A graduate of the Saint-Cyr military academy, Paul Azan served in the 2nd régiment de zouaves in colonial Algeria along the Moroccan border, prior to its conquest by France. Later receiving a doctorate in literature, his thesis and first book "Hannibal dans les Alpes" brought him attention as a military historian and writer on colonial North Africa. In 1902 he was transferred to the Army's Historical Service. There he authored a number of works on the "Algeria Question", how France might best assimilate and pacify the colonized population of North Africa. His works argued against the "Assimilationist" French policy, arguing that North African Muslims could not become full French citizens. His most notable work on the subject was 1905's "Sidi-Brahim", on the Algerian leader during the period of early colonialism in the 1840s. After serving in the historical mission to Spain, now Captain Azan returned to North Africa, following interventions which culminated in the 1911 French conquest of Morocco, about which he authored several works, and serving under General Lyautey. He took part as an officer in the campaign against the Beni Snassen and the 1908 Fez Crisis expedition of General d’Amade.