One of the most significant results of the geostrategic changes that have occurred in recent years is the escalation of military interventions around the world. However, despite the intimate linkages between the strategic, political and operational levels within these new types of military interventions, there is a profound lack of debate in France about these important issues.

This is the reason why the Defense Research Unit (LRD in French) was created, to nurture debate about these issues and to bring together civil and military experts into a permanent research unit. LRD is supported financially by IFRI, the French Army and defense industries, it initiates and organises its own research program, the results of which are disseminated widely amongst the defence and security communities.