MBS in the City of Light: In a world of realpolitik, does West value economic interests over values?

France 24 reports on a discussion with Der Spiegel's Susanne Koelbl, who says President Macron's decision to welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Élysée reflects realpolitik in its purest form. Koelbl argues Saudi Arabia had become too important for energy, regional security, investment, and diplomacy to remain isolated, and that Macron sought to position France as an independent, balanced power between the Mediterranean and the Gulf. The conversation highlights the ongoing tension between Western economic interests and stated values.

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