ABSTRACT

French defense policy under General Charles de Gaulle during the 1960s accorded a distinct priority to the exclusive protection of French territory as opposed to the collective security of France and its allies. The two characteristics of French defense policy most associated with Gaullism are the independent nuclear deterrent and the withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's integrated military command, both of which fulfilled six broad objectives that still motivate French policy. The Socialist government consequently elaborated its Five-Year Defense Program during 1982 and early 1983 amidst considerable political backing for the idea that France should attenuate the nationalistic bent of its defense posture and take steps to manifest greater military solidarity with its allies, West Germany in particular. During 1982 an ongoing debate over the extent to which France should enhance its contribution to allied security intensified. The chapter examines that debate, the decisions it has already produced, and where French policy may go in the future.