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The Last President of Europe: Emmanuel Macron's Race to Revive France and Save the World
A revelatory examination of the global impact of Emmanuel Macron's tumultuous presidency.A political novice leading a brand new party, in 2017 Emmanuel Macron swept away traditional political forces and emerged as president of France. Almost immediately he realized his task was not only to modernize his country but to save the EU and a crumbling international order. From the decline of NATO, to Russian interference, to the Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vest) protestors, Macron's term unfolded against a backdrop of social conflict, clashing ambitions, and resurgent big-power rivalries.In The Last President of Europe, William Drozdiak tells with exclusive inside access the story of Macron's presidency and the political challenges the French leader continues to face. Macron has ridden a wild rollercoaster of success and he has a unique relationship with Donald Trump, a close-up view of the decline of Angela Merkel, and is both the greatest beneficiary from, and victim of, the chaos of Brexit across the Channel. He is fighting his own populist insurrection in France at the same time as he is trying to defend a system of values that once represented the West but is now under assault from all sides. Together these challenges make Macron the most consequential French leader of modern times, and perhaps the last true champion of the European ideal.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2020
14 people are currently reading
1059 people want to read
About the author
William Drozdiak
2 books26 followersFor more than four decades, William Drozdiak has been regarded as one of the most knowledgeable American observers of European affairs. During his tenure as foreign editor of the Washington Post, the newspaper won Pulitzer Prizes for its international reporting on the Israeli—Palestinian conflict and the collapse of the Soviet communist empire. He also served as the Post’s chief European correspondent, based at various times in Bonn, Berlin, Paris and Brussels, and covered the Middle East for Time magazine. He later became the founding executive director of the German Marshall Fund’s Transatlantic Center in Brussels and served for ten years as president of the American Council on Germany. Before becoming a journalist, he played professional basketball in the United States and Europe for seven years. His highly acclaimed book, “Fractured Continent: Europe’s Crises and the Fate of the West,” was selected by the Financial Times as one of the best political books of 2017. His forthcoming book on Emmanuel Macron and the future of Europe will be published by Hachette and Public Affairs in spring 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 7, 2022
I happen to be dog sitting for the author of this book and was inspired to read a copy from the bookshelf. I was pleasantly surprised by how approachable and engaging this book is, as I expected it to read like many of my IA textbooks from undergrad. This is a simple and digestible overview of Macron’s early presidency. Would recommend if you have an interested in European/ international affairs
January 17, 2020
This was an interesting experience for me. One, I love international relations. Two, I have plans to perhaps move to France or Italy (at least for part of the year) in the near future. And, three, and most enlightening, my wife and I are hosting a French high school exchange student this year. One who has very well developed ideas about Emmanuel Macron. And who has parents and grandparents who are politically active (grandma is one of the first Yellow Vests). So, as I read the book, I would bounce it's ideas off my exchange student and wait for the fireworks to begin!
The author has written an engaging story about Macron and his political life. It's an enjoyable read, and is easy to understand the ideas.
Macron longs for France to be seen as a world power once again. And watching the U.S. (and Germany) disengage from the world stage and become more isolationist, he see's his opening. His vision is for France to lead Europe into a better future. Now, if he could only convince those pesky French citizens to cooperate! Haha.
Not so easy! "N'emmerdez pas les Francais" (don't mess with the French people). A quote that stuck out to me was "Macron thinks about the end of the world, while we worry about the end of the month", a popular rallying cry among the demonstrators.
My exchange student confirmed these opinions. In her (and her families) eyes, Macron was just trying to take from the poor and middle-class, and give to the rich. Not trying to bring the crazy patchwork quilt of benefits/retirements/jobs-for-life system under control. They cannot see Macron trying to use France's financial might to lead Europe. Nope, just rob from the poor to enrich the upper class.
The author also spends a great deal of time talking about the rise of far-right parties in Europe. And the difficulties leaders have in dealing with the erratic, bombastic, bully Donald Trump. I found an interesting quote, "it shows that in Trump's world, words don't really matter. What counts is the performance and how the message plays with the audience". I see a lot of wisdom in that observation.
