An Evaluation of the 2017 French Strategic Review

Abstract

The study offers an evaluation of the French strategic review published on 13 October 2017, also reflecting upon the 2013 White Book on Defence, the grandiose speech of French President Emmanuel Macron on 26 September 2017 and his earlier election campaign promises. First, the strategic situation and the perceived threats and challenges are analysed, followed by an overview of current French operational engagement and level of ambition. Then the development areas of strategic functions, industrial and technological goals, strategic tasks and military capability development programs that determine the French strategic autonomy are examined. Finally, the prospects and challenges of multinational (NATO, EU, mini- and bilateral) frameworks for capability development and operational cooperation are evaluated, with special emphasis on the European Intervention Initiative aimed at creating a shared strategic culture, and bilateral cooperation formats, such as the Franco–German and the Franco–British cooperation.