Macron announces shift to war economy in France amid global crises

In France, after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the concepts of sovereignty, relocalization, and mass production became commonplace as the country faced its healthcare system's vulnerabilities. This trend accelerated following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Responding to the evolving global security situation, French President Emmanuel Macron declared the need for France to enter a 'war economy' in June 2022, emphasizing increased investments and demands for innovation and responsiveness from manufacturers involved in defense. The war economy in this context does not refer to a crisis-specific wartime economy but rather a proactive preparation for potential future crises. In line with this positioning, the French government's emphasis on swiftly adapting its defense procurement strategies became clear. On December 4, 2024, Emmanuel Chiva, the Delegate General for Armaments, clarified the nature of the war economy, stating it is a shift from a peace-dividend model to a commitment model. This change aims to better align defense industries with national security needs, ensuring that military procurement adapts to both immediate and long-term challenges. Moreover, the broader political landscape in France has been tumultuous due to a variety of factors, primarily stemming from Donald Trump's political maneuvers and the resulting global disorder. Trump’s re-election in November 2024 sowed further uncertainty, particularly for European leaders unprepared to handle the implications for their foreign policies. Macron’s administration struggled with internal political disruptions, leading to a dissolution of the Assemblée Nationale and a lack of a cohesive government or budget law by early 2025. Consequently, France faces the dual challenge of redefining its defense approach in the wake of global shifts while managing significant domestic political instability. Political leaders enter the 2027 presidential election cycle under these pressures, aiming to confront both the implications of global geopolitical shifts under Trump and the necessity for effective governance at home.