introduction

Introduced the origin and geographical significance of the term 'Maghreb', emphasizing its strategic importance. France has close relations with the three Maghreb countries, and Maghreb policy is the core of France's diplomatic strategy. French presidents have explored and adjusted Maghreb policies after the Cold War, but have largely continued the traditions of the de Gaulle era. President Macron's actions during the campaign and after his election reflect France's consistent approach to Maghreb policy. The adjustment trajectory and reasons of France's Maghreb policy will help to deepen the understanding of the relationship between France and the three Maghreb countries, and provide reference for China to formulate relevant policies.

1、 From colonization to 'cooperation'

In the mid-20th century, France's colonial rule in the Maghreb region came to an end, and the relationship between France and the countries in the region entered a transitional period. The de Gaulle government pursued a pragmatic foreign policy, establishing a "cooperative" relationship with the three Maghreb countries through the signing of a "cooperation agreement" aimed at consolidating France's interests and influence in the region. These agreements cover multiple fields such as politics, economy, military, and culture. On the surface, they are cooperation, but in reality, they are France's control over the emerging country. Politically, France strengthened its political dependence on its former colonies through agreements; Economically, France demands compensation for economic losses or economic privileges; Militarily, France demands the continued presence of troops to maintain its military influence; Culturally, France strengthens cultural infiltration. France attaches greater importance to cooperation with Algeria and regards it as a model of cooperation, with relatively less cooperation with Tunisia and Morocco. De Gaulle's policies laid the foundation for the development of relations between France and Maghreb countries.

2、 Balanced Policy

In the 1970s, facing the turmoil in the Maghreb region, France adjusted its policies. France has strengthened its relations with Morocco and Tunisia, enhancing political mutual trust through high-level visits and contacts. President Pompidou restored ambassadorial level relations with Morocco, and Moroccan King Hassan II and Tunisian President Bourguiba visited France respectively, promoting the climax of bilateral relations. France has lifted its arms embargo on Morocco and Tunisia, strengthened military exchanges, and used events such as the Western Sahara conflict and the Tunisian Libyan merger plan to win over the two countries. France has expressed strong support for Morocco on the Western Sahara issue, and after Tunisia's failed merger plan with Libya, France provided military assistance. At the same time, France abandoned its policy of developing Franco Arab relations into a model of cooperation and instead proposed the "normalization" of bilateral relations. Despite attempts by both Presidents Pompidou and Giscard d'Estaing to improve Franco Afghan relations, substantive changes have not been achieved.

3、 The Return from "Third Worldism" to "Gaullism"

In the early 1980s, Mitterrand became the first left-wing president of France, and after taking office, he made improving North South relations and developing relations with third world countries a foreign policy priority, promoting "Third Worldism". In terms of Maghreb policy, Mitterrand attempted to eliminate the influence of neo colonialism and regarded the Maghreb as an important pillar for promoting "Third Worldism", especially in Algeria. In 1981, Mitterrand visited Algeria and proposed the establishment of a new type of equal relationship, which improved the relationship between the two countries. However, with the failure of the Third World Policy, Mitterrand gradually returned to "Gaullism" and prioritized France's national interests and great power strategy. France adopts a balanced policy in the Maghreb region, strengthening cooperation with Morocco and Tunisia, while maintaining neutrality in the Western Sahara conflict between Algeria and Morocco. Mitterrand also promoted the establishment of the Mediterranean Forum to maintain France's influence in the Mediterranean region.

4、 Reasons for policy adjustments

The adjustment of France's Maghreb policy during the Cold War was mainly influenced by four factors: firstly, the decline of France's national strength led to the need to adjust its relations with Maghreb countries, from the "cooperation" policy of the Charles de Gaulle era to the balance policy of the Pompidou and Mitterrand eras, in order to safeguard national interests; Secondly, the increasing influence of foreign powers such as the United States and the Soviet Union in the Maghreb region has forced France to make policy adjustments to protect its interests in the region; Thirdly, the development and increasing sense of autonomy in the Maghreb region have forced France to consider its needs and adjust policies to adapt to changes; Finally, the national security and terrorist threats in the late Cold War period became important considerations for France to adjust its Maghreb policy. These policy adjustments reflect France's process of competing with Maghreb and external forces while safeguarding its own interests.

conclusion

During the Charles de Gaulle era, France maintained a wide influence in the Maghreb region through its "cooperation" policy. In the post de Gaulle era, French policies were adjusted on the basis of strengthening influence, such as balancing relations with the three Maghreb countries and returning to "Gaullism". Policy adjustments are based on the need to maintain France's national security, interests, and enhance its international status. During the Cold War, regardless of changes in the ruling parties or international situation, France's policy goals and internal logic remained consistent, namely "De Gaulle Mitterrand ism". After the Cold War, although France's policies were innovative, the overall framework continued, with the core being to strengthen cooperation with the Maghreb, balance trilateral relations, consolidate influence, and enhance international status. In the future, France needs to balance its interests and explore new forms of cooperation under the new geopolitical landscape.