Security Studies Center
Heir to a tradition dating back to the founding of Ifri, the Security Studies Center provides public and private decision-makers as well as the general public with the keys to understanding power relations and contemporary modes of conflict as well as those to come. Through its positioning at the juncture of politics and operations, the credibility of its civil-military team and the wide distribution of its publications in French and English, the Center for Security Studies constitutes in the French landscape of think tanks a unique center of research and influence on the national and international defense debate.
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Director of the Security Studies Center & Coordinator of the Defense Research Laboratory, Ifri
Related research programs
Publications
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Titre Bloc Axe
Research areas
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Titre Axe de recherche
Wars and Conflicts
The geography and modalities of wars and armed conflicts evolve according to the international system. If irregular wars and asymmetric conflicts persist, high-intensity wars are increasing while crises take new forms under the effect of hybrid threats.
Titre Axe de recherche
International Security and Defense Policy
The analysis of international security issues involves studying the security and defense policies implemented by States in light of the dynamics of cooperation or competition. It must also integrate the role of international organizations and non-state actors.
Titre Axe de recherche
Armament and Defense Technology
Contemporary armies are increasingly defined by their ability to innovate and integrate cutting-edge technologies such as cyberweapons, space systems, or even drones and artificial intelligence, which pose new operational and ethical challenges for combatants.
Titre Axe de recherche
Military Strategies and Armed Forces
As military competition increases, armies transform and adapt their strategies. Doctrine, organization, equipment and training are key axes for understanding the evolution of land, air and naval forces.
Publications
Ballistic Missile Defense in Japan: Deterrence and Military Transformation
In December 2003, Japan decided to be the second country in the Asia-Pacific to deploy a ballistic missile defense (BMD) system.
Tsahal sur tous les fronts : L'armée israélienne dans l'incertitude stratégique
Facing threats on all its borders, as well as social, economic and religious tensions, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is now under significant pressure for ensuring its core mission: the survival of the State of Israel.
Intelligence and Nuclear Proliferation: Lessons Learned
Intelligence agencies play a fundamental role in the prevention of nuclear proliferation, as they help to understand other countries' intentions and assess their technical capabilities and the nature of their nuclear activities.
Proliferation and Nonproliferation in the Early Twenty-First Century: The Permanent Five Hold the Key to Success
Since the early twenty-first century, the international nonproliferation landscape has experienced a shift from relatively steady proliferation schemes to more complex and diverse challenges. New entities are gaining access to nuclear material and among them is a growing number of non-state actors. Some states continue to abuse international norms and rules overtly, while others opt for covert proliferation strategies.
The Defense Budget in France: Between Denial and Decline
Although defense spending is the fourth budget item in France, it is rarely a matter of public debate. During the past three decades, defense has been affected in turn by the desire to rip the benefit of the post-Cold War “peace dividend”, the professionalization of 1997, and the increase of overseas operations after September 11, 2001.
The IDF on All Fronts: Dealing with Israeli Strategic Uncertainty
Facing threats on all its borders as well as social, economic and religious tensions, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are now under significant pressure in accomplishing their core mission: the survival of the State of Israel.
Toward the End of Force Projection? II. Operational Responses and Political Perspectives
For more than a decade, US defense circles have been concerned about the emergence of capabilities and strategies, which, as they spread, risk imperiling the United States" position in the world by their ability to disrupt or prevent force projection operations. Though most of the literature on such “anti-access” strategies focuses on the military aspects of the threat, this Focus stratégique - the second and last part of a two-part study - adopts a different perspective.
Les opérations aéroportées : la profondeur stratégique en question
Airborne operations draw their strategic importance from the scale and magnitude they provide to air-land operations. Yet, their concept of employment, shaped by their historical legacy may seem unfit to contemporary requirements - especially regarding their vulnerability during dropping and penetration phases when troops are isolated and highly dependent on external support.
Winning in Libya: By Design or Default?
The 2011 insurgency in Libya brought about the demise of Supreme Leader Mouammar Qadhafi. A NATO-led coalition operated to meet a unique United Nations mandate including an arms embargo, no-fly zone, and the requirement to protect the population from armed attack.
Drones-tueurs et éliminations ciblées : Les Etats-Unis contre Al-Qaïda et ses affiliés
Armed drones - as they enable targeted killings - are henceforward playing a central role in American counterterrorism.
The Team
Our research fellows: Security Studies Center
Support independent French research
Ifri, a foundation recognized as being of public utility, relies largely on private donors – companies and individuals – to guarantee its sustainability and intellectual independence. Through their funding, donors help maintain the Institute's position among the world's leading think tanks. By benefiting from an internationally recognized network and expertise, donors refine their understanding of geopolitical risk and its consequences on global politics and the economy. In 2024, Ifri will support more than 70 French and foreign companies and organizations.