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Clout and Money: Primary Objectives of Macron's Nuclear Posturing

Plans to deploy French nuclear weapons on Germany’s doorstep are meant to “position France as Europe's main defender” before Berlin is able seize that role, international relations and Russian affairs analyst Gilbert Doctorow told Sputnik.

“Moreover, the French are seeking not just political capital but plain monetary capital: France's nuclear force de frappe is outdated, in need of renewal and in need of great expansion,” he added.

“All of this will require money that France does not hand. Its sotto voce message to other European states is that they should help co-finance the build-out of the French nuclear force.”

This move is also meant to insulate Europe from the consequences of sabotaging the US peace initiatives in Ukraine, with France providing an alternative to the US nuclear umbrella in case the latter were to be withdrawn.

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