I get the feeling that Macron is in way over his head. I admire his passion, and willing to out-work everyone else. I just do not feel that he has the experience to change such well-entrenched political positions. I hope he can persevere and make progress. He does have some good insights, such as when, after a state visit, he "reported back to his fellow European leaders that he saw in Trump the character of a bully who would take advantage of those too weak to fight back". Very perceptive. The question is, will the people give Macron time to change the system, or will he be voted out in the next election?
I wish him luck!
The author has written an engaging story about Macron and his political life. It's an enjoyable read, and is easy to understand the ideas.
Macron longs for France to be seen as a world power once again. And watching the U.S. (and Germany) disengage from the world stage and become more isolationist, he see's his opening. His vision is for France to lead Europe into a better future. Now, if he could only convince those pesky French citizens to cooperate! Haha.
Not so easy! "N'emmerdez pas les Francais" (don't mess with the French people). A quote that stuck out to me was "Macron thinks about the end of the world, while we worry about the end of the month", a popular rallying cry among the demonstrators.
My exchange student confirmed these opinions. In her (and her families) eyes, Macron was just trying to take from the poor and middle-class, and give to the rich. Not trying to bring the crazy patchwork quilt of benefits/retirements/jobs-for-life system under control. They cannot see Macron trying to use France's financial might to lead Europe. Nope, just rob from the poor to enrich the upper class.
The author also spends a great deal of time talking about the rise of far-right parties in Europe. And the difficulties leaders have in dealing with the erratic, bombastic, bully Donald Trump. I found an interesting quote, "it shows that in Trump's world, words don't really matter. What counts is the performance and how the message plays with the audience". I see a lot of wisdom in that observation.
I get the feeling that Macron is in way over his head. I admire his passion, and willing to out-work everyone else. I just do not feel that he has the experience to change such well-entrenched political positions. I hope he can persevere and make progress. He does have some good insights, such as when, after a state visit, he "reported back to his fellow European leaders that he saw in Trump the character of a bully who would take advantage of those too weak to fight back". Very perceptive. The question is, will the people give Macron time to change the system, or will he be voted out in the next election?
I wish him luck!
June 8, 2020
Great explanation of what Macron intends for Europe and his political stance on China, American and Russia. Pair this with his election manifest and Revolution Francaise by Sophie Pedder for a complete view on the meaning of En Marche for French politics and Macron's vision on where France must go.
July 30, 2020
A bit disappointed to not have gained a deeper understanding of Macron’s thinking. The book focuses on the big events in France, Europe and globally since Macron came to power, and shows how he approached them, but offers very little analysis.
August 20, 2020
The title and the cover made me think this is a satire of the European politics, but no, this is just an ignorant writing a hagiography.
February 8, 2021
A fine insight into Macron’s vision for France and Europe, if at times it reads as a little fawning.
Drozdiak is the real deal: He has lived in Europe a long time, is married to a Belgian government official, covered Europe for years for Time Magazine and The Washington Post, and is currently an international business consultant and nonresident fellow for Brookings. His previous book, _Fractured Continent_ (2017), is a must-read to understand the continent’s current travails. The breadth of his contacts in Europe is as great as the breadth and nuance of his understanding of Europe, its politics, its institutions, and its recent history. I picked this book up because of my great regard for his previous work.
In this book Drozdiak focuses on Macron, elected President of France at an historically young age in 2017 after upending the then-political order in the country and promising to tackle the country’s many daunting problems and lead an effort to help Europe through its own problems, which in some ways mirror France’s but on a grander scale. Drozdiak takes us first through Macron’s battles in France against a sclerotic economy, bloated government, popular discontent, and populism of left and right, emerging through early missteps with a stronger hand. Drozdiak then takes us through Macron’s efforts to energize Europe in the face of its many problems—populist demagoguery, uncertain European institutions, external challenges, and internal fracturing—showing Macron’s belief that these challenges can only be overcome by energy and innovation. The third section describes Macron’s approach to struggles engaging with Russia, China, and the United States, engaging each with guile and strategy to improve relations but address imbalances. The book ends without answers, of course, since Macron is only a few years into his five year term.
