National security
La concept of national security In addition to national defence, it therefore encompasses the management of crises that are serious enough to affect our society, our institutions or our powerful interests: natural or technological disasters, epidemics, criminal phenomena with a systemic dimension, etc. If they are not caused by malicious intent, these crises nevertheless affect the organisation of the State or its political system, and operators of vital importance (OIV: critical infrastructures or companies). It is therefore no longer a question of threatsbut risks.
How the 'Ndrangheta became the most powerful mafia in the world
Much more discreet than the notorious Sicilian Cosa Nostra or the Neapolitan Camorra, their Calabrian cousins have now largely supplanted them in Italy and the rest of the world. Here's how.
Clotilde Champeyrache: "The mafias are developing a form of sovereignty that is parasitic on that of the State".
Organised crime in general, and mafias in particular, threaten the stability of states and societies. Specialist economist and criminologist Clotilde Champeyrache explains how criminals operate and how to combat their influence.
The opportunities and limits of OSINT, the new sinews of war
The age of the mass Internet has popularised open-source intelligence, accessible to everyone. Three experts in this field summarised the strategic issues at stake during the last IHEDN Monday.
Russian "operative art" unveiled
Benoist Bihan and Jean Lopez presented their book "Conduire la guerre: entretiens sur l'art opératif" at the IHEDN strategic debates. They shed light on the origins of the art of warfare, its applications in historical conflicts and its relevance today, with the return of high-intensity warfare.
What is national defence and security? IHEDN's vocation
How can we define this fundamental concept that the IHEDN is tasked with studying? Lieutenant General Benoît Durieux proposes to draw its perimeter using four concentric circles.
Economic defence: a new approach to dealing with new threats
A sector that is highly connected to the rest of the world, fragmented into numerous players and likely to have an impact on the entire population, a country's economy is both a target and a weapon of strategic confrontation. Focus on France's defence and security doctrine for this "sinews of war".
Strategic stocks: mobilise or immobilise?
The war in Ukraine has accelerated the debate on Europe's dependence on resources - particularly energy - and raw materials. Russian gas, Chinese batteries, Taiwanese semi-conductors... How can we guarantee the security of our supply chains in the event of a crisis? One of the solutions that has come back into fashion concerns strategic stocks, i.e. the organisation, management and replenishment of certain resources deemed essential either for the population or for industries. This note puts the issue of stockpiling into perspective, highlights the relevance of certain models, and raises the question of the resilience of our countries and of France.
Ludovic Schultz: "The agreement reached at the United Nations on 4 March is doubly historic.
After 15 years of discussions and negotiations, the Member States of the United Nations have agreed on an International Treaty for the Protection of the High Seas. Ludovic Schultz, an auditor at the IHEDN and recently appointed Director of the Écrins National Park, was involved in drafting the treaty for many years, first as deputy director at the Ministry for Ecological Transition and then as adviser to the Secretary General for the Sea. He sheds some light on this historic agreement.
GBR Ortemann: "I never wanted to be dictated to.
Men are no more predisposed than women to take an interest in defence and national security issues. To mark International Women's Day on 8 March, Brigadier General Anne-Cécile Ortemann answered our questions.
Climate change: how the armed forces are adapting
Natural disasters and the depletion of resources not only have an ecological impact: they also increase the threat to global security, prompting the defence sector to undergo a lasting structural transformation.
The Indo-Pacific region,
at the heart of France's multipolar strategy
A key arena for bipolar rivalry between the United States and China, this region, in which France is a major power, is the focus of many issues that will be crucial in the years ahead. Against this backdrop, Paris is striving to maintain a strategy of balance and to combat unilateralism.
Djibouti, the coveted gateway to the Indo-Pacific region
Essential in France's Indo-Pacific strategyThe country in the Horn of Africa is also increasingly favoured by other powers. For the time being, France retains a pre-eminent role. The defence cooperation treaty linking France and the Republic of Djibouti since 2011 is currently being renewed. Focus on the destination of the national session auditors.
"Women must be more involved in spreading the spirit of defence".
Sophie de Ravinel is a listener at 2e national session 2022-2023, defence policy major. The current strategic context was the trigger for her application. The political journalist from Le Figaro wanted to improve her knowledge of defence and national security issues. A few days after registration opened for the 2023-2024 national session, she explains why women should apply.
"Maritime issues directly affect our populations".
Vice-admiral (2s) Gérard Valin is head of the "Maritime Issues and Strategies" major at the Institut des hautes études de défense nationale (IHEDN). A former admiral commanding the Indian Ocean maritime zone, he deciphers current developments in the maritime domain, which has become an area of confrontation.
Colonel Remi Pellabeuf:
Our aim is to "modernise to outperform our rivals in terms of power, agility and speed".
During the presentation at the Institut de hautes études de défense nationale, Colonel Rémi Pellabeuf of the French Army Staff gave a lecture entitled "Modern capabilities for combat: the French Army's project".
The gist of his speech in 5 questions.
