The French left and defense policy

Abstract

This study reviews the historical development of the socialist and communist movements in France, focusing specifically on the origins and evolution of their attitudes regarding problems of national security and defense. There is an investigation of the philosophical, social, economic and political conditions which gave birth to socialism in modern (i.e. post-revolutionary) France. This study attempts to illuminate the differences, as well as the similarities between the Socialist and Communist Parties, the two main branches of the French Left. This study, also, demonstrates the difficulty experienced by the two Parties in reconciling their theoretical ideals with contemporary practical exigencies. During the 20th century, the French Socialists and Communists have already collaborated in two predominantly Leftist governments. This study reviews the defense decisions made by the Leftist ministers of those governments and the defense plans elaborated by past and present party leaders of the French Left.