Posts tagged France
Blind to Racism, not Race: The Myth of French Égalité

“The first article of the Constitution of the Fifth Republic states: “France shall be an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic. It shall ensure the equality of all citizens before the law, without distinction of origin, race or religion.” However, during his 2012 presidential campaign, François Hollande promised to remove the word ‘race’ from the constitution. From Hollande’s point of view, race does not exist, and therefore should not be mentioned in any official text. While this may sound surprising to American ears, 33% of French citizens do not believe that race exists.”

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Turkey Reaffirms Desire to Join the European Union - will This Time be More Fruitful Than the Past?

“An influential NATO ally, Turkey has sought membership into the EU since 2005, and the country has been a member of NATO since 1952. Yet accession negotiations to join the EU -- beginning in 2005 -- have followed a cycle of slow progress and disappointment. Notably along the way, Turkey has been at odds with several EU nations (and sometimes the entire EU altogether), with two of the most notable countries being France and Greece. So, the question that the international community and world order asks itself is: How, if at all, will Turkey’s current push to join the EU result any differently than before?”

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In wake of Beirut Explosion, Macron Tests the Limits of His Influence

“Macron’s push for reforms comes amidst an unprecedented economic crisis in Lebanon—a crisis that is the result of decades of corruption and frivolous spending. The Lebanese Pound has lost nearly 85% of its value, which has resulted in ballooning prices and a shortage of goods. Many economists fear that a situation similar to Venezuela’s collapse is unfolding. Despite this, Lebanon’s political elite refuses to accept reforms that would open the country to international aid.”

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