Britain and France: A Dialogue of Decline? Chatham House, September 2010

The security challenge is daily greater and more complex, the resources available daily tighter as defence expenditure becomes discretionary in an age of austerity. Britain and France are in relative and parallel decline. Thus, sound strategy built on strong partnerships is the prerequisite for influence. Anglo-French defence co-operation is vital. Indeed, joint purpose and effect is the stuff of contemporary strategy for two old powers that together and apart have shaped the modern world for over three hundred years.