Competition and international rivalries
This fact sheet looks at international rivalries in the space sector. It begins by reviewing the major stages in the conquest of space, placing it in the context of competition between powers. It then presents the various geopolitical challenges posed by the conquest of space today, particularly in the context of Sino-American rivalry. Finally, it offers some perspectives on the weaponisation of space today.
Straits of Singapore and Malacca: an ongoing battle against piracy
Sea robbery is a major issue in this corridor, which is crucial to world trade. On the occasion of its next International Session for the Indo-Pacific (SIIP), the IHEDN takes stock of the situation and international cooperation on the ground with Commander Xavier Courbey and researcher Éric Frécon.
Opening of the first joint cycle between the Youth Cycle and the Business Intelligence Cycle!
On Monday 20 October 2025, the IHEDN inaugurated the 156ᵉ Cycle Jeunes en intelligence économique (IE) at the École militaire. The first to be organised in synergy between two of our sessions, marking a major development in the Institute's training strategy.
The European Space Agency, a crucial civilian player in defence and resilience
In the run-up to its tri-annual Council of Ministers, we take a look at the Paris-based international organisation, its civil and military activities, such as the Galileo satellite constellation, and its ambitious resilience programme, which will be put to the 23 Member States at the end of November.
General Baratz: "With or without AI, the military leader will remain responsible for his actions".
Lieutenant General Bruno Baratz, Commander of Future Combat, details the many implications of artificial intelligence for the French Army, particularly in the chain of command: the place of human analysis, responsibility, reliability, adversity, the question of energy in the field... A long interview.
Defence and risk prevention: the challenge of resilience
To mark National Resilience Day, we take a closer look at the growing inclusion of resilience in these sectors that are crucial to the country's security, with insights from Cédric Bourillet, Director General of Risk Prevention, and Sylviane Bourguet, Senior Civil Servant for Sustainable Development and Director of Territories, Property and the Environment at the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
Sweden and Finland
This fact sheet presents the defence models and capabilities of Sweden and Finland, and looks at the changing positions of these two Nordic countries. Historically neutral, they abandoned a tradition of military non-alignment to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The analysis highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with this integration, highlighting the specific features of the Nordic defence model based on the concept of "total defence".
A look back at the International Armament Session Latin America 2025
From 29 September to 3 October 2025, the Institut des hautes études de défense nationale (IHEDN) hosted the Latin America International Armaments Session (SIAMLAT) in Paris, organised in partnership with the Direction générale de l'armement (DGA).
France's EEZ: how to secure its vastness?
France has the second largest exclusive economic zone on the planet, covering all the oceans. How is it protecting its rights there, against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and growing climate challenges? Find the answers in a joint interview with Vice-Admiral (2S) Jean Hausermann, head of the Maritime Issues and Strategies major at IHEDN, and academic Virginie Saliou, researcher at IRSEM.
Opening of the 5e IHEDN national session
On 16 and 17 September 2025, IHEDN launched the 5e national session (SN5) with 290 students from all walks of life. For ten months, they will follow a course of strategic training and collective reflection, marked from the start of the academic year by high-level presentations and discussions on major defence and security issues.
