Penser son ennemi. Modélisations de l'adversaire dans les forces armées
The designation of an enemy is always the result of a political decision, which generally leads to the opening of hostilities.
If the enemy is the result of a political choice, it is though a military necessity for armed forces which have to carry out an analysis of the enemy at each level of analysis, be it strategic, operational or tactical. The military leader thus has a special bond with “his” enemy, taking him into account through his intelligence system in the unique context of his mission. If the fundamental principles of enemy study recur in most armies, differences in methods of analysis and modeling persist, even within NATO countries, showing the diversity of how to address an adversary. These traditional approaches could however soon be challenged by innovations in military intelligence and applications of artificial intelligence.
This content is available in French: Penser son ennemi. Modélisations de l'adversaire dans les forces armées.
Related centers and programs
Discover our other research centers and programsFind out more
Discover all our analysesEUDIS, HEDI, DIANA: What's behind Three Defense Innovation Acronyms?
In Europe, with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine showing little sign of abating, a persistent gap remains between security needs and defense spending. According to a 2006 commitment enshrined at the 2014 Wales NATO summit, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members should disburse no less than 2% of their national gross domestic product (GDP) on defense, out of which 20% is to be spent on equipment and research and development. In 2024, only 23 Allies out of 32 are expected to meet or exceed this target, though a significant improvement from only three in 2014. This total includes the United States (US) devoting 3.38% of its GDP to defense, constituting almost 70% of all NATO member defense spending combined.
From Ukraine to Gaza: Military Uses of Artificial Intelligence
The wars in Ukraine and Gaza show us the extent to which artificial intelligence (AI) has become integral to battlefield operations.
French thinking on AI integration and interaction with nuclear command and control, force structure, and decision-making
This paper analyses the French literature on France’s perception of military AI, especially its consequences on strategic systems and competition, and nuclear deterrence.
The Future of Europe’s Strategic Deterrence is (also) at Sea
A cursory look at both France and the UK suggests that the future of European nuclear deterrence is at sea.