What if the USSR survived the Twilight War relatively unscathed by developing "Star Wars" first. Retreating behind the "Green Wall". It would eventually implode, as did in the Real World but much of Europe would be nuked in the process of the fighting between NATO & the Warsaw Pact but the core of the USSR would remain - Ukraine, Russia & Belorus and parts of Kazakstan. Also, the war with China took its toll in terms of resources but with the use of nukes clearly establishes the USSR's supremacy in Asia. Imagine further, what is now the American Arm, be the Slavic Arm.
This would certainly provide a balance to French influence in Space. Now, in 2300AD, a new government is elected on the mandate of expansion into space by "helping" the French deal with the Kafers in exchange for a greater say, as they have the resource base and the manpower to make it happen.
This would certainly provide a balance to French influence in Space. Now, in 2300AD, a new government is elected on the mandate of expansion into space by "helping" the French deal with the Kafers in exchange for a greater say, as they have the resource base and the manpower to make it happen.