The book benefits from what seems like remarkable access to Macron, his people, and other observers and policymakers in Europe. The access to Macron seems to color the story in his favor, though Drozdiak (and seemingly Macron in his interviews with Drozdiak, too) do not seem to flinch from acknowledging Macron’s missteps. Drozdiak presents a compelling case that Macron has a viable overall strategy to improve the lots of France and Europe. However, for all the book’s willingness to face Macron’s missteps it seems to miss opportunities to unpack how and why they occurred. For example, leaders in Germany and the US have at times resented Macron’s enthusiastic efforts to break political (especially transatlantic) crockery without always thinking through his actions first. Because this book is so laser-focused on Macron, it does little to explain why those German and US interlocutors are so troubled. When mistakes are acknowledged, they are explored only through Macron’s perspective—which necessarily misses a lot of context.
Nonetheless, this is an excellent book and well worth the read. I came away more aware of Macron’s approach and so less wary of his policies. Drozdiak also throws valuable light on the shortcomings of Berlin and Merkel’s leadership and how Macron’s efforts to help Europe have at times run afoul of the sometimes shortsightedness of Paris’ most important European partner. Berlin, even for its policy failings (which cannot be underestimated even as they should not be exaggerated) is still critically important to getting Europe through its current travails. As Merkel prepares to hand power to a successor, Macron becomes more important than ever to keeping Europe together and adapting it to its times.
Overall an excellent book that I highly recommend.
Drozdiak is the real deal: He has lived in Europe a long time, is married to a Belgian government official, covered Europe for years for Time Magazine and The Washington Post, and is currently an international business consultant and nonresident fellow for Brookings. His previous book, _Fractured Continent_ (2017), is a must-read to understand the continent’s current travails. The breadth of his contacts in Europe is as great as the breadth and nuance of his understanding of Europe, its politics, its institutions, and its recent history. I picked this book up because of my great regard for his previous work.
In this book Drozdiak focuses on Macron, elected President of France at an historically young age in 2017 after upending the then-political order in the country and promising to tackle the country’s many daunting problems and lead an effort to help Europe through its own problems, which in some ways mirror France’s but on a grander scale. Drozdiak takes us first through Macron’s battles in France against a sclerotic economy, bloated government, popular discontent, and populism of left and right, emerging through early missteps with a stronger hand. Drozdiak then takes us through Macron’s efforts to energize Europe in the face of its many problems—populist demagoguery, uncertain European institutions, external challenges, and internal fracturing—showing Macron’s belief that these challenges can only be overcome by energy and innovation. The third section describes Macron’s approach to struggles engaging with Russia, China, and the United States, engaging each with guile and strategy to improve relations but address imbalances. The book ends without answers, of course, since Macron is only a few years into his five year term.
The book benefits from what seems like remarkable access to Macron, his people, and other observers and policymakers in Europe. The access to Macron seems to color the story in his favor, though Drozdiak (and seemingly Macron in his interviews with Drozdiak, too) do not seem to flinch from acknowledging Macron’s missteps. Drozdiak presents a compelling case that Macron has a viable overall strategy to improve the lots of France and Europe. However, for all the book’s willingness to face Macron’s missteps it seems to miss opportunities to unpack how and why they occurred. For example, leaders in Germany and the US have at times resented Macron’s enthusiastic efforts to break political (especially transatlantic) crockery without always thinking through his actions first. Because this book is so laser-focused on Macron, it does little to explain why those German and US interlocutors are so troubled. When mistakes are acknowledged, they are explored only through Macron’s perspective—which necessarily misses a lot of context.
Nonetheless, this is an excellent book and well worth the read. I came away more aware of Macron’s approach and so less wary of his policies. Drozdiak also throws valuable light on the shortcomings of Berlin and Merkel’s leadership and how Macron’s efforts to help Europe have at times run afoul of the sometimes shortsightedness of Paris’ most important European partner. Berlin, even for its policy failings (which cannot be underestimated even as they should not be exaggerated) is still critically important to getting Europe through its current travails. As Merkel prepares to hand power to a successor, Macron becomes more important than ever to keeping Europe together and adapting it to its times.
Overall an excellent book that I highly recommend.
