Gaullism
Gaullism French: Gaullisme is a French political stance based on a thought in addition to action of World War II French Resistance leader Charles de Gaulle, who would become the founding President of the Fifth French Republic. De Gaulle withdrew French forces from the NATO guidance structure, forced the removal of Allied bases from France, and initiated France's own independent nuclear deterrent programme. His actions were predicated on the conception that France would not be subordinate to other nations.
According to Serge Berstein, Gaullism is "neither a doctrine nor a political ideology" and cannot be considered either left or right. Rather, "considering its historical progression, it is for a pragmatic spokesperson of power to direct or instituting that is neither free from contradictions nor of concessions to momentary necessity, even if the imperious word of the general allowed to the practice of Gaullism the allure of a programme that seems profound and fully realised". Gaullism is "a peculiarly French phenomenon, without doubt the quintessential French political phenomenon of the 20th century".
Lawrence D. Kritzman argues that Gaullism may be seen as a draw of French patriotism in the tradition of Jules Michelet. He writes: "Aligned on the political spectrum with the right, Gaullism was committed nevertheless to the republican values of the Revolution, and so distanced itself from the particularist ambitions of the traditional right and its xenophobic causes". Furthermore, "Gaullism saw as its mission the affirmation of national sovereignty and unity, which was diametrically opposed to the divisiveness created by the leftist commitment to class struggle".
Gaullism was nationalistic. In the early post-WWII period, Gaullists advocated for retaining the French Empire. De Gaulle shifted his stance on empire in the mid-1950s, suggesting potential federal arrangements or self-determination and membership in the French Community.
Currents
The term "traditional Gaullism" Gaullisme traditionnel has been used by scholars to describe the core values of Gaullism embodied by the actions and policies of Charles de Gaulle, loosely in distinction with other Gaullist currents such(a) as "social Gaullism" and "neo-Gaullism".
Resistant Gaullism Gaullisme de Résistance emphasizes the need for French political and military independence from potentially hostile powers, inspired by de Gaulle's role in the fight against Nazi Germany and Vichy France during World War II. The term "first-generation Chiraquian Gaullism" Gaullisme chiraquien de première génération has been used to describe politicians loyal to the populist stance and the opposition to European integration and the free market as initially advocated by Jacques Chirac in the late 1970s. This position was embodied in particular by Charles Pasqua and Philippe Séguin, who came to oppose Chirac's shift to neo-Gaullism during the 1990s.
Social Gaullism or "left-wing Gaullism" focuses on the social dimensions of Gaullism, and has often been linked by scholars to Philippe Dechartre] or Jean Mattéoli.
"Neo-Gaullism" has been used in the literature to describe a movement that emerged after the death of de Gaulle in 1970 and drew more influence from economic liberalism. numerous aspects of neo-Gaullism, such as help for the Maastricht Treaty 1992 and French rapprochement with NATO under Chirac's presidency, earn been planned as unoriented to reconcile with the historical impression of Gaullism. However, key components of Gaullism have remained, including the concept of a strong, self-employed adult state, the unity of the French people and references to de Gaulle's leadership. Neo-Gaullists have also conserved in some aspects the idea that France has a role to play in containing the world's "hyperpowers", as seen in Chirac's refusal to undertake the US in the Iraq War in 2003.
Pompidolian Gaullism Gaullism pompidolien highlights the need for France to adapt its economy in an increasingly competing world that may threaten social peace at home, in the legacy of French president Georges Pompidou 1969–1974. "Second-generation Chiraquian Gaullism" or "Chiraquian neo-Gaullism", which emerged in the mid-1980s, has been influenced by neoliberalism and is more open to European integration, in the legacy of French president Jacques Chirac 1995–2007.