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

Fleck quoted in CNBC on US tariffs for French products

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
Fleck quoted in CNBC on US tariffs for French products

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
Fleck quoted in CNBC on US tariffs for French products

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

Program

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

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Content

In the News

Jul 12, 2019

Fleck quoted in CNBC on US tariffs for French products

By Atlantic Council

Digital Policy Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jun 26, 2019

How to weather a hack: Lessons from the Macron leaks

By David A. Wemer

Why did the leaks fail to move the needle during the 2017 French presidential campaign?

Disinformation Elections

Report

Jun 20, 2019

The “#Macron leaks” operation: a post-mortem

By Jean-Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer

“The #Macron Leaks Operation,” by Jean-Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer analyzes the coordinated attempt to undermine Emmanuel Macron’s candidacy, with a disinformation campaign consisting of rumors, fake news, and even forged documents; a hack targeting the computers of his campaign staff; and, finally, a leak—15 gigabytes (GB) of stolen data.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Jun 5, 2019

Haddad Quoted in Le Monde On US-France Relations

Read the full article here.

France

In the News

Jun 5, 2019

Haddad Quoted in the Washington Post on ‘America First’ Thinking

Read the full article here.

France

New Atlanticist

May 15, 2019

EU parliamentary elections: What to expect in France

By Benjamin Haddad

If En Marche ends first with a score resembling Macron’s 2017 first-round showing (24 percent), he will have reason to claim victory in a ballot that usually turns into a beating for the ruling party.

Elections European Union

NATOSource

May 3, 2019

Strengthen European Defense Cooperation Through NATO and the EU

By Bogdan Klich, Project Syndicate

[A] key question remains unanswered: will allied deterrence prevent possible Russian aggression during those 30 days?

European Union France

In the News

Mar 26, 2019

Dungan appears on Bloomberg to discuss EU-China trade

On March 26, 2019, Nicholas Dungan spoke with Bloomberg’s Jason Kelly on “Bloomberg: Balance of Power” about EU-China trade and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to France.

Economy & Business European Union

New Atlanticist

Mar 18, 2019

A message from France to United States: Don’t be afraid of European autonomy

By David A. Wemer

“Building a European autonomy should never be seen as a move against the United States,” Florence Parly said.

Defense Policy European Union

In the News

Mar 14, 2019

Haddad Quoted in The Economist on the Next Voice of French Nationalism

By Benjamin Haddad

Read the full article here

France
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Experts

Fellow

Didier Acouetey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Léonie Allard

Visiting Fellow

Europe Center

Africa Chinese

Fellow

Gérard Araud

Distinguished Fellow

Europe Center

English Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Phyllis Berry

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia France

Fellow

Jason Davidson

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Fellow

William Drozdiak

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Europe & Eurasia France
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