The conflict triggered by the Russian invasion in Ukraine entered its fourth year. This sad anniversary is accompanied by growing concerns in Europe, especially because of the will of the new American president, Donald Trump, less engaging on our continent.
In this context, strategic reflection in Europe is no longer only essential, it is essential. This is why the second edition of Paris Defense and Strategy Forum (1), from March 11 to 13 at the Military School, has retained its central theme of 2024: Europe at a crossroads. It seems to be even more than last year, in view of a geopolitical agenda constantly accelerating. To reflect on the defense of the old continent in such an uncertain period, all civil and military security actors must be able to speak, debate, confront and make their ideas mature.
Concretely, how can we guarantee the security of Europe with limited resources, after having ignored the gradual withdrawal of the United States for over ten years? How to accept the end of the American shield, when Europe is not yet able to replace it and the Russian threat remains present? What place for NATO in this equation? And, in the first place, how can we guarantee, in the near future, the security of the eastern border of the European Union, and that of Ukraine?
To answer these questions, researchers, officers, industrialists, high -level political leaders, French and foreigners, will be present in Paris. Through round tables, conferences, reflection workshops or military strategy games, three lines of reflection will be offered to them: architectures and defense and security cooperation (what alliances?), Regional and geopolitical issues (for what world?) And the capacity and technological dimension of armies (with what means?).
Anticipate future transformations
The first axis starts from the observation that, in a world in full change, international collective security organizations must reassess their role, adapt their functioning and intensify cooperation between their members. While our strategic rivals, and sometimes our partners, weave new alliances, that the future of NATO remains uncertain and that European defense remains unfinished, it is essential to continue reflection on the evolution of international alliances, in particular in Europe and in Atlantic space.
Regarding geopolitical issues, we are currently witnessing a redefinition of regional balances and the ascent of new actors. From Indo-Pacific to the Middle East, including Africa and the Black Sea, it becomes essential to analyze the current dynamics and anticipate future transformations, while wondering about the role that France and Europe must play on the global chessboard.
Finally, these first two questions cannot take place without a reflection on the capacity aspect. The emergence of new spaces of confrontation, such as cyberspace, the space domain, high altitude and the informational sphere, combined with technological advances such as drones and artificial intelligence, in depth transforms our societies and their security issues. It is therefore essential that strategic dialogue anticipates these developments and analyzes their consequences.
At a time when Europe realizes that it can only count on itself for its security, Paris Defense and Strategy Forum will allow to deepen the crucial reflection on the doctrines, means and political that we must apply in order to guarantee this security.
*General of the Army Corps, Hervé de Courrèges is the president of the Academy of Defense of the Military School and the director of the Institute of Advanced National Defense Studies.
(1) On March 11, Paris Defense and Strategy Forum will be open jointly by Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces, and Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, countries in the spotlight this year.