Filippov V.R. Gabon in "Franceafrique's net"

Abstract: Using the method of historical reconstruction, the author reveals the essence of the French neo-colonial policies in relation to Gabon after World War II. Comprehensive analysis of the less well-known historical sources (materials of legal and journalist investigations, testimonies of well-known politicians and diplomats) allows to show the reader the fundamental reliance of the political elite of this small but oil-rich African country on purely pragmatic interests of the owners of the Elysee Palace. This dependence is based, primarily, on the oil and uranium needs of the Fifth Republic. The methodological basis of the research includes the systemic, structural and functional, comparative political approaches, methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, observation. The author reached a substantiated conclusion that the implementation mechanisms of such policies are typical of latent foreign policies of France: it includes creating corruption schemes, arranging secret agreements between political, military and business elites of the two countries. The Fifth Republic brings puppet leaders to power (and, if necessary, and keeps them in power), and they, in turn provide the absolute preference of Paris in the economic, political and military cooperation.

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