Unpacking the storytelling around French arms sales: Demystifying the “strategic autonomy” argument
Journal: Global Policy
Year: 2023

Abstract This article looks at the way France's arms exports have historically been framed as an inherent part of the country's core policies to achieve “strategic autonomy” at the domestic and international levels. It posits that taking this argument for granted without subjecting it to critical scrutiny is hazardous because it enables the continued unquestioned support for French arms sales and hampers the development of more stringent export control processes. Today, the need to look beyond t