France

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

Haddad Quoted in Le Monde On US-France Relations

Dispatches
Sep 17, 2026

Macron won the argument over European strategic autonomy. Will better European defense come of it?

By
Aurélie Vittot

Delivering real capabilities is where this vision of strategic autonomy will succeed or fail.

Defense Policy
Europe & Eurasia

Haddad Quoted in Le Monde On US-France Relations

Dispatches
May 15, 2026

The UK faces a dilemma over potential troop deployments to Ukraine. France can help.

By
Julia Salabert, Jason C. Moyer

France is currently punching below its weight in the Baltic area and could shoulder more of the burden.

France
NATO

Haddad Quoted in Le Monde On US-France Relations

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

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

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Content

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

Inflection Points

Mar 9, 2019

Dear Europe: Renaissance or unraveling?

By Frederick Kempe

Across Europe, Macron has been unable to personally integrate other pro-EU forces and sometimes appears aloof from what other Europeans think.

European Union France

In the News

Mar 8, 2019

Haddad joins Brussel Sprouts to discuss France’s Yellow Vest Movement

By Benjamin Haddad

Listen to the full discussion here.

France

In the News

Feb 14, 2019

Haddad Joins The Chicago Council On Global Affairs to Discuss Yellow Vest Protests

By Benjamin Haddad

Listen to the full discussion here

France
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Experts

Fellow

Aurélie Vittot

Visiting fellow

Europe Center

English Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Rama Yade

Senior Director, Africa Center

Africa Center Europe Center

Civil Society Human Rights