The École Militaire in Paris recently witnessed a momentous occasion: the inauguration of the Académie de Défense de l’École Militaire (ACADEM), a new academy dedicated to promoting French strategic thinking across Europe and the globe. The event was a beacon of excitement and anticipation for attendees, signaling a fresh approach to military education and strategic analysis.
The inaugural address by Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces, resonated with the participants, outlining the crucial role of ACADEM in preparing future military leaders for the challenges ahead. He emphasized the academy’s mission to not only deepen understanding of allies and competitors but also to meticulously examine France’s strengths and address weaknesses. This call for self-awareness and international engagement resonated deeply with the audience.
The presentation by General Benoît Durieux, President of ACADEM, further solidified the significance of the academy. In his own words, “At the heart of Alexander’s victories, we always find Aristotle,” quoting Charles de Gaulle’s 1934 work, “Toward a Professional Army.” This poignant statement underscores the inherent value of strategic thinking in shaping a nation’s destiny.
ACADEM: A Beacon of Influence in a Changing World
The birth of ACADEM is a direct response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, recognizing the increasing need for strategic innovation and enhanced international collaboration. The international situation, coupled with rapid shifts in the strategic context, highlights the urgent necessity to refresh France’s strategic approach, actively contribute to European and transatlantic dialogue, and amplify its influence among its partners and allies.
This realization has spurred decisive action from French political leaders. The National Strategic Review, unveiled by the President in November 2022, formally recognized influence as the sixth strategic function. This directive was further solidified through the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law.
To fully realize this new strategic function, a central hub for influence was needed, and what better location than the École Militaire? This prestigious institution, nestled in the heart of Paris, boasts a unique legacy and unparalleled legitimacy in the realm of education. The echoes of historical figures like Bonaparte, Foch, and de Gaulle still resonate within the walls of this time-honored establishment, a testament to its enduring influence.
A Long-Held Ambition Finally Realized
The creation of ACADEM, achieved within a mere two years, represents the culmination of a long-held ambition. Following the Liberation, General de Gaulle’s government envisioned a “defense academy” dedicated to the joint education of military and civilian elites. While this initial endeavor faced setbacks, the École Militaire emerged as the central hub for higher military education and the Institute for Higher National Defense Studies (IHEDN).
This ambition was rekindled at the dawn of the Fifth Republic, with the Prime Minister, Michel Debré, advocating for a “military university.” However, this dream, along with subsequent attempts, met with obstacles. Nevertheless, over the years, particularly since the 1990s, the École Militaire has seen a steady influx of research organizations: the War College, doctrine centers, research institutes and chairs, and leadership training institutes. This unique concentration of expertise sets the École Militaire apart from any other institution in Europe.
A New Era of Collaboration and Excellence
The Minister of the Armed Forces has prioritized the creation of ACADEM for over a year, recognizing its immense potential. The academy will leverage the co-location of various organizations, spanning the Ministries of the Armed Forces and Interior, as well as interministerial institutions.
Through its unique structure, encompassing over twenty organizations, ACADEM fosters intellectual exchange and maximizes resources. This geographical proximity enables knowledge sharing and collaboration across various entities. Moreover, the academy facilitates a shared academic approach to events and knowledge creation, regardless of the organizational affiliations of its members.
ACADEM is not merely a new layer of bureaucracy but rather a streamlined and unifying platform, committed solely to advancing French defense and security education, research, and doctrine. This objective will be achieved through the organization of events, seminars, and forums that bring together the diverse organizations under its umbrella.
A Global Platform for Knowledge and Innovation
By uniting these institutions under one roof, ACADEM will ensure the École Militaire remains firmly in the forefront of national, European, and global thought leadership. This will enable the Ministry of the Armed Forces, and by extension, the State, to effectively utilize the exceptional resources at the École Militaire, solidifying its position as a leading center of international debate and influence.
The academy stands as a natural crossroads for researchers, professors, military officers, academics, thinkers, and practitioners. This diverse ecosystem will propel ACADEM to become a globally recognized incubator for strategic studies and education.
General Benoît Durieux, President of the Académie de Défense de l’École Militaire and Director of IHEDN and Higher Military Education
ACADEM Organizations:
- Académie du renseignement
- Bibliothèque de l’École militaire (BEM)
- Centre de doctrine et d’enseignement du commandement (CDEC)
- Centre d’enseignement militaire supérieur air (CEMSAIR)
- Centre d’enseignement militaire supérieur Terre (CEMS-T)
- Centre d’études stratégiques de la marine (CESM)
- Centre d’études stratégiques aérospatiales-CESA
- Centre de formation des dirigeants de la gendarmerie (CFDG)
- Centre de formation au management de la défense CFMD)
- Centre de recherche de l’EOGN (CREOGN)
- Centre des hautes études militaires – CHEM
- Centre interarmées de concepts, de doctrines et d’expérimentations (CICDE)
- Chaire “Cyberdéfense et souveraineté numérique” de l’IHEDN
- Chaire “Économie de défense” de l’IHEDN
- Chaire “Défense et sécurité du territoire national” de l’État-major interarmées du territoire national métropolitain (EMIA-TN)
- Chaire “Stratégies aérienne et spatiale appliquées” intégrée au (CESA)
- CGARM – Conseil général de l’armement
- École de guerre
- Institut des hautes études du ministère de l’Intérieur (IHEMI)
- Institut de recherche stratégique de l’Ecole militaire (IRSEM)
Stay informed! Follow ACADEM on social media:
LinkedIn
[Coming Soon: Video]
