French nuclear doctrine: between national sovereignty and European security

Abstract

Through a detailed examination of the nuclear doctrine speeches of Presidents François Mitterrand, Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy, François Hollande, and Emmanuel Macron, this article analyses the European dimension of the French nuclear doctrine after the end of the Cold War. The text assesses how France has sought to integrate European deterrence into its declared nuclear strategy through a series of possibilities such as consultation and co-decision. It is argued that the European aspect of France’s nuclear strategy has been influenced not only by the geopolitical context of each period but also by the leadership priorities of each president. Paradoxically, a more pro-European rhetoric is observed in the twentieth century than in the 21st, despite concrete proposals emerging in the latter. The article concludes that, despite doctrinal differences, practical dynamics have kept France on the sidelines of nuclear consultation structures, raising questions about its future role in European security.