Evolution of France’s strategic communication (January 1, 2025 – April 26, 2025)

Introduction

The analysis of France’s strategic communication over the first four months of 2025 reveals a clear evolution in priorities. Initially, the focus centered on internal security and support for Ukraine. Over time, however, the messaging shifted increasingly toward highlighting France’s international operations, technological advancements, and leadership in maritime security. France progressively repositioned its communication from a domestic focus to a broader European and global strategic posture​​​.

Communication Structure and Changes Over Time

1. January–February 2025: Focus on Internal Security and Ukraine

  • Operation Sentinelle: Emphasis on the continuous military presence across French territory to protect citizens and critical infrastructure​.

  • Support for Ukraine: Regular updates on military aid (including Mirage 2000 aircraft deliveries and pilot training) and reaffirmation of France’s commitment amid anniversary milestones​.

  • NATO Engagement: Early mentions of French deployments supporting NATO operations in Estonia, Lithuania, and Romania.

2. March 2025: Increasing Focus on International and Technological Domains

  • Collective Defense: Expanded communication on NATO engagements, including major exercises such as „Steadfast Dart 25” and „Baltic Sentry”​.

  • Technology and Innovation: Initial integration of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence themes related to defense capabilities.

  • Maritime Security: Enhanced messaging around naval activities, particularly concerning the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea operations​.

3. April 2025: Globalization of the Strategic Narrative

  • Multinational Exercises: Extensive promotion of large-scale exercises like PEGASE25 (Scandinavia), Mare Aperto (Mediterranean Sea), and Bold Eagle (Baltic States)​.

  • Maritime Sovereignty and Energy Security: Increased communication on maritime patrols (Operation Aspides) and protection of critical underwater infrastructures.

  • Humanitarian and Climate Missions: Introduction of narratives highlighting disaster relief operations (e.g., Vanuatu earthquake response, cyclone recovery in Mayotte), reinforcing France’s humanitarian leadership.

Key Narratives and Their Evolution

Narrative January–February March April General Trend
Internal Security (Operation Sentinelle) Dominant Sustained but declining Marginal Decrease
Support for Ukraine Very high High High Consistent presence
NATO and European Defense Moderate Growing Very high Strong increase
Cybersecurity and AI Marginal Noticeable Growing Increasing importance
Naval and Maritime Operations Moderate Growing Very high Strong increase
Humanitarian and Climate Missions Minimal Occasional Increasing Growing presence

Communication Effectiveness

  • Highest Engagement was observed for:

    • Internal security topics (January–February)​,

    • Support for Ukraine (throughout the period),

    • NATO-related exercises and naval operations (March–April)​.

  • Emerging Topics (cybersecurity, AI) attracted growing but still moderate engagement compared to traditional defense themes.

  • Humanitarian and environmental themes generated positive, albeit moderate, audience interaction.

Operational Conclusions

  1. Strategic Recalibration: France shifted its communication focus from domestic security to emphasizing collective defense and international partnerships, particularly through NATO and EU frameworks.

  2. Technological Resilience Building: The integration of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence themes signals preparation for the challenges of hybrid and high-tech conflicts.

  3. Global Engagement Expansion: France increasingly portrayed itself as a global security actor through engagements in the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, and Eastern Europe.

  4. Responsible Power Projection: Humanitarian missions and climate-focused operations enhanced France’s image as a stabilizing and responsible international actor, not limited to military leadership alone.