# France opposes U.S.-led invasion of Iraq (2003)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/2003-france-opposes-u-s-led-invasion-of-iraq
Location: United Nations

The French government argued against authorizing war without further UN-backed inspections. Within the broader Fifth Republic period, The 1958 Constitution created a stronger presidency and a durable Fifth Republic. Decolonization, European integration, social change, economic shocks and recurring debates over identity, secularism and the role of the state have shaped contemporary France. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Jacques Chirac (President of the French Republic). France opposes U.S.-led invasion of Iraq mattered because it reshaped France’s external relationships, territory or place in wider international systems. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
France opposes U.S.-led invasion of Iraq mattered because it reshaped France’s external relationships, territory or place in wider international systems.

Ruler at the time: [Jacques Chirac](https://history-france.com/rulers/jacques-chirac)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — France opposes U.S.-led invasion of Iraq](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=France+opposes+U.S.-led+invasion+of+Iraq&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — France opposes U.S.-led invasion of Iraq](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=France+opposes+U.S.-led+invasion+of+Iraq)
- [Élysée — Institutions of the Fifth Republic](https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/the-institutions)