Brookings: Experts - Justin Vaïsse

Obama un an après: le difficile accouchement de la nouvelle Amérique

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On the first anniversary of President Obama's victory, Justin Vaïsse explains the delay in enacting major domestic reform by pointing out the continuing partisan polarization and the importance of checks and balances, especially the power of the Senate.

Was Irving Kristol a Neoconservative?

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Irving Kristol, regarded by many as the "godfather" of neoconservativism, passed away on September 18 at the age of 89. Justin Vaïsse examines the history of the movement and explains why Kristol was not a neocon in the modern sense of the word – partly because of Kristol’s consistently realist foreign policy approach.

De l'infériorité des régimes démocratiques dans la conduite des affaires extérieures : une relecture contemporaine de Tocqueville

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaïsse challenges Tocqueville's judgment that "Foreign policy demands scarcely any of those qualities which are peculiar to a democracy; they require, on the contrary, the use of almost all those in which it is deficient." But Tocqueville himself, Vaisse points out, had identified some of the strengths that explained the success of democracies in the past century. And contrary to Tocqueville, who feared the tyranny of the majority and the feckless character of the people being imposed to a weak president, Vaïsse points out that the major dangers for democracies reside in the tyranny of minorities and the excessive reach of the Executive branch.

Politique étrangère d'Obama: les nuages noirs de l'automne

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaïsse lays out the delicate international issues that await President Obama in the fall. He concludes none of them holds any promise of easy resolution, and the principles on which Obama founded his foreign policy will be severly tested. (French)

Europe After Five Months of the Obama Administration

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When President Barack Obama visits the Buchenwald concentration camp site on June 5 and the Normandy beaches on June 6, he will celebrate both the transatlantic alliance and Europe's reconciliation and unity that emerged from these searing events. Justin Vaisse, whose grandfather was liberated from the concentration camp at Buchenwald by units of Patton's Third Army—in which Obama's great uncle served—reflects on the Europe-America relationship.

L'amorce d'un tournant entre Israël et les Etats-Unis

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this interview, Justin Vaisse evaluates the degree of change in US-Israeli relations. Rather than a dramatic turn, the Obama administration is pursuing a regional strategy to transform the very conditions in which a bilateral Israeli-Palestinian agreement—which has very little prospect of happening now—is negotiated.

The Political Implications of the Economic Crisis for the European Union

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse assesses the risks of seeing the European Union or the Eurozone break up because of the economic crisis. Far from this outcome, Vaisse surveys the reasons why Europe will resist and predicts that it will eventually bounce back to become a stronger union

Europe - Etats-Unis: accords / désaccords

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While the election of Barack Obama facilitates the transatlantic dialogue, profound structural differences remain between Europe and America—including geography, distinct roles in the international system and contrasted relationship to military force. Justin Vaisse believes this is why Europe and America should not count on "shared values" but on serious diplomatic bargaining to resolve their differences. (in French)

La politique étrangère d’Obama, un réel changement de ton

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse analyzes the first 100 days of President Obama's foreign policy. Vaisse says that while Obama has brought about a real change in tone and earned points across the world for his first decisions, the tougher issues will be addressed in the next few months and will constitute the real test for his administration. (French)

What Europe Can Do for Iraq: A Blueprint for Action

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To explore the strategies by which Europe can increase its commitment in Iraq and make a constructive difference, the Center on the U.S. and Europe and the Heinrich Böll Foundation convened a workshop in April 2009. In this paper, Justin Vaisse and Sebastian Gräfe summarize the consolidated advice advocated by the workshop participants.

Why Europe Will Emerge Stronger from the Economic Crisis

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since the economic crisis started, predictions of a break-up of the European Union or the “Eurozone” have multiplied. Justin Vaisse instead contends it is more likely that the crisis will force greater unity and solidarity on Europe, and that the EU will emerge stronger from the downturn.

Voyage d'Obama : l'heure du bilan

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse assesses President Obama's trip to Europe and analyzes the new branding of America's image abroad. (French)

Le tournant d'Obama en Afghanistan

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this online chat with Le Nouvel Observateur, Justin Vaisse discusses Obama's trip to Europe and his new strategy for Afghanistan. (French)

What the G-20 Wants: London Summit

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On April 2, international leaders, including representatives of regional organizations, will meet in London for the second G-20 Summit. The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Managing Global Insecurity project at Brookings have launched a special online forum asking experts and policy-makers from the G-20 nations to submit commentary on what their country hopes to accomplish at the meeting.

