Defense transformation à la française and U.S. interests
(Web-Based Document)

Title from caption, PDF title screen (viewed on Oct. 7, 2011).

"September 2008."

Strategic forum.

Available online.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 10-11).

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE.

France has embarked on a transformation of its national security strategy, structures, capabilities, and relationships with Allies and other international partners. At its core, this transformation reflects a growing French consensus that globalization especially the emergence of new, less predictable threats and vulnerabilities has profoundly altered defense requirements since the last comprehensive review in the mid-1990s. But President Nicolas Sarkozy, faced with a large budget deficit, is determined to meet those requirements without near-term increases in defense spending. The White Book on Defense and National Security, which Sarkozy commissioned in August 2007 and approved in June 2008, is designed to serve as the overall blueprint for the transformation process. Supported by its analysis, Sarkozy has reiterated earlier highprofile policy shifts his declared intent, for example, to see France take its full place in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and ruled on some contentious investment and reform issues. Other pieces of the transformation puzzle, notably the new 5-year defense budget, depend on parliamentary approval. Domestic reaction has been mixed. The White Book's description of the global security environment and French strategic priorities has generated relatively little controversy. However, the reform package in particular, plans to consolidate basing structures and downsize the armed forces has sparked serious criticism. Influential figures across the political spectrum have suggested, in effect, that the reforms will widen the gap between France s defense and foreign policy ambitions and its limited capabilities.