Belarus: Militarily, Belarus is Russia’s biggest supporter having allowed both its land and airspace to be used by the Kremlin’s forces. Despite resisting pressure thus far from Putin to send troops into Ukraine, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko has had no qualms about the thousands of missiles launched from his territory toward Ukraine’s cities. Lukashenko has little choice in the matter given he’s only still in power because Russia helped him quash a popular uprising after a contested election in 2020.

The Global Soft Power Index incorporates a broad range of measures, which in combination provide a balanced and holistic assessment of nation’s presence, reputation and impact on the world stage. These include familiarity, influence and reputation as well as performance on eight soft power pillars, including

(Billions US$)

1. Diplomatic Adviser, G20 and G7 Sherpa: Mr. Emmanuel BONNE. Diplômé de l'Institut d'études politiques (IEP) de Grenoble. Diplômé d'études approfondies (DEA) de science politique comparative.

2. Africa Adviser: Mr. Franck PARIS. Maîtrise d'anglais de l'Université de Montpelier, Diplômé de l'Institut d'études politiques (IEP) de Paris, Ancien élève de l'Ecole nationale d'administration (ENA), promotion Léopold Sédar Senghor.

Macron runs France’s foreign policy single-handedly with a small team of advisers. French presidents traditionally have more control over their country’s foreign policy than other western leaders who have to wrestle with strong parliaments or foreign affairs ministries. But there are weaknesses in a hyper-centralized diplomatic machine. This model of foreign policy, which is completely centralized at the Elysée, has reached its limits.

France as a ‘balancing power’ or “puissance d’équilibre,” a concept as vague in English as it is in French.

French officials insist that Paris rejects the notion of “confrontation” between great powers in the region. The goal of France’s Indo-Pacific strategy is not to counter China but to promote partnerships focused on common interests rather than common threats. Such French rhetoric plays as a barely veiled critique of the American posture, perceived in Paris (as well as in some Asian capitals) as too polarizing.

Emmanuel Macron’s comments about Taiwan have put him at loggerheads with some prominent American foreign policy voices. It’s natural for American readers (and lawmakers) to see Macron’s comments as desiring independence from U.S. influence — especially since Europe depends heavily on American security guarantees (via NATO, for instance) and the presence of U.S. forces on the continent.

While the Kremlin views the forging of strong relations with African leaders as geopolitical sustenance, Russia is actively engaging in a campaign of indoctrination within African societies, much like it does on home soil. Although Russia is not well-known for its soft-power activities, this reputation downplays the country’s interest in improving its public perceptions abroad. Russia’s soft power involvement in Africa, which works in parallel to and underpins its security and resources interests has accelerated in recent years to infiltrate communications.

Since the end of World War II, U.S. leaders have sought to lead their European allies and, as a corollary, frowned on any steps by Europe toward greater self-sufficiency in defense. Europe has wanted autonomy without providing adequate defense resources, while the United States has wanted greater European defense contributions without diminishing NATO and U.S. political influence.

1. ANDREW COTTEY, PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK
2. RALUCA CSERNATONI, FELLOW AT CARNEGIE EUROPE
3. CARME COLOMINA, SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW AT THE BARCELONA CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (CIDOB)
4. MARTA DASSÙ, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS AT THE ASPEN INSTITUTE
5. OLIVIER DE FRANCE, SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW AT THE FRENCH INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC AFFAIRS
6. JOHN R. DENI, RESEARCH PROFESSOR AT THE U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE’S STRATEGIC STUDIES INSTITUTE