The French Strategic Dilemma

Abstract : This paper identifies a basic strategic dilemma for France. On the one hand, French leaders identify the political purpose of nuclear weapons as the defense of French territory or, at best, of France's 'vital interests'. On the other hand, a number of external pressures are inducing a need for France to provide a more explicit definition of the role of French nuclear weapons in the West European security system. In particular, the central tension in French doctrine revolves around the emphasis on protecting the national 'sanctuary' with nuclear weapons and the growing recognition of the need to include West Germany in the French security concept.