Economist Podcasts Battle acts: France beefs up its forces
Apr 2, 2021
Sophie Petter, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist, shares insights on France's evolving military strategies as it prepares for high-intensity conflicts and showcases its capabilities through Exercise Orion. Ryan Avend, author of Free Exchange, discusses the alarming implications of declining birth rates, underscoring the need for innovative solutions in childbirth and childcare to navigate the future. They also address the moral complexities surrounding the restitution of the Benin bronzes, artifacts caught in a historical tug-of-war.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
France Prepares for Major Conflict
- The French armed forces, after years of peacekeeping and counterinsurgency, are preparing for major conflict.
- Exercise Orion in 2023 will test their full military capacity on a scale unseen in decades.
Shift in French Military Focus
- French forces are undergoing a seismic shift from peacekeeping to high-intensity conflict preparation.
- General Thierry Burkhard's 2030 strategic vision outlines this need.
Scaling Up French Operations
- France's military is preparing for larger-scale operations, potentially involving 8,000 to 25,000 soldiers.
- Reforms include stricter recruitment, equipment investment, simpler structures, and tougher training.
