Le Drian: France Is Entering New Strategic Era

The phase known as the end of the Cold War has closed, he said, and a new period is opening. France, by understanding the major shifts, can prepare for the future and maintain its position in the world. “Militarized terrorism” among jihadist fighters, a resurgent Russia and the spread of advanced arms technology are among the new factors.

Other factors include a lack of European solidarity and war in the Middle East while Russia, a nuclear power, rearms itself, he said. A “strategic patience” is needed, balancing international and national inertia and the impatience of public opinion. 

Separately, the chief of the Defense Staff, Army Gen. Pierre de Villiers, said in a Jan. 20 article in daily Le Monde that winning a war called for winning the peace, and that requires political stability and economic support for the local population after combat ends.

DYI Comments:  As the U.S./U.K./NATO/EU alliance continues their stripping away of Russia's allies as in the case of Montenegro joining NATO with the long term goal of chasing the Russian navy out of the Black Sea.  And as the U.S. makes its pivot to Asia a power vacuum occurs. France by filling this vacuum with political and military assets will give them a bigger seat at the table for negotiation within the alliance.  In the months and years ahead I expect further involvement from France.

DYI