Citation

Hébert JP, De Penanros R. Def. Peace Econ. 1995; 6(3): 207-220.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10430719508404826

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The French arms production system is characterised by the important role of the State in its functioning. To analyse this role in the current defence industry conversion process it is first necessary to review the extent and modes of the ascendancy of the state in this sector of activities. This will make it easier to understand how the state plays the role of industrial regulator for the system, and how, within its own industrial establishments, via a “creeping” conversion process, it encourages market and production diversification and greater autonomy for subcontractors. It is only within this perspective that aid mechanisms for the conversion of sites and staff make sense. These are the points covered successively in this article.