A widespread policy prescription among defense experts of the Atlantic Alliance is the strengthening of conventional forces to reduce dependence on the early use of nuclear weapons in the event of Soviet aggression. Dr. Yost examines the critical role France could play in establishing a more powerful conventional deterrent for the West and discusse

David S. Yost is an associate professor at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, where he serves as coordinator of European Security Studies. Dr. Yost has specialized in international security policy issues associated with Europe, the USSR, and arms control. He is the author of European Security and the SALT Process, Washington Paper no. 85 (1981), and the editor of NATO's Strategic Options: Arms Control and Defense (1981).

Preface -- The Improtance of French Conventional Capabilities -- French Policy and Commitments -- French Conventional Forces -- French Logistic Infrastructure -- French Attitudes to Allied Conventional Proposals -- Significance of the New Force D'Action Rapide (FAR) -- Conclusion: Continuing Compromises