Du bon usage d’Obama en politique française

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse draws on the lessons of the election of Barack Obama – the first African-American president of the U.S. – for France, where very few black or Arab candidates emerge. To the extent the two countries can be compared, particular attention is given to the role of minority districts in the U.S. in fostering a more diverse body of politicians in the last four decades. Such districts don't exist in metropolitan France, but the French political system can easily improve its record by imposing a reform of the initial selection of candidates by the main political parties. (French)

Pour une relation transatlantique désenchantée

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite the good will generated by the election of Barack Obama, Justin Vaisse and Thierry Chopin warn against the illusion of a spontaneously harmonious Transtlantic relation. They argue a fundamental policy differences remains between Europe and the U.S., due to geography, political culture, and position in the international system, and a good relationship will depend on hard-nose deals on policies and priorities, not the invocation of “shared values”.

Barack Obama se montre "tantôt réaliste, tantôt idéaliste"

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Le Monde interviews Justin Vaisse on the departure of the Bush administration, the incoming Obama administration and President Obama's foreign policy vision and challenges.

Sarkozy's Europe is Good for Obama

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Federiga Bindi, Charles Kupchan and Justin Vaisse argue that French President Nicolas Sarkozy occasionally overplayed his hand while France held the EU's rotating presidency from July to December 2008. But on balance, they say, his EU leadership provided exactly the kind of international activism that Europeans want and America needs.

Néoconservateurs américains : Le Monde fait du néo-n'importe quoi

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse explains the difference between various families of conservatism, especially as they relate to international affairs, and stresses the importance of clearly defining what neoconservatism is to measure its impact on American foreign policy. (French)

How to Win Islam Over

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse and Olivier Roy assess Barack Obama's promise to convene a conference of Muslim leaders to make clear the U.S. is not at war with Islam. Vaisse and Roy argue that Obama would be better served by simply following through on the promises of closing Guantánamo Bay, withdrawing from Iraq, banning torture, and pushing for peace in the Middle East.

What the G-20 Wants

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

World leaders gathered in Washington, D.C. to respond to the international financial crisis. The Managing Global Insecurity project and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs hosted a special online forum of global perspectives on the summit. The result is an intriguing glimpse into pivotal issues that will continue to dominate discussions about the crisis.

Le leadership moral retrouvé

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse explains why the election of Barack Obama allows America to recover the moral high ground it had lost during the Bush era: not because of changes in foreign policy, but by leading the way in integrating minorities and turning a page from a difficult racial past, something European countries have not yet achieved. (French)

Les relations franco-américaines devraient continuer à s'améliorer

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this online chat, Justin Vaisse discusses Obama’s foreign policy priorities, his approach to the world, and the impact he will have on Transatlantic, especially French-U.S., relations. Vaisse also discusses the role of experts at Brookings in advising Barack Obama.

L'Europe au miroir de Barack Obama

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses the reasons behind Europe’s strong interest in the American Presidential election. (French)

Muslims in Europe: A Short Introduction

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse presents the basic facts and issues concerning Muslims in Europe, from a political and sociological perspective, and offers elements of comparison with the United States.

L’atout d’Obama ? Ne pas être Bush

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview with Libération, Justin Vaisse explored the reasons for Barack Obama’s popularity in Europe and stressed the contrast between political classes on each side of the Atlantic for minority candidates. (French)

L’islam en France, « un enjeu social plutôt que religieux »

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Viasse joined L’Orient-Le Jour for a discussion on Islam in France. (French)

One Horrible Year for Nicolas Sarkozy

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Just over a year into the presidential term of France's Nicolas Sarkozy, Philip Gordon and Justin Vaisse note that the first year has been a bitter disappointment. Instead of giving up on Sarkozy as a lost cause, they believe there is hope for a recovery if he continues reforms promised during his candidacy. They also argue that the rotating presidency of the European Union, coming to France in July, may foster a new era in transatlantic relations.

Le Conseil français du culte musulman, c'est mieux que rien

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Laurence and Justin Vaisse defend the record and the significance of the French Council for the Muslim Religion (CFCM in French) which will be renewed by a vote in mosques across France on June 8. (French)

Hillary Clinton n'a pas senti l'électorat démocrate

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse analyzes the reasons behind Hillary Clinton's defeat following the Democratic primary process. He also assesses Barack Obama's assets and liabilities for the general election. (French)

McCain pourrait faire une vraie ouverture vers l'Iran, comme Nixon en Chine en 1972

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse joined LeMonde.fr to discuss foreign policy in the presidential campaign. Vaisse compares Barack Obama with John McCain on the issues, and also in terms of ideology and political instincts. (French)

Nicolas Sarkozy’s Foreign Policy: Gaullist by Any Other Name

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse examines Nicolas Sarkozy's foreign policy compared to Gaullist and Atlanticist leaders of the past in France.

Nicolas Sarkozy at the Helm of the European Union

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse outlines what to expect from Nicholas Sarkozy as the European Union’s rotating presidency comes to France this summer. Vaisse notes that Sarkozy faces such challenges as ratifying the Lisbon Treaty, the Turkish candidacy to the EU issue, participation or non-participation in the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games, and putting his own agenda on hold among other items.

