Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a historical overview of the evolution of French security policy since de Gaulle and focuses on the problem of modifications of the policy of independence necessary to deal with growing concerns of France's neighbors. It assesses French security policy under François Mitterrand from 1981 to 1985, especially the degree of continuity and change of French policy. The book presents the problem of the effect of fiscal constraints on the French defense budget. It deals with questions about the credibility of French defense policy and also focuses on the importance of European security cooperation for France. The book discusses the important question of the impact of French nuclear forces on Franco-German relations. It identifies the most likely patterns for development of French nuclear policy to deal with the Franco-German relationship.