenting the international community with unprecedented security challenges.
