French Nuclear Policy in the New Century

摘要

For the foreseeable future, France must maintain its independent capability and not implement the Eurobomb concept. Three invasions in less than one century, the defeat of 1940, and the Suez crisis constitute the main historical elements, explaining the fourth republic's will to develop a nuclear program. Nuclear weapons offered France freedom of action and influence and gave France the ability to play a key role in international community as a global power. France gained the image of a strong modern nation independent from the bipolarity of the cold war. With the end of the cold war, France joined the other nuclear powers to negotiate arms control and disarmament. For the foreseeable future, France must maintain its independent nuclear capability and not implement the Eurobomb concept. To maintain a credible arsenal, France will henceforth use simulation in conjunction with GB and US cooperation. Domestically, France's nuclear arsenal is supported by a large consensus. This consensus must be a permanent concern for the government in order to let France preserve its freedom of choice between a Europeanization of its capability and an independent arsenal. Indeed, an independent arsenal needs to be supported by French public opinion to strengthen the government in the face of international opposition.