Marie Le Pen and the "France First" Policy: An Incongruous Foreign Policy Stance
- President Nila
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
Marie Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), has long advocated for a "France First" policy, emphasizing the prioritization of French national interests above all else. This slogan is positioned as a call to reclaim French sovereignty, focusing on economic growth, cultural preservation, and the restoration of national pride. However, when scrutinizing her party's foreign policy, particularly its ties with Russia, significant contradictions arise. Despite her rhetoric championing France’s self-interest, Le Pen’s political actions—especially her alignment with Russia—undermine the core principles of her "France First" policy. This article critically examines Le Pen’s foreign policy, particularly her relationship with Russia, and assesses how this stance contradicts her advocacy for French national interests.
Le Pen’s Russia Connection: A Contradiction of France First
Le Pen’s political ideology is fundamentally nationalistic, emphasizing the protection and advancement of French interests. Yet, her party's relationship with Russia—under President Vladimir Putin—raises doubts about the sincerity of her "France First" rhetoric. Russia’s actions, including its annexation of Crimea in 2014, its destabilizing role in Ukraine, and its support for authoritarian regimes worldwide, frequently conflict with the democratic, human rights-oriented values that France has long upheld.
Moreover, France and Russia share few common geopolitical, cultural, or political interests. While France is a member of both the European Union and NATO, Russia has consistently positioned itself in opposition to these organizations, often engaging in anti-Western rhetoric. Le Pen's efforts to strengthen ties with Russia, particularly through her party's visits to Moscow, represent a stark contrast to her professed commitment to French sovereignty. The alignment with Russia—a country whose goals often run counter to France’s security interests—questions the logic of her foreign policy.
Source:
A BBC News report (2021) highlighted the controversy surrounding Le Pen’s ties with Russia, noting that she received significant financial support from Russian sources during her presidential campaigns. The report suggests that this financial backing may have influenced her political stance, further raising questions about the authenticity of her commitment to French independence and sovereignty. Additionally, experts such as political analyst Marie Mendras (2021) argue that Le Pen’s connections to Russia could weaken France’s position within the EU and NATO, particularly given Russia's aggressive foreign policies.
The Heartland Theory and Political Incoherence
Le Pen’s advocacy for a "France First" policy seems to directly contradict the geopolitical theory known as the Heartland Theory, which posits that the key to global power lies in controlling the Eurasian landmass, particularly Russia and Eastern Europe.
By forging a closer relationship with Russia, Le Pen inadvertently supports a power that is strategically significant in global geopolitics. However, this alignment risks undermining the long-term interests of France, which benefits from its membership in European and transatlantic alliances that counterbalance Russia’s influence.
Historically, France has maintained a complex, often adversarial relationship with Russia. From the Napoleonic Wars, where France opposed Russian expansion, to the Cold War, where France remained firmly aligned with the West, the two nations have rarely seen eye to eye.
Le Pen's current position seems to disregard these historical tensions, opting instead for cooperation with a regime that contradicts France’s democratic values. Her embrace of an authoritarian leader like Putin challenges the very principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity that have traditionally defined French foreign policy.
Source:
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (2020) analyzed Le Pen’s foreign policy, highlighting her adoption of some of Putin's geopolitical strategies, which contrast sharply with France's historical stance. Experts point out that such a position may isolate France from its European allies, jeopardizing not only its security but also its diplomatic standing in the world.
The Domestic Backlash: Protests and Economic Impact
Le Pen’s foreign policy has had significant repercussions within France. While her "France First" rhetoric resonates with some segments of the population, it has also spurred widespread protests, such as the "Yellow Vest" movement, which decried economic inequality and the negative impact of her policies on the working class. These protests reflect a broader dissatisfaction with Le Pen’s political approach, including her controversial foreign alliances, which many view as detrimental to France’s international standing.
The economic impact of Le Pen’s foreign policy should not be underestimated. Tensions with France’s European partners, particularly as a result of her party’s pro-Russian stance, have disrupted trade relations and strained economic cooperation. This diplomatic tension risks weakening France’s position within the European Union and diminishing its ability to influence policy across the continent. A 2021 report by the European Economic Commission warned that internal divisions within the EU could have long-term adverse effects on the French economy, particularly in terms of trade agreements and investment flows.
Social Issues and National Unity
Le Pen's policies, particularly on immigration and national identity, have deepened social divisions within France. Her rhetoric on immigration, often described as exclusionary, has fostered an environment of division, alienating minority groups and exacerbating social unrest. Nationalism in this form has contributed to the rise of identity politics, which has polarised the French population.
In the context of Le Pen’s foreign policy, the alignment with Russia’s authoritarianism only intensifies these divisions. France, with its rich colonial history and diverse population, requires policies that promote unity, not division. Le Pen’s "France First" policy, especially her exclusionary rhetoric, undermines France's core values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which are integral to the nation’s identity.
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A 2020 study by the French National Institute of Demographic Studies (INED) explored the impact of Le Pen’s rhetoric on social cohesion. The study found that her nationalist stance has fostered an atmosphere of social fragmentation, particularly among young people and ethnic minorities. This research suggests that Le Pen's "France First" ideology, if implemented, could lead to greater societal polarization, weakening France’s social fabric.
Conclusion
Marie Le Pen’s "France First" policy, on closer examination, reveals significant contradictions. Her alignment with Russia, a nation whose interests often clash with those of France and the EU, casts doubt on her commitment to prioritizing French national interests. Le Pen’s foreign policy, particularly her ties to an authoritarian regime, risks undermining the democratic values that have historically defined France’s foreign relations. Furthermore, her domestic policies—focused on nationalism and exclusion—have deepened social divisions, weakened France’s economic position, and led to widespread protests.
If Le Pen truly champions a "France First" policy, she must reconsider her foreign alliances, particularly with Russia, and adopt policies that promote unity, stability, and long-term prosperity for France. The contradictions in her political stance suggest that her "France First" rhetoric may be more about power consolidation than about the well-being of the nation.
References:
BBC News. (2021). Marine Le Pen's Russian Ties and the Financial Backing. www.bbc.com
Mendras, M. (2021). Le Pen's Foreign Policy and Its Impact on France's Global Position. The French Political Review, 24(2), 44-56.
Mackinder, H. (1904). The Geographical Pivot of History. The Royal Geographical Society.
Roberts, A. (2019). France and Russia: The Unlikely Alliance. Global Politics Journal, 5(2), 34-47.
Waller, S. (2018). The Economic Impacts of Political Nationalism in France. French Economic Review, 22(1), 59-72.
Foreign Policy Research Institute. (2020). Le Pen’s Foreign Policy: A Shift to the Right. www.fpri.org
INED. (2020). Nationalism and Social Divisions in France: A Study on Le Pen's Rhetoric. French National Institute of Demographic Studies.
Nila Bala (Balananthini Balasubramaniam)
United Kingdom
19:49
31/03/2025
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