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

‘We Need to Keep America Open Even as We Keep America Secure’

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

‘We Need to Keep America Open Even as We Keep America Secure’

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

‘We Need to Keep America Open Even as We Keep America Secure’

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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New Atlanticist

Dec 18, 2015

‘We Need to Keep America Open Even as We Keep America Secure’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Atlantic Council’s Damon Wilson says United States should strengthen the Visa-Waiver Program to bolster security without deterring visitors while consulting with our partners on any changes The Visa-Waiver Program is an “expression of one of the greatest soft powers” of the United States that is underpinned by significant law enforcement cooperation, and it would be […]

European Union France

In the News

Dec 17, 2015

Montanino on the Litigation against Lagarde

By Andrea Montanino

The Financial Times quotes Global Business and Economics Program Director Andrea Montanino on the decision by France’s Cour de justice de la République that Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, should stand trial over a payment made by the French government to businessman Bernard Tapie:

France

EconoGraphics

Dec 9, 2015

QE to Infinity

By Global Business and Economics

On December Third, European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi, announced that quantitative easing (QE) would continue as the EU marches along its road to recovery.

Economy & Business European Union

In the News

Dec 4, 2015

Slavin on Paris Climate Conference and Syria

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Voice of America’s Issues in the News to moderate a discussion on the climate conference in Paris, ISIS and Syria, and the Iran nuclear report: 

France Iran
French snipers training in Great Britain, Feb. 16, 2012

NATOSource

Nov 25, 2015

The Unbearable Lightness of European Defense

By Daniel Keohane, Carnegie Europe

France may end up feeling—to paraphrase novelist Milan Kundera—the unbearable lightness of European defense. There are at least four reasons for this.

European Union France
Syrian President Bashar Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Oct. 21, 2015

NATOSource

Nov 25, 2015

How Will Downing of Russian Plane Impact Campaign Against ISIS?

By Josh Seigel, Daily Signal

President Barack Obama on Tuesday used the downing of a Russian warplane as evidence to support the view of the international community that the Kremlin get with the program in the fight against the Islamic State.

France NATO

In the News

Nov 24, 2015

Ullman on Turkey’s Downing of Russian Plane

By Harlan Ullman

Atlantic Council Senior Adviser Harlan Ullman joins The Leslie Marshall Show to discuss President Obama’s meeting with French President Francois Hollande and Turkey’s downing of a Russian plane:

France Russia

In the News

Nov 23, 2015

Hellyer: What the Paris Attacks Should Now Teach Us

By H.A. Hellyer

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Senior Fellow H.A. Hellyer writes for Al Arabiya on the lessons taht should be taken away from the Paris attacks and the responses that should follow:

France

In the News

Nov 23, 2015

Lightfoot on President Hollande Meeting with Obama

By Jeffrey Lightfoot

Roll Call quotes Brent Scowcroft Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Jeffrey Lightfoot on the topics President Hollande of France is most likley to discuss with President Obama during their meeting in the wake of the terrorist attacks on Paris:

France

In the News

Nov 21, 2015

Lightfoot on Unity After Paris Attacks

By Jeffrey Lightfoot

The Los Angeles Times quotes Brent Scowcroft Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Jeffrey Lightfoot on France’s approach to ISIS and their hope for international partnership after the attacks on Paris:

France
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Rama Yade

Senior Director, Africa Center

Africa Center Europe Center

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