Wizblog

France as Netscape

In a Chicago Boyz post reacting to an article on French declinism, Sylvain Galineau compares the U.S. relationship with France and others, to that of Microsoft and their "competitors". I think he makes a good point:

When you're a midget and looking important with the rest of the crowd matters most, standing up to the biggest guy is one obvious, if dangerous, choice. The susbstance of your opposition does not matter. Being seen to oppose is the main objective.

In a way, the U.S. position today is that of a geopolitical Microsoft : hugely successful, rich, powerful, sucking up the best talent, fast and nimble despite its massive size, ruthlessly efficient in crushing its opponents. Hated, insulted and derided more for it successes than its failures, the favorite subject of conspiracy theories, urban legends and other lunacies. Surrounded by lesser powers and interest groups all vying for its attention and a piece of the action. Harrassed, stalked and sued by a constellation of once great dwarflings who will never admit their diminished position has at least as much to do with their own stupidity and mistakes as it has with the giant's deft cunning.

Feeling entitled to greatness and influence on the sole basis of their past, they claim what should be theirs has been stolen from them. The U.N. is their Department Of Justice. Chirac fancies himself as their David Boies. With more expensive suits. And he loves the attention.