The postcolonial theory of international relations offers a critical perspective on the foreign policies of former colonial powers by linking them to past imperial structures and colonial experiences. This theory deeply analyzes the impact of the colonial past on power dynamics, identity politics and foreign policy decisions in contemporary international relations. In this context, France’s Middle East policy, especially its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, bears the traces of historical colonial experiences. It also constitutes an important example to understand how these experiences are intertwined with contemporary diplomacy. For many years, France has hesitated to recognize Palestine as an independent state, finding it difficult to develop a position on the issue that is fully in line with international law and diplomatic norms. This hesitation was not only due to the balance of power in the international system and the attitude of allies, but was also closely linked to changes in public perceptions in Europe, especially within France.
The social and political balances of France’s large Muslim and Jewish populations have emerged as important domestic dynamics shaping the government’s foreign policy preferences. This has necessitated a delicate and complex balancing policy in France’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Over time, France’s foreign policy approach has undergone significant transformations. There has been an increasing tendency to move away from colonial approaches such as the traditional “civilizing mission” and towards norms of international law, human rights and post-colonial responsibility. This change is a concrete indication that France has entered a process of political and social reckoning with its colonial past and is trying to reshape its foreign policy according to these new paradigms.
This transformation is most clearly seen in French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement recognizing the State of Palestine. Macron’s statement is not just a diplomatic gesture or a temporary policy shift; it is a strong signal of France’s intention to confront its colonial past and demonstrate a stronger commitment to the fundamental principles of international law. It also reveals France’s desire to become a more active and responsible actor in the international arena on the axis of human rights and normative diplomacy.
The French policy on Israel-Palestine has been shaped by a complex combination of historical colonial experiences, contemporary international norms and domestic political dynamics. This strategy is an important example not only for understanding France’s foreign policy approach in the Middle East, but also for understanding how former colonial powers are redefined by identity, responsibility and norms in global politics. In this framework, on July 24, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron announced in an official letter and on social media platforms that France would officially recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
Such a step was interpreted as the beginning of a new era in France’s foreign policy and resonated widely with both the international community and regional actors. At the same time, this decision is seen as part of France’s postcolonial identity struggle and a concrete reflection of its efforts to strengthen its commitment to international law and human rights norms. Macron’s move paves the way for France to both redefine its role in the regional peace process and strengthen its position as a normative power in the international system. This decision, which has been widely recognized in the international community, is also considered as a historic turning point in France’s Middle East policy.
Mr. Macron emphasized that the recognition of the State of Palestine is strong support for the two-state solution process and critical for the recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination in international law. With this decision, France has shown its political will for a just and lasting solution beyond its diplomatic position. This move made France the first major Western country, especially among the G7 countries, to recognize the State of Palestine. This pioneering role of France was interpreted as a development that was expected to influence the diplomatic approaches of other Western states in the Middle East. It was stated that the decision carries an important message in terms of both regional dynamics and international law perspective. In sum, Macron’s plan to recognize the State of Palestine has opened a new page in France’s Middle East policies and has been recorded as a concrete step indicating a change in the approach towards the Palestinian issue in the international arena.
The decision of France to recognize the State of Palestine resonated widely in the international arena and led to different reactions from various countries. The Israeli government and the US administration harshly criticized the decision. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described France’s recognition as “rewarding Hamas” and warned that the decision would encourage terrorism in the region. Similarly, US Secretary of State Anthony Rubio said that France’s move “reinforces Hamas propaganda” and could have negative consequences for security dynamics. These criticisms reflect concerns that France’s move could exacerbate existing political sensitivities in the region.
Most European and regional countries welcomed France’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine. The UK, Norway, Spain, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Ireland and Saudi Arabia stated that this would contribute to the two-state solution process. This support raised expectations that France could encourage other Western countries to take similar steps. The decision divided the international community and sparked new debates, especially among Western allies. While Macron’s initiative aimed to create a domino effect on the G7 and EU countries, France had to go it alone. This reinforced its leadership role and demonstrated the difficulties in alliances.
This step is France’s attempt to confront its post-colonial past and adapt to international norms. The balance of Muslim and Jewish communities in domestic politics and the claim of leadership in foreign policy were also effective. Although the decision, which has a high symbolic value, does not directly interfere with the balance of power, it has the potential to create a break in international norms. France’s move may encourage other Western countries to take similar initiatives and increase diplomatic mobility. From a postcolonial perspective, France is positioned as a new actor carrying the obligations of the past and embracing discourses of international justice. This is an important foreign policy move in defense of the rule of law and norms.
While Macron’s recognition plan is a strategic step in terms of international law and human rights, lasting peace requires diplomatic pressure, humanitarian assistance and political reforms to be carried out simultaneously. This decision strengthens France’s global responsibility and image, and could put pressure on other Western countries to assume similar responsibilities and contribute to strengthening international justice. In conclusion, Macron’s plan could create new dynamics in the Middle East peace process as an important foreign policy move where international responsibility, normative diplomacy and postcolonial reckoning intersect.
