How close is the world to another global conflict?
World leaders to gather in France to mark the hundredth anniversary of the end of the First World War.
It was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – and became a pivotal moment in world history. It marked the armistice agreement that officially ended the world war one in 1918.
This weekend, 100 years later, leaders from more than 50 countries are gathering in France for various commemorative events.
But the solemn occasion is overshadowed by deep divisions between trans-Atlantic allies.
This week, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a “European army” to defend itself from potential threats from nations such as Russia, China and, remarkably, the United States.
Macron’s global philosophy is at odds with US President Donald Trump’s nationalist America First agenda.
A century after what is also called the Great War, there’s another conflict looming over world visions.
How stark are the divisions between the ideologies of Trump and Macron?
Presenter: Richelle Carey
Guests:
Theresa Fallon – director, Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies (CREAS)
David Lees – lecturer in French Studies at Warwick University, co-editor of Contemporary France
Thorsten Benner – director, Global Public Policy Institute