AI in armed conflicts: who is responsible in the event of a violation of the law?
While artificial intelligence can increase the effectiveness of military operations, it is not currently capable of anticipating all unforeseen situations. So who should be held responsible for violations of international humanitarian law? Two legal advisers working for the French Armed Forces provide some answers.
Final curtain for the 246e IHEDN regional session in Normandy!
A month of immersion in the heart of defence and national security issues. From 12 November to 12 December, 48 participants from a variety of backgrounds followed a demanding programme combining lectures, visits to strategic sites and committee work. Over four weeks, they explored major contemporary issues: military strategy, defence tools, international cooperation and regional crisis management.
Franco-German cooperation in the field of defence
This news sheet examines the history of Franco-German cooperation in the field of defence, looking back at its history since 1963, the year the Élysée Treaty was signed, which defines the framework for cooperation between France and Germany in various fields. It then highlights the challenges facing the two countries in their industrial cooperation. Finally, it highlights operational cooperation and the prospects and challenges for an effective «Europe of defence».
German rearmament
This news brief looks at the history of the German army (Bundeswehr), tracing its history since 1949, the year the Federal Republic of Germany was founded. It then shows how 2022 represents a turning point for German defence policy. Finally, it highlights the strategic role that Germany could play in the defence of Europe in the event of a high-intensity conflict.
Immersion in French Guiana for listeners of Radio 5e national session
From 8 to 13 December, students majoring in «Armament and Defence Economics» (AED), «Economic Defence and Security» (DSE) and «Digital Sovereignty and Cyber Security» (SNC) travelled to French Guiana for a study mission offering direct insight into the issues and challenges facing our forces deployed in overseas territories.
Jihadism as seen by those who fight it
19 January 2026 | 6 p.m. at the École militaire
Ronald Hatto: «Brutality and condescension could backfire on President Trump»
A specialist in strategy and international security issues at Sciences Po Paris, Canadian political scientist Ronald Hatto analyses the new US National Security Strategy, describing it as a «break» that could lead to «a reconfiguration of the geostrategic landscape in a way that would not benefit the United States in the medium and long term». Interview.
Military service, «society's contribution to national defence»
In Europe, national service is implemented in very different ways depending on the country. Researchers Živilė Kalibataitė and Toms Rostoks take a closer look at the arrangements in place in two countries that have reintroduced conscription: Lithuania in 2015 and Latvia in 2024.
Reflections on Austerlitz, a legendary battle for 220 years
Napoleon I's resounding victory at the «Battle of the Three Emperors» on 2 December 1805 is still studied and discussed today. Through the analyses of strategists of the past and the insights of contemporary historians, the IHEDN details the reasons for and extent of this lasting legacy.
A look back at the IHEDN Science Awards ceremony
On Thursday 20 November, IHEDN celebrated a highlight of its intellectual life with the presentation of its Scientific Awards, which since 1998 have recognised work contributing to French strategic thinking. The 2025 edition, marked by a particularly high number of nominations and the introduction of a new «Special Prize,» honoured four winners whose research sheds light on major contemporary issues in defence, security and international relations.
The prizes were presented by the Director of IHEDN during a ceremony at which each winner gave a speech discussing their work, motivations and prospects. These speeches illustrated the richness of the dialogue between the academic and strategic worlds that the Institute seeks to promote.
A moment of exchange and recognition that highlights the importance of supporting demanding, open and innovative research in order to better understand defence issues.
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