To browse Academia. It is principally based upon two case studies: the French interventions in Zaire in and , and in Chad between and In studying these interventions, as well as conducting a broader analysis of French Africa policy, this dissertation makes four arguments. First, strategic considerations, strongly linked to ideological concerns relating to security, prestige, and credibility, were the principle factors behind French decisions to intervene. Second, economic interests only played a secondary role in the reasoning of French decisionmakers.
Instead, these interests were indirect and were mostly concerned with protecting the economic bases of client or allied regimes. Third, allied African elites exercised a great deal of influence over French policymaking on the continent, including military interventions. The success of French policy greatly depended upon the agreement and cooperation of local elites.
Finally, the outcomes of French interventions demonstrated the ultimate limits of military force as a method for building sustainable political order.
Log in with Facebook Log in with Google. Remember me on this computer. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. Need an account? Click here to sign up. France's African Wars Nathaniel Powell.
