Publication

This analysis examines the French white paper published in June 2008, and argues that France has embarked on an in-depth overhaul of its security and defense strategy. The author identifies three innovative elements in the white paper. First, France is shifting its focus from spheres of influence to a 'strategic arc' of instability that stretches from the Atlantic via the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa and on to South Asia. Second, the white paper puts greater emphasis on intelligence. Third, it approves France's reintegration into NATO's integrated military command structure.