This Focus Paper examines France’s strategic pivot from engagement to balancing in response to Russia’s aggression and the evolving European security landscape. Drawing on Realist theory, it analyses France’s dual approach of internal and external balancing to reconcile its strategic ambitions with limited resources. Internally, France has embarked on a significant remilitarisation effort, including increased defence spending, force modernisation and industrial adaptation, despite domestic political instability and budgetary constraints. Externally, France has recalibrated its role within NATO and the EU, deepened bilateral partnerships and sought to influence Europe’s defence-industrial and conventional capabilities. The Focus Paper also highlights France’s potential to lead in strategic enablement and defence-industrial coordination, while noting the limitations of its nuclear posture and the need for greater harmonisation with allies. Ultimately, France’s effectiveness in shaping Europe’s future security architecture hinges on its ability to balance national interests with collective European resilience and interoperability.
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Source image: © Belgian Defence
