The French Defence Debate - Consensus and Continuity in the Mitterrand Era (Hardcover)

The French Defence Debate examines assertions of consensus and continuity in, and surrounding, France's defense since 1958, with primary reference to the political career of François Mitterrand. Mitterrand's influence over defense and security, before and after his election to the presidency, is often underestimated. Nonetheless, his impact was substantial, if ultimately for his lack of concernfor preserving consensus and his reluctance to instigate necessary changes in France's defense--despite the end of the Cold War and the military deficiencies and limitations of national independence it exposed.