DEFENSE: UNE PASSION FRANCAISE

In: Politique internationale: pi, Volume 132

Abstract

In this interview with Isabelle Lasserre, French Defense Minister Gerard Longuet offers a general overview of the latest threats to world peace, as well as new defensive measures deployed by the French army and its allies. France is currently engaged in three theaters of operation: Afghanistan, Libya and Cote d'Ivoire -- the latter intervention having brought president-elect Alassane Ouattara to power in Abidjan. As ambitious as they may be, these engagements are perfectly compatible with the reorganization of the French armed forces that started several years ago. They are part of France's overall diplomatic strategy, based on consolidating international rule of law under the auspices of the United Nations. The French defense minister covers all the burning issues of our time, including the Arab Spring, potential destabilization in the Euro-Mediterranean region, Iran's nuclear program, China's growing military clout and pan-European defense. Adapted from the source document.