June 18, 2020
It's a nice book. It summarized the last three years of Macron presidency. You can see the author is pro-Macron (just from the title), but I think he still presents the facts in a neutral way. I wouldn't recommend it unless you are very interested in the topic. I try to follow the news and I didn't learn so much. But having it all in one place made me think about the bigger trends.
June 30, 2023
More Macron books, please ! Interesting man. Book was a bit repetitive but still fun.
December 12, 2022
I have to say that this is one of the best books in the International Political Economy round that I have ever read, or at least that I have remembered. If this is my first read in the realm of IPE, then I am glad that this is my first book to mark it as so. The author simply divides the book into three distinct and clear sections: France, Europe, and the World. The author then has appropriate sub chapters that explain each of the parts with ease, and gives a brief overview on Macron's reign since 2017 to when this book was published in 2020. It is interesting to read this book currently (2022), given the current war between Russia and Ukraine, and the rise of many other nationalistic leaders within Europe etc. Many the issues that the author highlights and argues, alongside Macron gives us a sense on why we are here today as a world and as Europe standing alone. A great read, and I am really glad someone has highlighted the importance of Macron as much as I do. I hope people would read and listen more on the stakes of what Macron embodies during this time.
February 12, 2022
5 star for this accurate and very intelligently written book.
I found this book by chance whilst I was looking for Macron's book (the one he wrote before becoming President with his visions) and what a pleasant surprise!
The book is divided into "thematic" chapters, starting from France and ending with China and whilst the book is already 2 years old there are many subjects and reflections that are still extremely up to date (e.g. relationship with Putin, Macron went just last week to Russia to discuss about Ukraine, but also China and the populist forces that are going around Europe). Of course, since the book was published in April 2020 COVID does not exist, and therefore its implications from an EU and global perspective are missing.
Every chapter had interesting insights but if I have to express my personal preference I would definitely say that the last one was my favourite because it's really about Macron's views on Europe and on the world. As an Italian, who saw many awful leaders leading our country, I can only be jealous of France with such an Enlighted President, that has made some mistakes (but after all who doesn't ?) but is a true visionary and whose ideas on Europe are also mine.
Therefore, I fully recommend this book and I wish President Macron a smooth re-election, as European we really need him if we want to move forward with our most ambitious project ever.. The United States of Europe 🇪🇺
I found this book by chance whilst I was looking for Macron's book (the one he wrote before becoming President with his visions) and what a pleasant surprise!
The book is divided into "thematic" chapters, starting from France and ending with China and whilst the book is already 2 years old there are many subjects and reflections that are still extremely up to date (e.g. relationship with Putin, Macron went just last week to Russia to discuss about Ukraine, but also China and the populist forces that are going around Europe). Of course, since the book was published in April 2020 COVID does not exist, and therefore its implications from an EU and global perspective are missing.
Every chapter had interesting insights but if I have to express my personal preference I would definitely say that the last one was my favourite because it's really about Macron's views on Europe and on the world. As an Italian, who saw many awful leaders leading our country, I can only be jealous of France with such an Enlighted President, that has made some mistakes (but after all who doesn't ?) but is a true visionary and whose ideas on Europe are also mine.
Therefore, I fully recommend this book and I wish President Macron a smooth re-election, as European we really need him if we want to move forward with our most ambitious project ever.. The United States of Europe 🇪🇺
December 2, 2020
The last president of Europe!
1. Macron the centrist politician comes to power with three overarching goals: 1) to make France flourish; 2) Improve the drive towards integration of Europe; 3) Make Europe one of the power players in great power politics instead of being a playground.
2. The book shows his policies and challenges he faced & faces in all these 3 realms.
3. France: As a new president he reduced the taxes for companies to unleash the power of markets; he welcomed immigrants; he initiated IT sector growth; but also increased the tax on gasoline. Huge protests broke out against gasoline tax hikes because rural people drive more than a Parisian. Already rural people feel that economy is tilted in favor of the urbanites who voted in large for macron. Rural people (like rural Americans) feel the immigrants (from Africa and Middle East) are taking their jobs and growth and changing European culture!
4. Macron also faced challenges as coming across as arrogant due to couple of incidents of expensive tax payers funded parties and he correcting a child in addressing him with utmost respect, etc.
