Take out the historical elements, particularly in relation to France’s old colonies in North Africa, and what’s left? A description of diplomatic efforts that are on par with a host of other countries in the world, eg Netherlands, Belgium, Japan etc….

You obviously missed the permanent UN security council seat.:rolleyes:

As evidenced by….?

I have checked the following article and it is mostly accurate,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_France

Enjoy.:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I’d say major power:rolleyes:

Call it what you want, but it will never be as powerful as it once was and it will be far below India, China and the US. As I said, in the same sort of region as the UK and France.

Well I could easily say the opposite and state that any idea that Russia will remain just some minor scale power is fear-driven whishfull thinking. But who knows, I’m no farseer and frankly neither are you so what can you do?;)

I never said that Russia would remain a minor power, I said it would be a middling power.;)

The issue with “influence” is that is is such a nebulous, amorphous term.

Defining “influence” as the ability to substantially shape opinion and events in those parts of the world that are at the forefront or center of global economic, technological, scientific and political events and trends, I’m happy to stand by my comments.

New Zealand’s actions have a huge impact on the Cook Islands. Does that mean it is an influential country?

Feel free to stand by them, they just make you look incredibly uninformed.:p

Russia wont raise to the levels of USSR, but it will certainly increases its influence compared todays levels.

I never said it wouldnt, just that any idea that Russia will ever rival the US, China or India in the future is pure fantasy.

And you haven’t been to the Pacific rim, a much more prosperous and dynamic part of the globe than Africa or Latin America.:D

Oh you mean where France has a presence as well.:rolleyes:

‘France only has influence in Europe’ what a stupid comment.:rolleyes:

Though i do like the old Fergies give me a Fordson anyday… Half way through restoring my 1956 Diesel Major at the momment. 😀

Traitor!!:mad: 😀