Gaullism as an element of French foreign policy, 1981-1994

In the Fifth Republic, the legacy of Charles de Gaulle has had a powerful impact on French policy-making, especially in the area of foreign affairs. This thesis examines the continued influence of Gaullism on the direction of French foreign policy under the leadership of President Francois Mitterrand. France's policies toward, and relations with, Europe, the United States, and the USSR/Russia are emphasized. As background for this primary discussion, this paper also discusses the evolution of Gaullism. From research using primary and secondary sources in French and English, this thesis demonstrates that Gaullism's emphasis on French grandeur and independence remained a major focus of foreign policy during Mitterrand's tenure. The end of the Cold War has fundamentally altered the international environment, but has not rendered Gaullism obsolete. Gaullism will continue to influence French foreign policy well into the twenty-first century.