Geopolitical influence and recomposition: the key role of strategic forums

The Paris Defence and Strategy Forum, which takes place this week, the Munich Conference and Globsec: these events are catalysts for geopolitical change. Here we look at their role as places of influence and strategic and diplomatic levers in a rapidly changing international context.
War in Ukraine: the unequal distribution of military aid

As the conflict enters its 4th year, the support given to Ukraine by its allies regularly raises controversy. Canadian political scientist Justin Massié took stock of its distribution and possible developments at an enlightening conference organised by IRSEM.
Civilian victims of war: the difficult issue of reparations

Civilians are systematically affected by conflicts, but their fate is recognised differently in different jurisdictions. Legal expert Élise Bernard and historian Fabrice Virgili shed light on the specific case of wartime rape.
Dana Spinant: "Combating the manipulation of information is one of the priorities" of the new European Commission

Foreign interference, disinformation and manipulation are aimed at "dividing our democratic societies in order to weaken them in the interests of hostile actors": in a rare interview, the European Union's "dircom" Dana Spinant talks about this growing scourge and details the five pillars put in place to tackle it.
Djibouti, a unique geostrategic crossroads

The subject of a recent study mission by the IHEDN national session, Djibouti is home to five foreign military bases and plays a key role in East Africa, the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indo-Pacific region. We take a look at the situation with researcher Brendon Novel and General Sébastien Vallette, commander of the French forces stationed in Djibouti.
Maud Quessard: "Putin and Xi are imperialists, why shouldn't Trump be?"

What will be the foreign policy of US President Donald Trump, inaugurated today? IRSEM researcher Maud Quessard looks at his recent statements and his relations with the 'big tech' sector and NATO and outlines some possible directions.
"National defence, history and theory", by Professor Philippe Vial

The concept of national defence, which is fundamental to our institution, has a rich and eventful history. Historian Philippe Vial retraced this history in a lecture given to students at the 4th national session of the IHEDN. Part One (1870-1940).
The saga of the Rafale, the ultimate fighter jet

In 1983, France launched the programme for a revolutionary aircraft, which has been used by its armed forces since 2002, before enjoying export success. Focus on the history and characteristics of this evolving flagship, with insights from a pilot, a former Dassault Aviation engineer and General Philippe Lavigne, Chief of Staff of the French Air Force from 2018 to 2021.
Disinformation: how foreign stories find their way into France

In a study unveiled at the end of November in partnership with the IHEDN, the Descartes Foundation looks at the effects in France of foreign disinformation about conflicts. It is a ground-breaking study that offers a wealth of lessons, particularly in relation to the China-Taiwan crisis and the tensions between France and Mali.
The air-land dimension, a strategic challenge for the French Army

Highlighted at last week's Army presentation at the École Militaire, air-land space is increasingly essential for tactical and strategic mobility. Find out more.