At least since Sun Tzu, strategic ambiguity has been part of the art of war.
It is in the name of this concept that the head of state, Emmanuel Macron, did not rule out sending troops to Ukraine on Monday.
This communication, poorly prepared, was also misunderstood.
There was no question of immediately sending French soldiers to fight on the front alongside the Ukrainians against the Russian army.
But Vladimir Putin had to be made to doubt.
As if it were a first step, the president suggested opening a reflection, first on training and support missions behind the lines.
Without a decision having been made.
But by opening up possibilities.
The ambiguity was there.
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War is a matter of anticipation which rests on two pillars: restricting the adversary's choices and maintaining freedom of maneuver.
A maximum of hypotheses can then be considered, offering, in the absence of a victory, at least the possibility of not being surprised.
In Ukraine, a defeat…
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