Athena at the Beach – 2023 Edition:
the four concentric circles of national defence
This summer, our mascot has decided to take you on a journey of discovery through the four circles of defence, the concentric circles that make up the perimeter of national defence. From territorial protection to international issues, Athena has explored how the missions entrusted to the IHEDN fit together and what nurtures the spirit of defence. An opportunity to shed light, week after week, on the different dimensions that enable France to ensure its security and prepare for the future.
To start with, this week Athena will be testing your knowledge of herself, her attributes and functions, but also of the national defence perimeter and the concepts it encompasses. Our first reading tip is a fascinating historical novel.
EPISODE 1: THE EPIC OF THE BATTLE TANK
Our mascot will begin by exploring the first circle, that of military defence. This corresponds to the use of armed force to deal with an armed threat with a political aim.
The Greek goddess has chosen to illustrate this through the epic story of battle tanks, from their sensational appearance in the trenches of the First World War to the developments these machines are set to undergo in the near future. Athena will also help you refine your knowledge of the vehicles currently in service with the French armies, before taking a step aside for a prestigious reading recommendation on a military epic of the past.
EPISODE 2: ESPIONAGE, FROM FACT TO FICTION
During the week of 7 August, Athéna will be looking at the second circle, that of national defence. In addition to military defence, this circle covers anything that undermines our sovereignty, interests and freedoms without resorting to armed force. It concerns the hostile and politically-motivated intentions of those involved.
To explore this, our mascot will be looking at a practice that is essential to the sovereignty of states, but also deeply rooted in popular culture: espionage. Monday's big story will tell real-life intelligence stories from a city that has long been a magnet for spies and spooks of all stripes: Paris. A fun quiz will look at different fictional spy figures, before an essential reading recommendation, nothing less than the masterpiece by the undisputed master of the spy novel.
EPISODE 3: THE 'NDRANGHETA, A GLOBAL OCTOPUS
From 14 August, the goddess of strategy will be exploring the third circle, which corresponds to the notion of national security. Beyond national defence, it encompasses the management of crises serious enough to undermine our society, our institutions or our powerful interests. These crises are not politically motivated, but nonetheless affect the organisation of the State or its political system, infrastructures or critical companies (operators of vital importance).
This week's big story will trace the history of the 'Ndrangheta, a discreet mafia from Calabria long overshadowed by its Sicilian cousin, Cosa Nostra, before extending its hold over the Italian peninsula, then the whole of Europe and now the whole planet. Computer graphics, quizzes and reading tips will balance the geopolitical reality of the mafias with the massive impact of this form of organised crime on popular culture.
EPISODE 4: THE UN AND PEACEKEEPING
Finally, during the week of 21 August, Athena will focus on the fourth circle, that of international security: bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, arms control and the promotion of collective security mechanisms.
To this end, the goddess of wisdom will be revisiting the UN's peacekeeping activities through a number of emblematic operations. These operations will also be the subject of quizzes and a reading tip, to round off this strategic summer with a reminder of the ideal of multilateralism and universal peace.
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