Europe's Geopolitical Awakening: A New World Order

In a landmark event celebrating its 200th anniversary, the publication Figaro convened a high-level discussion at the iconic Grand Palais. The venue, a symbol of French cultural grandeur, provided a fitting backdrop for a conversation about the precarious state of global affairs.

Bringing together two of Europe's most astute analytical minds, the event sought to navigate the turbulent currents of modern geopolitics. The discussion centered on the forces reshaping the international order and Europe's place within this new, more volatile landscape.

The conversation featured Giuliano da Empoli, a celebrated writer, and Thomas Gomart, the director of the influential French Institute of International Relations (Ifri). Their dialogue was framed as an essential exercise in making sense of a world that often appears to be in freefall.

Together, they explored the complex web of challenges facing the international community. The analysis moved beyond surface-level headlines to examine the deeper structural shifts defining our era.

Their inquiry focused on three primary areas of concern:

• The resurgence of great power politics and unilateralism
• The persistent and evolving nature of security threats
• The disruptive impact of digital platforms on sovereignty

A central theme of the discussion was the challenge posed by Donald Trump and his political movement. The speakers characterized this as a manifestation of neo-imperial tendencies, a force actively undermining established international norms and alliances.

This political disruption was analyzed alongside the enduring menace russe. The Russian threat was presented not merely as a regional security problem, but as a sophisticated, long-term challenge to the entire Western-led order.

Finally, the dialogue turned to the economic and political power of major technology firms. These tech predators were identified as a third axis of disruption, capable of shaping public discourse and challenging the regulatory authority of nation-states.

Despite the litany of challenges, the conversation was not one of pure pessimism. Da Empoli and Gomart ultimately charted a path toward a possible réveil européen—a potential European awakening.

Their thesis suggests that the very pressures threatening to pull Europe apart could, in fact, serve as a catalyst for greater unity and strategic autonomy. The convergence of external threats may be forcing a necessary re-evaluation of Europe's role on the world stage.

Face aux velléités néo-impériales de Donald Trump, à la menace russe et aux prédateurs de la tech, ils dessinent les contours d’un possible réveil européen.

The path forward, as outlined by the speakers, involves moving from reactive crisis management to a proactive, coordinated strategy for asserting European interests and values.

The discussion at the Grand Palais underscores a pivotal moment for international relations. The era of predictable geopolitics is over, replaced by a complex interplay of political, military, and technological forces.

For Europe, the message is clear: the status quo is no longer a viable option. The continent faces a stark choice between strategic decline and a concerted effort to define its own future. The insights from Giuliano da Empoli and Thomas Gomart provide a crucial framework for understanding the stakes of that decision.