News
Expert meeting on the French Defense White Book, September 30
October 27, 2008. On September 30 CSCP (Clingendael Security and Conflict Programme) held an expert meeting on the French white book on defense and national security. The purpose of the meeting was to look into the main objectives of the Livre Blanc and the potential consequences for European defense policy. Also discussed was France’s possible reintegration into NATO’s command structure. The Livre Blanc is, first of all, an attempt to streamline means, material and personnel. Moreover, the French consider that globalization has made the world more vulnerable, but not necessarily more dangerous. It has become, however, difficult to consider national and international security separately: they are intertwined and blurred.
On a global level, the Livre Blanc indicates threats from radical Islam, antagonisms between Sunnis and Shiites, fragile political regimes, Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programme, attacks on information systems and natural disasters or pandemics. In addition to these threats the document considers regions of particular instability the strategic arc from Mauritania to Somalia, the Mediterranean coast and Maghreb to the near Middle-East, from the Arab- Persian Gulf, to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. Finally, for the European continent, threats and risks could come from terrorism, ballistic missiles, major attacks on information systems, espionage, illicit trafficking, organized crime and epidemics. In the coming years investments will be made in notably cyber technology, intelligence and surveillance systems, up to 700 millions Euros per year to confront the multitude of these threats
After a presentation of the Livre Blanc there was a lively debate amongst academics, diplomats, military officials and other interested parties. It was noted during this debate that French ambitions and objectives remain constant, such as striving for an autonomie de decision. Questions were asked on France’s possible reintegration into NATO’s command structure. The French consider reintegration, but insist they will not participate in NATO's Nuclear Planning Group and will decide themselves where to deploy their troops. The French do not want to have any of their troops under NATO command during peacetime. And, maybe most importantly, France will only reintegrate into the command structure if it allows the strengthening of a real European security and defence policy. Other remarks during the debate consisted of France’s policy on the African continent. It was stressed that French cooperation with African countries in terms of security, development and immigration should be sought on a multilateral and European level and less through bilateral means, as was the case previously.
A final suggestion was another meeting should be adjourned to discuss aspects of the European defence industry and French space program plans.
Programme
Livre Blanc (French)
Livre Blanc (English)
Contact: adamen@clingendael.nl