Who knew French were arrogant?

Washington Times:

Liberte. Egalite. Fraternite.

And now, humilite?

In a report commissioned by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, former Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine urged a new "modesty" in the country's economic and foreign policy, saying that France somehow had acquired an international reputation for arrogance.

"As surprising as it might seem, just as our country is emerging from a long period of self-doubt and underestimates itself as a 'middle power,' France continues to be perceived as 'arrogant' in a great part of the world," Mr. Vedrine concluded.

Mr. Vedrine noted that the arrogance charge, "anchored in old behaviors and history," is used by France's rivals to contain her foreign policy.

But, the former top diplomat acknowledged that "this perception is widespread even taking that into account."

Mr. Vedrine, a leftist who first dubbed the United States a "hyperpower" during his five years as foreign minister ending in 2002, was tabbed by Mr. Sarkozy in July to take a long look at French policy challenges in the age of globalization.

The 60-page report, released yesterday, said France must end its "sterile distrust" of open markets and globalization, and should undertake a "dynamic offensive" to shape the world economy to play to the country's strengths.

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I think they still have some work to do on that arrogance thing if they think they can "shape the world economy." The world economy is what it is and people who operate most efficiently in it don't try to shape it, but try to work with it as it is. I think the French are wise to recognize one of their problems, but the perception is not going to go away without a lot of work. It will probably take more than 35 hours a week.