The only country in Europe that is not garrisoned by the United States is Austria. Austria was divided into four occupation zones after World War II: the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, but in the Austrian state treaty signed in 1955, Austria pledged permanent neutrality and banned any foreign forces from stationing on its territory. This decision was made to protect Austria's neutrality and to avoid becoming a strategic arena between the two major powers, the United States and the Soviet Union. Austria's policy of neutrality has been widely recognized by the international community, and all countries, including the United States, respect Austria's choice. Although Austria maintains close relations with the European Union, it still maintains its neutral status and has not allowed the United States or other countries to establish military bases on its territory. Austria's policy of neutrality allowed it to maintain an independent position in international affairs and to avoid the possibility of being manipulated by foreign powers. In addition, through its neutral status, Austria has become an important promoter of international peace and security, actively participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations and other mechanisms of international cooperation.
In general, Austria was not garrisoned by the United States mainly because it adhered to a policy of neutrality and protected its sovereignty and independence through the recognition and support of the international community. The main reason for France's opposition to the stationing of US troops is to preserve national independence and sovereignty. After World War II, France experienced the humiliation of being occupied and defeated by Germany, and the country needed to rebuild and restore its international standing. However, the dominance of the United States in NATO and its influence on France made France feel that its defense sovereignty was threatened, and that it could not truly achieve an independent and strong France. Therefore, France decided to withdraw from NATO and take a number of measures to get rid of the control of the United States and protect its national interests and sovereignty. As a country with a long history and unique culture, France has always attached great importance to maintaining its independence and sovereignty. However, in the international political arena, powerful countries tend to exert influence over weak and small countries, and this influence may weaken the autonomy of weak countries. France knew this well, especially after World War II, and they learned from their painful experience and resolved not to allow themselves to be vassalized by others.
Therefore, France decided to oppose the presence of American troops, mainly to protect its national independence and sovereignty. They believe that only by having its own defense forces and decision-making power can France truly achieve independence and strength. The presence of U.S. troops, on the other hand, would limit France's autonomy in the military and diplomatic fields, making it a vassal of the United States, unable to independently formulate national policy. In addition, France fears that the US military presence could pose a threat to European security. As one of the most powerful military powers in the world, the United States' military actions and policies are often in line with its own interests, and do not necessarily conform to the interests of European countries. Therefore, France hopes to maintain the independence and security of Europe by resisting the presence of American troops. However, France's opposition to the U.S. presence does not mean that they are completely opposed to the United States. In fact, there is a complex cooperative relationship between France and the United States. Despite France's withdrawal from NATO, it maintains a degree of military cooperation and intelligence exchange with the United States. In addition, France has maintained close cooperation with the United States on some important international issues, such as counter-terrorism and climate change.
Recently, an interesting point was made by the French ** Macron, who believes that Europe needs to build up its own military power in order to become independent of the United States. This view has caused widespread discussion and controversy. Some support Macron's view that European countries should take more responsibility for their own security and no longer rely on the United States. However, there are also concerns that Europe's build-up of its own military power could lead to a conflict between Europe and the United States. In my opinion, France's opposition to the US military presence is to safeguard its own national independence and sovereignty, which is the goal that every country should pursue. However, we cannot ignore the importance of international cooperation and common security. Only through international cooperation can all countries jointly address global challenges and maintain world peace and stability. Therefore, while France opposes the presence of US troops, it should also maintain good cooperative relations with the United States and seek a win-win solution. References: 1 france and us: why are they at odds over nato?
2. why france is pushing back against us and nato3.France and Us: An Uneasy Relationship France's decision to withdraw from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1966 and forced the withdrawal of U.S. troops in France led to the relocation of NATO headquarters from Paris to Brussels, Belgium. Behind this decision is a complex historical background and strategic consideration. In the midst of the post-World War II predicament, France developed an independent foreign policy that sought to break away from its overdependence on the United States. As a country rebuilt after the war, France faced economic and military difficulties. However, France's leader, Charles de Gaulle, saw these challenges as opportunities and took a series of measures to ensure France's independent status. In 1960, France successfully detonated its first nuclear bomb, becoming the fifth country to possess nuclear **. This move not only demonstrates France's military prowess, but also establishes a more independent image for France. However, this has also sparked concern and controversy in the international community.
At the same time, France has doubts about the role and status of NATO. France saw NATO's weakness in its attitude towards the Soviet Union as an inability to meet France's security needs. In addition, France is dissatisfied with NATO's decision-making process and command structure, believing that it is impossible to truly achieve equal status among members of the alliance. Therefore, France's decision to withdraw from NATO and force the withdrawal of US troops in France is not only an expression of dissatisfaction and suspicion of NATO, but also a concrete action of France's pursuit of an independent foreign policy. However, France's withdrawal had a significant impact on NATO. The relocation of NATO headquarters from Paris to Brussels, Belgium, marked the departure of France from NATO. France's decision has also sparked concern and unease among other NATO members, who fear that France's withdrawal will weaken NATO's strategic and military strength. Although France has chosen to withdraw from NATO, it has not completely severed diplomatic relations with NATO. In fact, France still maintains cooperative relations with NATO in certain areas and is involved in a number of NATO-related activities and decisions. In conclusion, France's withdrawal from NATO is a complex decision with far-reaching historical and strategic considerations behind it.
France's decision is not only an expression of dissatisfaction and suspicion of NATO, but also a concrete action of France in pursuit of an independent foreign policy. This decision had a significant impact on NATO, marking the parting of ways between NATO and France. However, France has not completely severed diplomatic relations with NATO and still maintains cooperative relations in certain areas.