The political philosophy that built the modern French state
It is neither left nor right, yet it shaped the 20th century. Born from the French Resistance, Gaullism sought to restore national grandeur through a powerful, independent state, resisting the influence of global superpowers and ensuring France remained a sovereign, indomitable entity.
Gaullism is not a rigid ideology but a pragmatic exercise of power. Rooted in the actions of Charles de Gaulle during World War II, it emerged from a rejection of the Vichy collaborators and the armistice with Nazi Germany. The movement's core mission was the affirmation of national sovereignty, seeking to transcend the 'national humiliations' of the past and avoid subordination to other nations.
The philosophy emphasizes a strong executive and a 'certain idea of France' as a powerful, unified state. This involved significant structural shifts, such as de Gaulle's creation of the Fifth Republic in 1958, which replaced the unstable parliamentary system of the Fourth Republic with a presidency possessing preeminent constitutional powers. To maintain this authority, de Gaulle utilized direct universal votes and popular referendums, even as critics feared a drift toward Bonapartism.
In foreign policy, Gaullism is defined by realism and exceptionalism. De Gaulle famously withdrew French forces from the NATO Command Structure in 1966 and initiated an independent nuclear deterrent programme to ensure France would not depend on allies whose interests might diverge. While the movement initially supported the French Empire, de Gaulle later pivoted toward decolonization—notably resolving the Algerian crisis—to preserve national unity and economic stability.
The legacy of Gaullism has evolved through various stages, from 'Resistant Gaullism' to 'Neo-Gaullism,' which embraced more economic liberalism. While some original tenets like state-directed economic planning (dirigisme) have weakened through privatization, the fundamental principle of a strong, independent French voice remains a guiding force in the nation's international relations.
Source: Gaullism
