The French Socio-Intellectual Discourse on the Russian–Ukrainian War

Abstract

The article examines the French socio-intellectual discourse on the Russian–Ukrainian war as a complex field where political, moral, historical, and civilizational interpretations intersect. The Russian aggression against Ukraine (2014–2026) is analyzed not only as a military and geopolitical conflict but also as a profound intellectual challenge to European modernity, the postwar culture of peace, and established paradigms of cooperation with Russia. The study emphasizes that the war has become a critical test for Europe’s ability to rethink its strategic responsibility, security culture, and normative foundations. Special attention is paid to France as one of the key actors in European diplomacy and intellectual life. The article analyzes the official French position shaped by the concept of European strategic autonomy, as well as its gradual evolution from cautious diplomacy toward a firmer stance that combines political initiatives with military support for Ukraine. At the same time, the focus is placed on the role of French intellectuals, philosophers, historians, sociologists, military experts, artists, and public figures whose interpretations have significantly influenced public debate and moral framing of the war. The research highlights the contributions of Bernard-Henri Lévy, Étienne Balibar, Bruno Latour, Nicolas Tenzer, Jean-Dominique Giuliani, Galia Ackerman, Françoise Morvan, Sonia Wider-Atherton, and others. Their reflections conceptualize the war as an imperial and colonial aggression, a civilizational rupture, and a confrontation between democracy and authoritarian revisionism. The article demonstrates that for many French intellectuals, support for Ukraine is not merely a matter of political alignment but an ethical and existential imperative tied to the defense of the European project itself. Methodologically, the study relies on an interdisciplinary approach combining discourse analysis, political philosophy, intellectual history, and the sociology of international relations. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of internal debates within European societies and the evolving intellectual foundations of Europe’s response to the Russian–Ukrainian war.