French Defense Policy Under President Macron: 2017-2021

07/22/2023
We have just published our latest book, this one bringing together our work on Second Line of Defense with regard to the evolution of French defense policy under President Macron during his first term. Here is what Robbin Laird, the editor of the reader, wrote about the book: Emmanuel Macron…

When the Iranian or Chinese Navy Come Calling Why Not Throw Them a Curve Ball?

07/19/2023
By Robbin Laird We have heard a lot about A2D2 and about the authoritarian powers and their asymmetric threats, Well two can play this game. The U.S. Navy has within reach a new capability to throw curve balls into the con-ops of an Iranian or Chinese navy approach to challenging…

Bastille Day 2023: Modi Brings an Indian Accent

07/14/2023
By Pierre Tran Paris - President Emmanuel Macron welcomed on July 14 the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, as guest of honor to a prestige-laden military parade marking the 1789 French revolution, a day after New Delhi green lighted high-level talks to order 26 Rafale fighter jets and three attack…

Taiwan, U.S. Defense Industry, and the Evolving Strategy for Indo-Pac Defense

07/09/2023
By Robbin Laird Too often, the focus is upon Taiwan as a U.S.-Chinese problem or confrontation. Leaving aside the question of why the Communist Party ruling the mainland has any right to seize a free democracy, such a focus misses the question of who lives in the first island chain.…

Tiltrotor in the Changing Context of Pacific Defense and Deterrence: New Book

07/09/2023
According to a 2012 Congressional Research Service Report: “In the fall of 2011, the Obama Administration issued a series of announcements indicating that the United States would be expanding and intensifying its already significant role in the Asia- Pacific, particularly in the southern part of the region. The fundamental goal…

Germany and the European Sky Shield Initiative: A July 2023 Update

07/05/2023
By Pierre Tran Paris - Germany has kept the door open to France and Italy joining Berlin’s project for an extended European missile defense system in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a senior German government official said June 30. “The European Sky Shield Initiative is open to all…

An Update on the Future Combat Air System: Paris Air Show 2023 Update

06/22/2023
By Pierre Tran Paris - Belgium has joined as an observer to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), adding a fourth nation to a partnership which bears French ambitions to boost European defense, amid perception of a leadership competition between France and Germany. “The participation of Belgium as observer will…