The Role of French in U.S. International Trade and Economic Diplomacy

In the evolving global landscape marked by new and shifting trade and economic alliances, it is imperative for the United States to deploy all economic diplomacy tools at its disposal to secure its economic interests and not lose out on emerging opportunities around the world. The French language is a vital tool that, when properly utilized, will offer the United States much-needed leverage in areas with competing interests from geopolitical and global competitors. This review assesses the position of French in the world, the United States' economic relations with key French-speaking blocs and nations, and how the United States can leverage French language proficiency in its foreign relations for economic benefit. The paper highlights the potential of the French language to advance the United States’ public and private economic interests in the Francophone world and suggests a targeted approach to foreign language learning that would ensure the supply of French proficient professionals for United States companies and foreign missions to drive trade and economic interests.