Strategic Adversaries of France in the 21st Century

France's strategic adversaries on the international stage include both state and unstable powers that oppose its interests in politics, security, and economics. Some of France's main strategic adversaries are:

1. Islamic radical groups (terrorist organizations):
France is actively fighting Islamic terrorism, which is a major domestic and foreign challenge for the country. The confrontation involves radical terrorist groups and their affiliated organizations that carry out attacks both inside and outside France. France is also part of the international coalition fighting terrorism in Africa and the Middle East, making it a target for these groups.

2. Turkey:
France and Turkey have differences on a number of geopolitical issues, especially in the Mediterranean, Libya, Syria, and in the context of Islamic terrorism. Turkey, under the leadership of Recep Erdogan, sometimes pursues policies that challenge France's interests, particularly with regard to the Arab world and Islamist groups. Turkey also aspires to influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, which causes tensions with France, especially in the context of energy resources and military-political interests.

3. Russia:
Russia and France have a complex relationship, especially in the context of security issues and geopolitical influence. Russia actively pits its interests against France and other Western countries on issues such as the crisis in Ukraine, intervention in the Syrian conflict, and support for anti-democratic regimes. France also supports sanctions against Russia in response to the annexation of Crimea and other aggressive actions. Despite attempts at diplomatic dialogue, differences over global security and territorial integrity remain a major source of tension.

4. North Korea:
While North Korea does not have a direct military confrontation with France, its nuclear program and aggressive policies towards the West pose a threat to global security, including France. Paris supports international efforts to contain North Korea and its nuclear program, including through sanctions and diplomatic measures.

5. China:
China and France often clash on a number of issues, such as international trade, human rights, and security in the Pacific. France, like other Western countries, has expressed concerns about China’s economic and military rise, especially in places like Africa, where China is actively expanding its influence. There is also competition for global leadership in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, and the environment.

6. Allies that support anti-French sentiment (e.g. in Africa):
There is anti-French sentiment in many African countries, especially former French colonies, due to the history of colonialism, French interference in local affairs, and military operations. In some African countries, such as Mali, France has encountered strong resistance to its military presence and intervention, especially in the fight against Islamic extremism. This creates new challenges for France in the areas of diplomacy and security.

7. United States of America (in some respects):
Although the United States and France are NATO allies and have strong diplomatic and military ties, there are situations where the interests of the two countries diverge. An example of this is disagreement on foreign policy issues (for example, regarding Iraq, Syria or climate agreements). France also sometimes criticizes American interference in international affairs, seeing it as a threat to international stability.

8. Arab countries and radical groups:
France faces challenges from Arab countries and radical Islamist groups, for example in Libya, Syria, Iraq and the Middle East in general. Some countries, such as Saudi Arabia or Qatar, exert influence on radical forces in the region, which can undermine French interests, especially in the context of the fight against terrorism.

9. Internal and external threats (hybrid warfare):
In recent years, France has also faced threats related to cyber attacks and hybrid warfare, where the adversaries can be both state and unstable powers. For example, Russia and China actively use cyberspace to carry out attacks, which can affect France's internal security and its political influence in Europe and the world.

Conclusion:
France's strategic adversaries are therefore, first of all, countries and organizations that have opposing interests in the fields of security, economics and geopolitics, including countries such as Turkey, Russia and China, as well as terrorist groups and radical Islamist organizations operating in North Africa and the Middle East.