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.
The European Union's space strategy
This fact sheet looks at European space strategy, beginning with a review of its history and then presenting the players and institutions involved. It then analyses the priorities of the European Space Act, the first regulation on space policy at European level, presented in June 2025. Finally, it highlights the EU's strategic ambitions in the space sector, as well as the limits and divergences that are still holding them back.
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.
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".
What defence for the Baltic States?
This fact sheet looks at the main features of the defence policies of the Baltic States. It first sets the scene by highlighting the salient features of their relationship with Russia since the collapse of the USSR. It then analyses the main defence measures they have taken since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. It concludes with their vision of the future of European security, based on strengthened national defence capabilities, solidarity between allies and a firm stance towards Russia.
Transforming India's defence capabilities
This fact sheet looks at the contemporary transformation of India's defence apparatus. It begins by highlighting the constant increase in the country's military budgets and manpower, as well as the desire to develop a local defence industry. It then analyses some of the limits to the transformation underway, and concludes with the prospects for increased militarisation in Asia in the years ahead, in the context of a form of "security dilemma".
the conflict over Kashmir
This fact sheet looks at the continuing conflict between India and Pakistan over control of Kashmir. It begins by reviewing the history of tensions around the geographical area, analyses some of the likely causes of the recent renewal of hostilities, and then concludes by looking at how the confrontation is likely to evolve in the years ahead.
Poland
This fact sheet looks at Poland, tracing its recent history and describing its role in various multilateral cooperation formats. It then analyses the place of this country, which has an Atlanticist culture, in the construction of a European defence and presents its choices in terms of industrial cooperation.
Between commemoration and exploitation: 8 and 9 May 1945, the end of the war in Europe
As some European countries prepare to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, this celebration is being used in a variety of ways. At the heart of debates that are not solely historical in nature, two dates, 8 and 9 May, have taken on renewed importance in recent years, marking a dividing line in the memory of the victory over the Third Reich. Today, one of the great victors of 1945, Russia, has invaded Ukraine, and in the wake of this event, remembrance strategies are being put in place to serve highly political interests.
