At home and abroad, Emmanuel Macron ploughs lonely furrow

French president’s progressive global ambitions come up against reality of nationalism and authoritarian regimesEmmanuel Macron’s domestic difficulties and plunging approval ratings present a sharp contrast with his rising international profile. In a Europe lacking strong leaders ready or able to stand up to hard-right, populist nationalists at home and authoritarian regimes abroad, the French president cuts an exceptional figure. Or, at least, that is how he would prefer to be seen.