5. Macron addressed these issues with townhall meetings and bringing intellectuals (his argument is that intellectuals have read more books than others and can help guide in various areas—Algerian revolution to net carbon zero issues were discussed).
6. Europe: Macron was castigated by Italian right wing politician salvini for macron immigration policies to macron urge for European countries giving up sovereignty for greater Europe. Macron hit back but knows that Matteo salvini will possibly become the Italian PM. 23/28 European legislatures were taken by right wing members. Macron is also worried that significant younger Europeans are open to authoritarian form of government as an alternative to democracy to shake up things like inequalities!
7. What surprised me: Macron while talking to Angela Merkel brings Alexander Hamilton. Macron discussed Hamilton’s plan for federal government to inherit the debts of the state and thus increase its credit worthiness and power. So, macron wants the EU to emulate it to create the United States of Europe. But already British left and more centrifugal forces to dismember EU as African and Middle Eastern Muslim immigration changes European culture. (My favorite books on this topic is LONDINSTAN; and conservative book: “The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam”).
8. Made me laugh: Macron is comfortable with Angela merkel because he is married to a woman 25 years older than him! Angela also seems to get more make up on when macron comes to visit.
9. Dealing with Trump: Trump was enamored with macron and gave him the first state dinner. Trump flew him to Washington’s home and they talked about French Lafayette role in American independence. When macron gave a speech to joint US congress his speech was applauded by both sides even though he was railing indirectly against all trump policies. But trump called to congratulate him. Macron said to an aide that this shows trump cares about applause than policies! 🤣
10. Macron dealing with Putin keeps in mind that Europe has 4 times Russian military might and 10 times its economy. Putin flies him to watch soccer and French players in the game. Macron’s happiest day of his presidency is talking to those players after their goals!
11. Dealing with China macron is aware that Chinese extraction in Africa for all resources. He wants to unite with US to play strong as a player in the re-emerging of great power politics.
1. Macron the centrist politician comes to power with three overarching goals: 1) to make France flourish; 2) Improve the drive towards integration of Europe; 3) Make Europe one of the power players in great power politics instead of being a playground.
2. The book shows his policies and challenges he faced & faces in all these 3 realms.
3. France: As a new president he reduced the taxes for companies to unleash the power of markets; he welcomed immigrants; he initiated IT sector growth; but also increased the tax on gasoline. Huge protests broke out against gasoline tax hikes because rural people drive more than a Parisian. Already rural people feel that economy is tilted in favor of the urbanites who voted in large for macron. Rural people (like rural Americans) feel the immigrants (from Africa and Middle East) are taking their jobs and growth and changing European culture!
4. Macron also faced challenges as coming across as arrogant due to couple of incidents of expensive tax payers funded parties and he correcting a child in addressing him with utmost respect, etc.
5. Macron addressed these issues with townhall meetings and bringing intellectuals (his argument is that intellectuals have read more books than others and can help guide in various areas—Algerian revolution to net carbon zero issues were discussed).
6. Europe: Macron was castigated by Italian right wing politician salvini for macron immigration policies to macron urge for European countries giving up sovereignty for greater Europe. Macron hit back but knows that Matteo salvini will possibly become the Italian PM. 23/28 European legislatures were taken by right wing members. Macron is also worried that significant younger Europeans are open to authoritarian form of government as an alternative to democracy to shake up things like inequalities!
7. What surprised me: Macron while talking to Angela Merkel brings Alexander Hamilton. Macron discussed Hamilton’s plan for federal government to inherit the debts of the state and thus increase its credit worthiness and power. So, macron wants the EU to emulate it to create the United States of Europe. But already British left and more centrifugal forces to dismember EU as African and Middle Eastern Muslim immigration changes European culture. (My favorite books on this topic is LONDINSTAN; and conservative book: “The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam”).
8. Made me laugh: Macron is comfortable with Angela merkel because he is married to a woman 25 years older than him! Angela also seems to get more make up on when macron comes to visit.
