France and Germany’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: Interests and Divergences through the Lens of Hans J. Morgenthau’s Classical Realism

Abstract

France and Germany have each introduced their own “Indo-Pacific Strategy” with the intention of “returning to the Asia-Pacific,” significantly influencing the establishment of regional order and the strategic competition between the United States and China. The Indo-Pacific strategies of both countries show a degree of consensus in terms of content and implementation: reshaping multilateralism, strengthening international influence, and addressing global issues, among others. This article focuses on Principles 2 and 3 of Hans J. Morgenthau’s theory of classical political realism to analyze the formation of France and Germany’s strategic views on the Indo-Pacific. It also clarifies the national interests at stake and highlights the key differences between the strategies of these two countries.