Thesis defense by Laurent BORZILLO
Mr. Laurent BORZILLO defended his thesis entitled "Bi/multinational expeditionary forces in Europe: a comparative analysis of French and German alliance policies (1991-2016)" on Friday, February 21, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. at the Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Montpellier, 39 rue de l'Université 34060 Montpellier Cedex 2, Room: des actes. Supervised by Mr. Jean JOANA and Mr. Frédéric MERAND
Joint supervision with the University of Montreal (CANADA)
Composition of the proposed jury
- Mr. Thomas LINDEMANN, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin. Rapporteur.
- Mr. Stephan MARTENS, University of Cergy-Pontois. Rapporteur.
- Ms. Laurie BEAUDONNET University of Montreal. Examiner.
- Mr. Hubert PERES University of Montpellier. Examiner.
- Mr. Jean JOANA University of Montpellier. Thesis supervisor.
- Mr. Frédéric MÉRAND University of Montreal. Thesis co-supervisor.
Keywords: comparative foreign policy analysis, European army, Franco-German Brigade (BFA), France and Germany, European Union Battle Groups (EUBG), public alliance policies
Abstract:
Why do states create bi/multi-national expeditionary forces? Why are they not ultimately used? The aim of this thesis is to provide an explanation for this paradox, which is perfectly illustrated by the Franco-German brigade and the European Union's battle groups
. Although these two units are not the only ones in Europe that can be described as expeditionary forces, we decided to choose these two case studies in order to analyze the decision-making processes in both France and Germany through the measures relating to them. We therefore focused on these units and the alliance policies that gave rise to them. In concrete terms, our research is in line with
work on alliances, but also falls within the field of comparative foreign policy analysis. The theoretical explanation developed to explain the decisions studied is based on Kal Holsti's role theory. In our view, decisions are made only by a limited group of actors and result from the roles they adhere to for their country. Institutional arrangements, as well as conflicts and power relations, moderate these roles. Furthermore, in the case of decisions with institutional implications, there is a tendency to follow the path of previous measures. Decisions in favor of the Franco-German brigade and groupings ultimately result from the dominance of the roles of promoter of European military capacity building and loyal ally among the actors behind these decisions. Other roles present in France and Germany, on the contrary, tend to curb the use of these units, in particular that of great power (for France) and that of civil power (for Germany). Several roles coexist within each decision-making apparatus, and each sees its weight in terms of influence fluctuate. This results from variations in the decisions
studied by the actors involved, as well as from the struggles and power relations between them. Our thesis is divided into seven chapters. In the first three, we will review the literature on the forces studied and alliances, our methodology, and international relations in Europe over the last thirty years. The following sections deal with the evolution of the Franco-German brigade into an expeditionary force, the creation of tactical groups, the choice of partners within these groups, and finally the non-use of these military troops. These different themes constitute the four empirical chapters of our research. In conclusion, it can be estimated that the chances of deploying the units studied in the coming years remain rather low. The theoretical explanation developed for this work and based on role theory also provides a tool for understanding the functioning of the French and German political-military apparatus. Validated for this analysis, it now remains to be tested on other case studies and states.
