Franco-German defence and security cooperation

Abstract

Bilateral Franco-German cooperation in security and defence is characterized by a paradox. On the one hand, France and Germany are closely connected institutionally, and consult across all key areas of foreign policy, security, and defence in highly regularized ways. On the other hand, the countries’ general orientations in security and defence, as well as their strategic postures and numerous policy preferences in these domains, often are disparate and, not infrequently, deeply divergent. This chapter outlines both the institutional underpinnings of the robust Franco-German bilateral connection and the enduring differences between France and Germany. It then explores how this ‘double logic’ of institutional cohesion versus preference divergence plays out across key areas in security and defence, including armament cooperation; nuclear forces; the Franco-German brigade and the Eurocorps; and military deployment. The chapter concludes by discussing where the Franco-German relationship may be heading, and the implications of these developments for European politics.