The Security Index Occasional Paper Series came out with the new report “The role of nuclear weapons in the modern strategic culture of France” by Alexandra Zubenko

MOSCOW. APRIL 18. PIR PRESS. The Security Index Occasional Paper Series came out with the new report “The role of nuclear weapons in the modern strategic culture of France” by Alexandra Zubenko.

Recently, in connection with the growing tension, the nuclear factor has begun to play a more important role in international relations. The problems of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation continue to occupy one of the main places on the international agenda. Traditionally, in Russian and foreign science, more attention is paid to the study of the nuclear doctrines of Russia and the United States – the states with the largest nuclear arsenals. In this regard, the nuclear factor in the foreign policy of other countries, especially middle-sized states such as France, is often underestimated. Meanwhile, the question of multilateral disarmament is a question of the future, and the effectiveness of the non-proliferation regime depends on how it is solved. The purpose of this work is to analyze the role of French nuclear weapons in the strategic culture of France at the present stage (1991-2022).

Key findings:

• The basis of the French nuclear doctrine, laid down in the second half of the 20th century, has basically not changed: it is formed by the principles of strict sufficiency, reliability and continuity. The threshold for the use of nuclear weapons is still a threat to the vital interests of the nation. France also reserves the right to strike first, which is called the last warning in French doctrine.
• Historically, France has positioned its arsenal as independent and has always opposed having it counted, along with the British and American arsenals, in disarmament negotiations with the USSR and then with Russia.
• The modern French nuclear arsenal consists of an air (land and ship-based fighters) and a sea (SSBN) component. The main component is the marine component. It annually takes about 90% of the total budget allocated for the country’s nuclear forces.
• Plans for the development of the French strategic nuclear forces include the modernization of warheads to increase the effectiveness of overcoming anti-missile defenses, the design and construction of third-generation SSBNs, as well as the design of new nuclear warheads by 2040.
• In recent years, there has been a clear increase in the influence of the Atlantic factor on the foreign and defense policy of Paris, which is reflected, among other things, in the national nuclear doctrine. In this regard, France is ceding the role of the nuclear shield of Western Europe to the US and NATO, abandoning its previous claims to leadership in ensuring the strategic autonomy of the EU.

Key words: Arms Control; Nuclear weapons; France

E16/CHOB – 04/23

INF/SI-RUS