France's 'return' to NATO: implications for its defence policy

President Sarkozy's decision to bring France back into NATO's integrated military structure was logical from a military standpoint, since France was heavily involved in the missions of the Alliance, without occupying the corresponding positions of responsibility. France has made major efforts to restructure its defence tool and thus, all the capabilities it will provide to NATO gives the country some legitimacy to wish a renewed Alliance, rational and credible. But so far, France still continues to support the Common Security and Defence Policy as it continues its reintegration with NATO. This article examines this seemingly contradiction in French security policy.