#PolyPod: France is stepping up as nuclear power – for sure

France plans to expand its nuclear arsenal and deepen cooperation with European partners, marking another step toward the “Europeanisation” of nuclear deterrence. What does President Macron mean — and what does it mean for the rest of us? 

Listen to the conversation with:  

• Florence Robine, the French Ambassador to Norway 
• Paal Frisvold, expert on European Affairs, Tankesmia Europa  
• Mette Vågnes Eriksen, Secretary General, the Norwegian Polytechnic Society 

In this episode, you will learn why and how President Macron and France are taking stronger positions as a nuclear power. You will hear about France’s nuclear history and the rationale behind its strategy of strategic ambiguity, as well as its doctrine that nuclear weapons serve strictly defensive purposes. 

We also discuss the evolving concept of extended deterrence with nuclear weapons — and how President Macron is inviting European countries to cooperate more closely with France in this area. 

What could this mean in practice? What kinds of nuclear capabilities might be involved, where, and when? And can we rely on the personal responsibility of the French President — at any given moment — to decide whether or not to press the nuclear button? 

You will also get to know Madame l’Ambassadrice Florence Robine, who holds a PhD in the exact sciences, is a recipient of the prestigious French Legion of Honour, and previously served as a professor of physics — a true Ambassadrice Polytechnique. 

As they say: 

“We will win all together, or we will lose all together” — for sure. 

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