National Security and Democracy: The Dilemma from a French Perspective

Abstract

The handling of issues related to national security which often implies conducts and values at variance if not contrary to democratic norms seem to have been achieved without too problematical difficulties in the case of France. Thus was developed a modulated juridical system to protect security against external and internal threats without violating the requirement of rule of law. Likewise, civil rights such as conscientious objection and information were safe from encroachment by the state. France's historical posture but also its statist tradition have helped until now the resolution of dilemmas that stem from maintaining national security within the realm and the control of the law.