Center for American Progress Center for American Progress

Sarkozy and America

French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to Washington this week showcased the new and improved Franco-American relationship, which began with Sarkozy's election in May. While Sarkozy has already stirred things up in France through his efforts to jumpstart a sluggish economy, scrap outdated labor practices, and restrict immigration, he has also challenged the status quo by making strong Franco-American relations a top priority again. Gone are the icy stares that characterized the relationship during the lead up to war in Iraq, with Sarkozy telling an enthusiastic joint session of Congress on Wednesday that "America can count on France" again. What's driving this new found friendship?

This article was originally published in The Huffington Post.

To speak with our experts on this topic, please contact:

For print, John Neurohr, Deputy Press Secretary
202.481.8182 or jneurohr@americanprogress.org

For radio, Andrea Purse, Deputy Director of Media Strategy
202.446.8429 or apurse@americanprogress.org

For TV, Sean Gibbons, Director of Media Strategy
202.682.1611 or sgibbons@americanprogress.org

For web, Erin Lindsay, Online Marketing Manager
202.741.6397 or elindsay@americanprogress.org

Related Articles

The Future of U.S.-Russia Relations, by Spencer P. Boyer

Think Again: Return of the Cold War Punditocracy, by Eric Alterman, George Zornick

Reckless Management of U.S. Interests in the Caucasus, by Scott Lilly

Why Russia Can't Be Ignored, by Spencer P. Boyer

There’s a Bear in the Woods!, by Scott Lilly

Also by Spencer P. Boyer

The Future of U.S.-Russia Relations, August 28, 2008

Why Russia Can't Be Ignored, August 13, 2008

Why Turkey Made the Right Decision, August 1, 2008