9. Dealing with Trump: Trump was enamored with macron and gave him the first state dinner. Trump flew him to Washington’s home and they talked about French Lafayette role in American independence. When macron gave a speech to joint US congress his speech was applauded by both sides even though he was railing indirectly against all trump policies. But trump called to congratulate him. Macron said to an aide that this shows trump cares about applause than policies! 🤣
10. Macron dealing with Putin keeps in mind that Europe has 4 times Russian military might and 10 times its economy. Putin flies him to watch soccer and French players in the game. Macron’s happiest day of his presidency is talking to those players after their goals!
11. Dealing with China macron is aware that Chinese extraction in Africa for all resources. He wants to unite with US to play strong as a player in the re-emerging of great power politics.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2024
Drozdiak presents an overview of Macron's first term in the Palais de l'Élysée, offering a look into domestic, European and foreign policy of the French president. The author covers the most important and controversial events taking place between 2017 and 2019, also trying to decode Emmanuel Macron's political strategy and providing a glimpse into his mind. Some of the parts aged quite badly (especially those dedicated to the president's vision for Russia), but in general the publication still helps understand Macron, his world-view, a little bit better. Although I missed more analytical fragments (most of the book is just describing certain decisions and actions), I still found the read really entertaining, especially in the context of the current political turmoil in France.
February 8, 2023
Emmanuel Macron is the most dynamic leader in Europe. Barraged by threats from Chinese expansion, African immigrants, populism, Russian aggression and a retreating U.S. ( under Trump anyway), he has lobbied relentlessly for a coordinated European response. He has met with limited success but thankfully has five more years to press his agenda. While many prominent political figures remain mired in narrow self interest or have their heads firmly stuck in the sand, Macron seems to know what must be done. This book does a good job of presenting his vision for France and Europe.
September 9, 2024
While a decent overview of Macron's views and his first two years as President of France, this book was disappointing overall. There is a lack of depth in this book. Most of Marcon's views are simply stated without analysis, and Macron's life before his election is almost ignored. The writing is also pretty stale. It was like reading a long newspaper article, something that does make sense given that the author worked for The Washington Post.
Still, I'm glad I read it, as it gave me a better understanding of Macron's view of Europe, despite the book being mediocre.
Still, I'm glad I read it, as it gave me a better understanding of Macron's view of Europe, despite the book being mediocre.
March 14, 2025
A decent overview of Macron's years in power. Unfortunately it does not really dig deep into Macron's roots and path to power, and how these have shaped his views. Overall, it felt a bit biased towards Macron, who is shown to have frequently prescient and bold ideas (strategic autonomy, EU defence, confronting populism...), but nearly always falling short on execution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
In light of years of Macron's carefully engineered collapse of France via flagrant abuses of power, this comes across as a fawning propaganda piece by a muddled middling bureaucrat.
Propaganda tends to age like milk.
Propaganda tends to age like milk.
May 23, 2020
Very interesting and timely insight into Emmanuel Macron's presidency and his goals to modernize France and create a more unified Europe.
June 3, 2020
Es una hagiografía de Macron para norteamericanos que no leen habitualmente la sección de internacional de los periódicos. Ni más, ni menos.
June 29, 2020
Fascinating insight into Macron’s presidency. I found the chapter on Macron and Trump particularly interesting. A must read for those interested in transatlantic relations.
July 8, 2020
Informative and engaging. Presents a fascinating look at Macron’s time in office, with many details from his personal life and views. Well-written and interesting.
January 5, 2021
Great book for anyone looking for a glimpse at world politics and international relations in the late 2010's to 2020.
December 19, 2021
Another well researched book from William Drozdiak which brings the inside of European and global politics. Can’t wait for his next book!
March 21, 2022
Vey interesting read. The book is clearly infused with some bias. However the book was well written and focused on the very interesting vision of Macron of a globalized united and sovereign Europe.
February 23, 2025
Best book I have recently read on the current state of European affairs. Very detailed research
May 14, 2025
Great analysis of Macron's mind and vision. Drozdiak levelled some fair criticisms, but also gives credit where it is due. I particularly enjoyed the foreign relations sections, as they really highlighted the dynamics between world leaders in unpredictable times. Despite being a few years old, contemporary events only make this more interesting and relevant.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews