Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: To present and evaluate the effectiveness of the concept of building France’s great power position using elements of maritime policy and the concept of L’économie bleue.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The primary research problem is to assess the feasibility of a country with great power aspirations using the concept of L’économie bleue to build its political position in selected regions. The assessment utilized comparative methods, systemic analysis, legal analysis, document analysis, and case studies, allowing for the evaluation of individual regional policies.

THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: In the first part, based on the assumptions of maritime policy and the concept of L’économie bleue, an assessment of France’s political influence in three regions was conducted. The next part outlines the scope of the regional leadership policy implemented between 2019 and 2025 and identifies its limitations. This led to the conclusion that the attractiveness of the presented development offer alone allows for a natural leadership position in selected subregions of the world, but this does not equate to achieving regional power status. Research Findings: The concept of L’économie bleue, as an instrument of French political influence, enabled the development of subregional policies. However, it did not allow for the legitimization of France’s position as a significant political player. Achieving this requires economic and political potential, not merely an attractive political offering.

CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The development of regional political complexes aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges has allowed France to become a leader in selected subregions of the world. However, this does not equate to legitimizing its position as a significant political player at the regional level. The requirement is the possession of appropriate economic instruments. Despite negative reviews, the potential of the L’économie bleue concept as a pro-development instrument at the subregional level should be emphasized.