France’s Counter-Terrorism Policy in Response to the Threat of Jihadist Terrorism since 2001

Abstract

France seeks to position itself as a regional power within Europe, pursuing policies designed to wield significant influence both within the European Union and beyond. This ambition is intended not only to secure France’s standing on the international stage but also to safeguard its internal and external security. Contemporary terrorism, however, poses one of the most pressing threats to the security of Europe and the wider world. Within the EU, France is particularly exposed to terrorist attacks – a vulnerability compounded, among other factors, by the return of French citizens who fought as ISIS combatants. As a result, counter-terrorism has become a central priority for successive French administrations. These efforts unfold on multiple fronts. Domestically, the state has introduced a series of legal and institutional measures; internationally, it engages in military operations and provides assistance programmes targeting selected countries in Asia and Africa. At the same time, persistent economic and social challenges have fostered the emergence of isolated communities, home to roughly five million Muslims. The limited success of France’s integration policies, coupled with widespread social marginalisation, has contributed to the radicalisation of certain segments of the population – an issue that lies at the heart of the country’s vulnerability to terrorist threats.