French National Strategic Review (Revue Nationale Stratégique) 2022

Published: November 2022

The 2022 French National Strategic Review (Revue Nationale Stratégique), published in November 2022, outlines France’s security and defense strategy for the period up to 2030. It was developed in response to the rapidly deteriorating security environment, particularly Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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Key Elements of the Strategy

• A Degraded Strategic Environment: The review assesses that the international environment is characterized by a “brutal strategic shift” and the “return of high-intensity conflict to Europe.” It highlights the rise of hybrid strategies, the weaponization of interdependencies, and the erosion of the international legal order.

• Russia as a Direct and Lasting Threat: The document identifies Russia as the “main and most immediate threat to French and European security.” It calls for a long-term strategy to counter Russian aggression and to support the sovereignty of European states.

• Ten Strategic Objectives: The review outlines ten strategic objectives for France, which include: ensuring a credible nuclear deterrent; being a “model ally” within NATO; strengthening the EU’s security and defense capabilities; and enhancing France’s resilience and sovereignty.

• NATO as the Foundation of Collective Security: The strategy reaffirms that NATO is the “foundation and framework of Europe’s collective security.” It commits France to being a “solid and credible ally,” particularly on the Eastern flank.

• European Strategic Autonomy: The review also strongly emphasizes the need for European strategic autonomy. It calls for a “more sovereign, united and democratic Europe” that is able to act independently when necessary. It sees a stronger and more capable European Union as being complementary to, and not in competition with, NATO.

• A Global Power of Balance: The strategy positions France as a “power of balance,” with a global network of partnerships and a presence in the Indo-Pacific. It aims to be a “reliable partner that rejects the logic of blocs.”

• Strengthening the Armed Forces: The review calls for a significant increase in defense spending to ensure that the French armed forces are prepared for high-intensity conflict. It prioritizes investment in nuclear deterrence, intelligence, cyber capabilities, and space.

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The 2022 National Strategic Review represents a significant adaptation of French strategy to a more dangerous world. It demonstrates a clear-eyed assessment of the threat posed by Russia, a firm commitment to NATO, and a continued ambition for a more sovereign and capable Europe.