Quebec, Francophonie, And Globalization‪.‬

Quebec has somewhat contradictory interests in participating both in a global economy and in protecting its particular cultural heritage. Uniquely, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie serves both of these interests, by embracing trade, particularly between developed and developing countries, while demanding pluralism in both trade rules and in the language of exchange. International Francophonie, particularly its organizational form in the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), plays an increasingly important role both in defense of French culture and language, and in advancing French-speaking nations' political and economic interests. The OIF emerged in direct response to these concerns and continues to be shaped by its responses to them. The OIF is one of the few international organizations to include both wealthy first world and impoverished third world nations among its membership. Led by its more wealthy and powerful members, the OIF has become an increasingly vocal player on the world stage in defense of francophone interests. In particular, it performs a world-leading role in articulating economic policies based on differing assumptions from those of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This is seen most forcefully in OIF's strong stance in favor of cultural exceptions in global trade regulations.