French model of decolonization and the Algerian question

The article observes the transformation of the French model of decolonization. The algerian question is seen as one of the main reasons for this transformation. This question was discussed at the UN in 1954-1962. The article examines the main mechanisms of political pressure from the former dependent countries of Africa and Asia. The primary sources for this study are presented by the transcripts of meetings of the UN Security Council and the summary record of the meeting of UN General Assembly. Other sources were the speeches of the French President Charles De Gaulle and notes of a French politician Alain Peyrefitte. The article begins with a short description of the status of Algeria in the structure of France. Algeria was considered as a department and integral part of France. The Fourth French Republic did not allow secession. Therefore, Algerian movement “National Liberation Front” started uprising. The military action drew global attention. Afro-Asian countries supported the right of the algerian people to independence and began to apply diplomatic pressure towards France to limit its influence as much as possible. The second part of the article begins with a description of the transformation of French policy towards the Algerian crisis. Paris offered association to resolve the algerian conflict and keep Algeria in the French Union. Afro-Asian countries sought to coerce France into a peaceful solution and to give the conflict international status. Western countries did not allow for such an outcome. The Fifth Republic did not change its policy toward Algeria at first. Charles de Gaulle continued the policy which had begun by the leadership of the Fourth Republic. France soon began to see the idea of the French Community in the form of an association of sovereign states as a solution to dependency problems. Afro-Asian countries supported Algerian rebels again and forced France to abandon the association idea. Western states initially supported France, but closer to the end of the conflict they began to establish friendly relations with the Algerian rebels. The article emphasizes that de Gaulle decided to finally dismantle any form of French colonial system. He decided to realize French interests through bilateral treaties between Paris and the former colonies. Thus, the Franjafrique project was laid, which was much more resistant to any diplomatic pressure because it was not publicized. That project allowed French diplomats and politicians to deny its existence. The author declares no conflicts of interests.

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