“The 21st century will be maritime”: Maritimization of French defense policy

Abstract

This article examines one of the structural processes observed in defense policy of modern France — the “maritimization”, or, in other words, the growing attention of the government to naval issues. It is noted that since 2017, a number of signs for it have accumulated — from various statements on maritime security in strategic documents to the start of new submarines and aircraft carrier projects. Following practical geopolitics (as a part of critical geopolitics), the article reveals the main reasons, specifics and limitations for such process. France have been induced to strengthen the fleet by the deterioration of security in several regions and threats to maritime communications, the need to ensure stability of its own “blue” economy, and by climate and biodiversity considerations as well. In practical terms, the maritimization have implied an increased budget spending on the Navy, the adoption of a new shipbuilding program “Mercator”, the signing of export agreements and the participation in multilateral exercises and projects (mainly through the EU and NATO). Nevertheless, the author comes to the conclusion that the maritime turn of French defense policy is not so obvious, since it is not planned to the detriment of other types of armed forces. It assumes qualitative, but not quantitative improvement of the fleet and does not look like a unique trend against the background of other powers. With all its benefits, the Navy still does not acquire any special status: on the contrary, the current doctrine provides for an equal importance of all components of military forces at the same time. Thus, it seems that the cooperation with the allies will be a key strategic orientation for France: even if its own capabilities are expected to stay limited, it remains a considerable part of the combined sea power of the West.