French and German strategic narratives: divergence or convergence?

Matthew David HUNTLEY^[1]

https://doi.org/10.53465/SJIR.1339-2751.2024.2.125-144

 

Abstract: This article assesses whether the strategic narratives of France and Germany regarding European defence cooperation are currently exhibiting divergence or convergence. Despite the previous differing approaches of the two countries towards European defence cooperation, the findings reveal that the current trend is moving towards more convergence. There are several catalysts for this convergence, but Russia’s aggressive foreign policy coupled with China’s perceived efforts to reshape the international order play substantial roles. The policy document analysis outlines the two governments’ strategic narratives from 2016 to 2023 and investigates shifts in both German and French policy, in terms of changing priorities, changing strategic culture and a potential drive towards more European strategic autonomy.

Keywords: strategic narratives, national security, France, Germany, Russia, China

JEL: F50, F52

Fulltext: PDF

Submitted: 16. 4. 2024 | Accepted: 26. 9. 2024 | Published 15. 12. 2024

 

To cite this article (APA style):

Huntley, M. D. (2024). French and German strategic narratives: divergence or convergence? Medzinárodné vzťahy – Slovak Journal of International Relations, 22(2), 125 – 144. https://doi.org/10.53465/SJIR.1339-2751.2024.2.125-144

 

Publisher: University of Economics in Bratislava

ISSN online: 1339-2751

 

^[1] Ing. Matthew David Huntley, Department of International and Diplomatic Studies, Faculty of International Relations, Prague University of Economics and Business, nám. W. Churchilla 1938/4, 130 67 Praha 3 – Žižkov, e-mail: . https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1022-5185