Everything Changes but Nothing Changes
By: Paul Cormarie and Florian Galleri FOR WAR ON THE ROCKS
In a recent interview broadcast live on French television, President Emmanuel Macron declared:
Ever since there has been a nuclear doctrine since Charles de Gaulle, there has been a European dimension of [France’s] vital interests. I have remained ambiguous on what those vital interests are, just like all my predecessors. Yet, in today’s context, I wish to engage with all partners that are interested, and see if we can go further. Though under some conditions, France will not pay for others’ security, it will not subtract from any security meant for France, and only the French President would decide of its use.
But when asked whether he would be willing to accept the additional risk of defending allies, the president deflected on the strategic environment and denied that those were questions seriously being considered, keeping with the tradition of strategic ambiguity. “Would France trade Paris for Helsinki?” is a recurring question lately. Unlike the United Kingdom, whose nuclear capability already contributes to NATO’s overall capabilities for deterrence and defense, France’s arsenal plays a separate role in the eyes of both NATO and potential adversaries.
