French Security Policy: From Independence to Interdependence

Beginning with a look at continuity and change in French policy since de Gaulle, this book presents the evolution of French security policy in the 1970s and 1980s. Dr. Laird pays special attention to the French nuclear modernization process and to the trend in the last two decades toward a greater emphasis on security interdependence within the Western alliance at the expense of the classic Gaullist stance of independence. He examines the major dimensions of French security policy, particularly French nuclear employment policy and doctrine, the Franco-German relationship, and France's role in Europe and in East-West relations. The book features the first-time translation of some of the most significant recent papers by leading French analysts of security affairs.