CIA et banlieues françaises: décryptage d'une info choc

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses initiatives taken by the American Embassy in Paris towards the banlieues (or poor neighborhoods) and the Muslim community. (French)

Les Américains cherchent à se créer un réseau

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses initiatives taken by the American Embassy in Paris towards the banlieues (or poor neighborhoods) and the Muslim community in an interview with Le Parisien. (French)

Le pari de la défense européenne mérite d'être tenté

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse and Pierre Haski debate what type of leader French president Nicolas Sarkozy is in historical context. (French)

Sarkozy, le gaulliste décomplexé

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse and Pierre Haski debate what type of leader French president Nicolas Sarkozy is in historical context. (French)

Le revirement de Nicolas Sarkozy sur l'Europe

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses the upcoming French presidency of the European Union. (French)

Nous sommes sans doute à la fin de l’ère du conservatisme conquérant

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses the 2008 U.S. presidential campaigns in the context of the broader political climate (French).

Le phénomène Obama

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses the Obama phenomenon. (French)

Challenges in French-Turkish Relations from Chirac to Sarkozy

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The election of Nicolas Sarkozy brought with it new challenges for French-Turkish relations. Justin Vaisse explores these challenges and offers ideas for both sides to resolve their issues with one another.

Chez les démocrates, la campagne est passée d'une phase raciale à une phase frontale

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse answers questions online in this interview conducted by Le Monde.

George W. Bush a-t-il trahi le conservatisme américain? - Has George W. Bush Betrayed American Conservatism?

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Although he was elected as a conservative in 2000, Justin Vaisse contends that George W. Bush’s record does not look very conservative. The President’s defenders argue that, on the contrary, Bush has managed to adapt Ronald Reagan’s conservatism to the new era. Still, the electoral fortunes of the Republican party do not seem very bright, for they rely in part on the power of the religious right and on the South, two constituencies increasingly at odds with the rest of the country/

George Bush, Nicolas Sarkozy et le Programme Nucléaire Iranien

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses George Bush, Nicolas Sarkozy and the impact of the recent NIE on Iran.

The Arab-Israeli Conflict as a Franco-American Challenge

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses the Arab-Israeli conflict in terms of Franco-U.S. relations. He argues that the EU and France are eager to see the peace process get back on track and warns that sticking with status quo will not bring the required settlement to the issue.

Les Etats-Unis vers un cycle démocrate - The End of the Conservative Revolution?

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses a possible end to the conservative revolution in the United States.

First Official U.S. Visit by Nicolas Sarkozy

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses what Nicolas Sarkozy's trip to Washington means for the short and long term U.S.-France relationship.

Transformational Diplomacy

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse explores the concept of transformational diplomacy, coined by Condoleezza Rice in early 2006, as a way to respond to new threats facing the U.S. and world. Vaisse offers ways in which transformational diplomacy can be used to promote the interests of those involved.

Integrating Islam : Political and Religious Challenges in Contemporary France

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Integrating Islam examines the complex reality of Muslim integration in France—its successes, failures, and future challenges.

Le testament brouillé de Colin Powell

Fri, 19 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Philip H. Gordon and Justin Vaisse, Le Monde (11/19/04)

The Hell of Good Intentions

Sat, 17 Apr 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Justin Vaisse, Le Monde (4/17/04)

Veiled Meaning: The French Law Banning Religious Symbols in Public Schools

Mon, 01 Mar 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Analysis by Justin Vaisse (March 2004)

From Transatlanticism to Post-Atlanticism

Wed, 09 Jul 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Justin Vaisse, In the National Interest (7/9/03)

Making Sense of French Foreign Policy

Wed, 02 Jul 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Justin Vaisse, In the National Interest (7/2/03)

Anonymous Sources: The Media Campaign Against France

Tue, 01 Jul 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Justin Vaisse, Message (July 2003)

L'Amérique est encore en guerre - America is Still at War

Tue, 03 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Justin Vaisse, Le Monde (6/3/03)

American Francophobia Takes a New Turn

Sun, 01 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Justin Vaisse, French Politics, Culture & Society (Summer 2003)

Bringing Out the Animal In Us: A Frenchman's Journey in Francophobe America

Sat, 15 Mar 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Justin Vaisse in the Financial Times (March 15, 2003)

Merci for the French Correction

Sat, 15 Feb 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Justin Vaisse in The Washington Post (February 15, 2003)

What Europe Knows

Sun, 02 Feb 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Justin Vaisse, Visiting Fellow, the Brookings Institution, in Newsday

A Pas De Deux

Sun, 03 Nov 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Justin Vaisse, Visiting Fellow, the Brookings Institution, in Newsday, November 3, 2002

Seuls au centre du monde

Fri, 01 Mar 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Justin Vaisse, Visiting Fellow, Center on the United States and France, the Brookings Institution, in Alternatives Internationales, March/April 2002

America and Multilateralism: Why George W. Bush is No Different

Thu, 26 Jul 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses America's recent and past trends towards unilaterialism.