Jacques Chirac flunks international relations theory
Today is the beginning of comprehensive exams for some graduate students in my department at the University of Chicago. To those students — good luck, and stop wasting time reading this drivel!! I thought about the exams after reading the New York Times‘ exclusive interview with Jacques Chirac (see also the accompanying news story). For ...
Today is the beginning of comprehensive exams for some graduate students in my department at the University of Chicago. To those students -- good luck, and stop wasting time reading this drivel!! I thought about the exams after reading the New York Times' exclusive interview with Jacques Chirac (see also the accompanying news story). For Chriac, I could provide a set of customized questions after reading the interview. Three samples: In your interview with the Times, you said:
Today is the beginning of comprehensive exams for some graduate students in my department at the University of Chicago. To those students — good luck, and stop wasting time reading this drivel!! I thought about the exams after reading the New York Times‘ exclusive interview with Jacques Chirac (see also the accompanying news story). For Chriac, I could provide a set of customized questions after reading the interview. Three samples:
So in our opinion that’s what will calm things down and get us back on the road to stability in Iraq. How can this be done? Right now, we must show the way, that is, the transfer of sovereignty. This should be done through discussions at the U.N., which will take responsibility for transferring sovereignty…. Now, what is Iraq? It is its currently existing bodies, that is, the Council of Ministers and the current Governing Council. Yes, because they do exist. Once that decision is made, we must then proceed concretely with its implementation, that is to say the transfer of responsibility, which will take a little time.
In what way will the transfer of de jure sovereignty without de facto responsibility accelerate statebuilding in Iraq? Is sovereignty without responsibility merely an example of organized hypocrisy, or is there normative content to this concept?
I think that the world is gradually moving towards major blocs, but I think that among these blocs, there are at least two such blocs – Europe and the U.S – that should show solidarity for each other, vis à vis the others, which have a different culture. This is because these two have the same overall culture, the same values and the same overall interests. So even if we are irritated by this or that, it can only be superficial, and the fact is we do share the same values, and as the world changes, it will be even more important tomorrow than today that there should be a strong degree of solidarity between Europe and the United States. Hence the importance I attach to trans-Atlantic ties.
Please reconcile your theory of emerging blocs with the statement that the U.S. and Europe share the same values and interests.
Q: Was it a mistake to overthrow Saddam? A: No, absolutely not. I did not approve of the way he was overthrown. I felt it could have happened in another way. Q: Without a war? A: I think he could have been overthrown without a war. I think that political pressure would have led to Saddam’s disappearance.
Given the history of uprisings against Saddam Hussein prior to 2003, please identify a theory — any theory — of world politics that would be consistent with your prediction.
Alas, I fear Chirac would not pass the exam. His international relations worldview is about as clear as…. as…. Salma Hayek has been on what she wants in a man. [Where the hell did that come from?–ed. If you read Salma’s comments, you’ll see that it’s an apt analogy!!] UPDATE: Kevin Drum and Robert Tagorda have more on the policy implications of Chirac’s interview. And Spartacus points out that Salma Hayek majored in international relations while at university!!
Daniel W. Drezner is a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and co-host of the Space the Nation podcast. Twitter: @dandrezner
More from Foreign Policy
Can Russia Get Used to Being China’s Little Brother?
The power dynamic between Beijing and Moscow has switched dramatically.
Xi and Putin Have the Most Consequential Undeclared Alliance in the World
It’s become more important than Washington’s official alliances today.
It’s a New Great Game. Again.
Across Central Asia, Russia’s brand is tainted by Ukraine, China’s got challenges, and Washington senses another opening.
Iraqi Kurdistan’s House of Cards Is Collapsing
The region once seemed a bright spot in the disorder unleashed by U.S. regime change. Today, things look bleak.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
