France

The United States’ oldest ally, France is a key strategic partner for Washington, not only in cooperating on transatlantic political and security issues but also in pursuing shared interests across the globe. France is pursuing economic reforms under President Emmanuel Macron, even as it faces social and political disruptions; meanwhile, recent elections point to the rise of the nationalist right wing. France remains a country to watch for the future of the European project as continues to play a leading role in the European Union and beyond.

FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

What Macron’s changes to French nuclear policy mean for European security

Dispatches Mar 4, 2026

What Macron’s changes to French nuclear policy mean for European security

By Jonathan Rosenstein and Emily Cheesman

The president’s plan, announced on March 2, expands France’s nuclear arsenal and deepens its cooperation on deterrence with European allies.
France Nuclear Deterrence
What Macron’s changes to French nuclear policy mean for European security

Report Nov 10, 2025

France’s policy on China: Strategic autonomy and less naïveté

By Zoltán Fehér

Over the last decade, France’s long-standing engagement with China has transformed into a more nuanced and cautious dynamic, reflecting a growing emphasis on balancing. This shift is guided by France’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, its effort to “de-risk” economic and security ties, and the broader geopolitical realities unfolding in the Indo-Pacific.
China Economy & Business
What Macron’s changes to French nuclear policy mean for European security

New Atlanticist Jul 16, 2025

Reading between the lines of the new France-UK nuclear entente

By Léonie Allard

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Kier Starmer released a “truly historic” declaration on nuclear planning on July 10.
France Nuclear Deterrence

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The Europe Center promotes the transatlantic leadership and strategies required to ensure a strong Europe.

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Dispatches

Mar 4, 2026

What Macron’s changes to French nuclear policy mean for European security

By Jonathan Rosenstein and Emily Cheesman

The president’s plan, announced on March 2, expands France’s nuclear arsenal and deepens its cooperation on deterrence with European allies.

France Nuclear Deterrence

UkraineAlert

Mar 2, 2026

Europe must not seek Putin’s approval before sending troops to Ukraine

By Stephen Blank

European leaders representing Coalition of the Willing countries reportedly reject the idea of sending troops to Ukraine without first securing Russian President Vladimir Putin's approval, writes Stephen Blank.

Conflict European Union

Dispatches

Feb 20, 2026

What I heard in Munich: ‘We Europeans need a plan’

By Anna Wieslander

Hopes of a bold, unified initiative led by Germany, France, and the United Kingdom did not materialize at the recent Munich Security Conference.

Europe & Eurasia France

Dispatches

Jan 19, 2026

Greenland, Davos, and a week that could redefine the transatlantic alliance

By Josh Lipsky and Jörn Fleck

This week’s World Economic Forum in Davos will play host to transatlantic leaders at a volatile moment following Trump’s tariff threats against Europe over Greenland.

European Union France

UkraineAlert

Jan 7, 2026

Ukraine security guarantees are futile without increased pressure on Putin

By Peter Dickinson

Western leaders have hailed progress toward "robust" security guarantees for Ukraine this week, but until Putin faces increased pressure to make peace, Russia will remain committed to continuing the war, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict France

Report

Nov 10, 2025

France’s policy on China: Strategic autonomy and less naïveté

By Zoltán Fehér

Over the last decade, France’s long-standing engagement with China has transformed into a more nuanced and cautious dynamic, reflecting a growing emphasis on balancing. This shift is guided by France’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, its effort to “de-risk” economic and security ties, and the broader geopolitical realities unfolding in the Indo-Pacific.

China Economy & Business

Transcript

Sep 24, 2025

Full transcript: The 2025 Atlantic Council Global Citizen Awards recognize three of the world’s most influential leaders

By Atlantic Council

On September 24, the Atlantic Council honored three global leaders, who presented their visions for shaping the global future.

Argentina France

New Atlanticist

Sep 24, 2025

The 2025 Global Citizen Awards: Honoring three leaders shaping the global future 

By John Cookson and Daniel Malloy

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, the evening celebrated three leaders shaping the global future with their work.

Argentina Conflict

New Atlanticist

Sep 8, 2025

Experts react: The French government has collapsed again. What does this mean for France, the EU, and Macron?

By Atlantic Council experts

On Monday, Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly, removing him from office and leaving France in a state of political uncertainty.

France NATO

Inflection Points

Sep 4, 2025

In Beijing and Paris, a tale of two global futures

By Frederick Kempe

Recent gatherings in China and France revealed that competing international orders are crystallizing. What part will the United States play?

China European Union
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Fellow

Rama Yade

Senior Director, Africa Center

Africa Center Europe Center

Civil Society Human Rights

Events

Public Event Tue, March 10, 2026 • 9:30 am ET

The Power of Sports Embassy Dialogues: France and Côte d’Ivoire
Africa Civil Society France