Doctrine of the Depths: The French Army Faces the Return of Empires (legrandcontinent.eu)

• Return of imperial power politics and open use of force.
• Hybrid warfare as a permanent state: peace and war merge.
• Need to combine traditional procurement with agile innovation.

"The article argues that the world is shifting towards an imperial order where force is openly used. Russia's invasion of Ukraine exemplifies this. Hybrid warfare blurs peace and war, requiring nations to prepare for permanent conflict. The French Army must adapt by combining traditional capabilities with rapid innovation in AI and drones. The concept of 'tréfonds' (depths) emphasizes that victory depends on national will and societal resilience. France's defense budget of €57 billion in 2026 (with €36 billion additional by 2030) must balance large programs with agile procurement. The army must help build European sovereignty and ensure France's ability to decide its own destiny."