In a world where the balance of power is being redefined at dizzying speed, strategic forums have become key places where the major international dynamics are played out. These events, which bring together diplomats, military officers, opinion leaders and influential experts, do more than simply discuss the issues of the day: they shape the future of global relations.
A strategic forum is more than just a place for debate: it is a veritable centre of power where those who shape the geopolitical future meet. According to David Cadier, European security researcher at the Institut de recherche stratégique de l'École militaire (IRSEM), these events are "strategic crossroads", key moments for "taking the temperature of a politico-strategic community". For him, the real strength of a forum lies in its ability to "bring together influential figures". These meetings are not just about assessing the military performance of states, but also about observing the constantly changing global balance of power.
Guillaume Devin, a professor at Sciences Po and a specialist in the sociology of international relations, sums it up as follows: "These forums create an environment where the aim is to share information, build ideas, invent narratives and propose innovations in research". These exchanges are essential, as they help to redefine strategic priorities and lay the foundations for future international relations.
Forums as catalysts for geopolitical change
Taking the example of the oldest of these forums (1963), the Munich Security Conferencewhich saw a succession of landmark speeches. One of the most famous is that of Vladimir Putin in 2007He denounced the unipolar world order, marking a decisive moment in the country's diplomacy. David Cadier analyses this speech as "a real turning point in Russian foreign policy", a moment when Russia's stance changed to adopt a more assertive and aggressive vision, redefining the international dynamic.
In February 2025, an equally resounding speech was given in Munich by J. D. Vance, American Vice-President. These statements shook the international community, sending shockwaves through the world. For David Cadier, "this speech marks a turning point in transatlantic relations", just as Putin's did in his day. So these forums are much more than meeting places: they are springboards for reorienting international strategies.
As part of this dynamic, France has skilfully used these forums to assert its strategic role. In 2023, at the Globsec Forum - a major geopolitical event bringing together the countries of Northern and Eastern Europe - President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France's position as a European leader in his closing speech. This speechdelivered in Bratislava, marked France's re-engagement in Central and Eastern Europe in the wake of the war in Ukraine. It quickly became the centrepiece of French diplomacy. According to David Cadier: "This speech has become a milestone in French foreign policy in the region, and is regularly referred to by Central European diplomats and analysts".
Despite this assertion, an important reality remains, according to the researcher: "France is still underperforming in terms of influence in debates on defence and security in Europe". This is where Paris Defence and Strategy Forum (PDSF), to be launched in 2024, could play a decisive role in providing France with a platform for disseminating its vision and influencing European defence policies.
The MSRP: a strategic lever for France and Europe
In an increasingly unpredictable international context, France wanted to go further by launching the PDSF. In 2024, Lieutenant General (2S) Benoît Durieux, former Director of the Institut des hautes études de défense nationale and President of the Defence Academy of the École militaire, inaugurated the first edition of this French forum. He points out that the PDSF stands out for its determination "not to limit itself to a single theme". Unlike other forums such as Munich or Warsaw, which focus on specific issues, the Paris forum tackles a wider range of geopolitical subjects, from security in Eastern Europe to the situation in Africa and the Indo-Pacific.
Benoît Durieux emphasises the variety of themes:
"The PDSF is not confined to military issues alone. It opens the discussion to broader issues, such as disinformation, digital sovereignty and environmental challenges. It wants to prove that Europe is not just focused on the war in Ukraine.
This comprehensive approach offers a fresh perspective on defence and security, underlining the importance of a more coherent and inclusive European vision in the face of global challenges.
By tackling these complex issues, the PDSF is establishing itself as a place where France and Europe can rethink their strategic role in a multipolar world. The aim is to promote a European vision that is not limited to reacting to crises, but that anticipates the challenges of tomorrow.
Active diplomacy for France
Strategic forums are much more than just places for intellectual exchange. They are powerful instruments of diplomatic influence, enabling each nation to make its voice heard on major geopolitical issues. For France, the PDSF represents a unique opportunity to strengthen its position at the heart of European defence, while playing a key role in global debates. These groupings make it possible to forge contacts, redefine priorities and shape the world order for decades to come.
As researcher David Cadier points out, these events play a central role in analysing the geopolitical orientations of each party: "These forums are strategic crossroads where the players can gauge their respective positions", and shape the future dynamics of international politics.
In an increasingly fractured world, "strategic thinking in Europe is no longer just essential, it is indispensable", says Lieutenant General Hervé de Courrèges, current Director of the IHEDN and President of the Defence Academy and the École Militaire. He stresses the importance of forums such as the PDSF, which give France and Europe the opportunity to assert their strategic vision, particularly in these troubled times:
"At a time when Europe is realising that it can only rely on itself for its security, the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum will provide an opportunity to deepen the crucial reflection on the doctrines, means and policies that we need to apply in order to guarantee this security".
The Minister for the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, at the second edition of the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum, in March 2025.
