Author: Coline Dassonville

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 5^e IHEDN national session

On 16 and 17 September 2025, IHEDN launched the 5^e 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.

Opening 245^e session in the Occitanie region

The 245th regional session of the Institut des hautes études de défense nationale (IHEDN) opened in Nîmes. For four weeks, students will explore the major issues in national defence and security through lectures, visits and group work.