Exploring the Diplomatic Power of Presidential Visits in French Foreign Policy during the Fifth Republic

In the realm of international politics, the influence of world leaders in shaping foreign political developments through their diplomatic endeavours remains a compelling but relatively unexplored dimension. This research acknowledges the valuable contributions of existing scholarship (Goldstein 2008; Lebovic and Saunders 2016; Malis and Smith 2021; Ostrander and Rider 2019) which explore factors shaping presidential foreign travel in the American context. The article predominantly focuses on the American key figures with a specific constitutional arrangement, paying attention to the period when the United States was considered as a superpower. Notably, this body of work primarily concentrates on key figures within the American political landscape, operating under a specific constitutional arrangement, during a period when the United States wielded superpower status. However, it is crucial to recognize that such a contextual setting cannot be easily transplanted to different geographical locations or applied to states with distinct ambitions, objectives, and governmental dynamics. The complexities and nuances of foreign policy and diplomatic engagements can vary significantly across countries, making it essential to consider diverse contexts when exploring the influence of leaders in international affairs. The article thus examines the role of presidential visits in another country with presidential system, concretely the French Fifth Republic. Our research’s primary objective is to unravel the intricate web of French foreign policy decisions, specifically emphasizing how presidential visits have moulded the nation’s stance in bilateral relations and on the global stage. Despite previous indications of the extensive influence of these visits among the diplomatic tools wielded by French presidents, a detailed examination has been conspicuously absent in scholarly discussions. We contribute to a deeper understanding of French foreign policy’s role in shaping international relations by shedding light on these pivotal events and their impact.