The philosopher queries the impact of corruption on national security, and with legal, moral and economic diversions points out the serious threat to democracy posed by a combination of political and media corruption.

This study of the evolution of France’s strategic posture raises the question of the development of power since the end of World War Two. The Cold War conditioned the Gaullist posture of national independence within the western alliance. With its demise, developments in the process of building Europe raise the question of incorporating that posture into a European setting whose structure is still undefined. The author examines the constraints and suggests a new approach.

Denouncing military weakness, notably apparent in the summer of 2008, the Russian Prime Minister is developing his concern over Russian national strength and pride, frustrated by the past two post-Soviet decades. Detailing the many shortcomings, he plans to revive the Russian military establishment, outlining a policy of rearmament. The author, a well-informed observer of the Russian scene offers his analysis of Putin’s patriotic rhetoric, designed for electoral purposes.

This series of three articles is co-authored by Lieutenant Colonel James Shigekane, United States Air Force and Lieutenant Commander Tom Winkler, United States Navy, and is to be published in Revue Défense Nationale in fall 2011, winter 2011, and summer 2012. It recounts their experiences at the French War College in Paris.