From Nuclear Deterrence to the Middle East: Insights from the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum

We assess the implications of France’s new nuclear doctrine that President Emmanuel Macron introduced as “forward deterrence” (dissuasion avancée). Macron’s announcement of deeper nuclear cooperation with European partners – Germany in particular – could turn out to be a turning point in Europe’s security architecture. Meanwhile, the war in the Middle East has entered a new phase with nuclear sites being targeted across the region. Against this backdrop, the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum 2026 takes place from March 24 to 26. Our guests share their insights from the conference and discuss how both Macron’s nuclear initiative and the situation in the Middle East could reshape Franco-German relations.