'We Learned Our Lessons'.(French foreign minister Dominique de Villepin)(Interview)

Dominique de Villepin is one of the most visible challengers of American superpower, but the French foreign minister says his position has been misunderstood in Washington. In an interview with NEWSWEEK's Eric Pape, he says he must speak candidly "out of kinship" with the United States about its response to 9/11 and its recent actions in Iraq. Excerpts:

PAPE: Did the invasion of Iraq alter the landscape of power in the world?

VILLEPIN: We do not think that military power alone brings about more security, and the situation in the Middle East shows this. You need a broad political strategy that is defined by the international community. We have a unique opportunity today because more and more countries in the world are either democratic or aspire to democracy.

Has the Iraq conflict changed relationships inside Europe?

Europeans realized the absolute need for unity and for a strong position on the international scene. Out of that came a new momentum to move forward with a united European defense. There is an increased awareness regarding Europe's need to assume responsibility for its own security. Recent interventions in Macedonia and central Africa have shown Europe's determination.

Europe's violent history of wars and tragedies has enabled us to draw lessons for the present. Power can be strong only when it is legitimate and when it serves the people and higher purposes. The risk today, which threatens our American friends, is that a country relying solely on its own power will draw together all the forces of opposition, frustration and resentment. France is a friend and an ally of the U.S. And in this difficult time, out of kinship, France is telling the U.S. what it believes is right and good.

Are there lasting changes to the world order, and today's geopolitical realities, that people have not yet recognized?