Mathieu Droin

Visiting Fellow, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program
Mathieu Droin

Mathieu Droin is a visiting fellow in the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he focuses on transatlantic European security and defense. Prior to joining CSIS, Mr. Droin served as deputy head of the strategic affairs unit at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MFA), where his work focused on NATO, EU Common Security and Defence Policy, and maritime security issues. Prior to working at the MFA, Mr. Droin worked for the Ministry of Economy and Finance in the economic departments of the French embassies in Kuwait, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Droin holds a master's degree in international affairs analysis from Sciences Po Bordeaux and Sciences Po Lyon.

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The European Union Charts Its Own Path for European Rearmament

The European Union has rolled out its first-ever defense industrial strategy, signaling a leap forward in the bloc's ambition to become a more credible security and defense player. However, doubts remain that the strategy is another false dawn with little funding attached.

Critical Questions by Max Bergmann, Mathieu Droin, Sissy Martinez, and Otto Svendsen — March 8, 2024

Why the Washington Summit Should Focus on Europe

Europe cannot defend itself without the United States. But next year’s 75th anniversary NATO summit in Washington provides an opportunity to put Europe on a new course, demonstrate U.S. leadership, and address burden-sharing concerns.

Report by Max Bergmann, Sean Monaghan, and Mathieu Droin — December 20, 2023

The Granada Summit of the European Political Community: Ambition or Oblivion?

The third summit of the European Political Community in Granada might not deliver spectacular outcomes and is held amid a very tense context in the wider Europe, but this informal platform for leaders remains relevant to build strategic convergence on shared challenges.

Commentary by Mathieu Droin and Ilke Toygür — October 4, 2023

A Renewed Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Reading Between the Front Lines

While Azerbaijan and Karabakh Armenians agreed to a Russia-brokered ceasefire this Wednesday, if the three-decades-long conflict has taught anything to its observers it is that Moscow-negotiated peace in Nagorno-Karabakh usually tends to be fragile and fleeting.

Critical Questions by Mathieu Droin, Tina Dolbaia, and Abigail Edwards — September 22, 2023

Post-Prigozhin Russia in Africa: Regaining or Losing Control?

Any changes in Wagner’s command and control following Prigozhin’s presumed death do not necessarily mean that Russia is abandoning the Wagner model altogether, given the significant geopolitical and economic benefits that it provides for the Kremlin in Africa.  

Report by Mathieu Droin and Tina Dolbaia — September 20, 2023

Russia Is Still Progressing in Africa. What's the Limit?

This paper examines Russia’s creeping influence over Africa, assessing Moscow’s historic legacy as well as the current diplomatic, economic, and military-security links that contribute to the region’s continued willingness to engage with Russia. 

Report by Mathieu Droin and Tina Dolbaia — August 15, 2023

Press Briefing: Previewing the Second Russia–Africa Summit

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) will host a call-in press briefing on Thursday, July 20, at 9:00 a.m. EDT, to preview the Second Russia–Africa Summit and the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.

Event — July 20, 2023

What Happened at NATO's Vilnius Summit?

While Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership captured most of the headlines of this year's NATO summit in Vilnius, the alliance took a range of decisions to strengthen deterrence, adapt for the future, and deepen global partnerships.

Critical Questions by Sean Monaghan, Sissy Martinez, Otto Svendsen, Carlota García Encina, and Mathieu Droin — July 14, 2023

France and India: Two Nuances of 'Strategic Autonomy'

Narendra Modi’s presence as a guest of honor on Bastille Day is testament to a thriving Franco-Indian relationship. The strength of this partnership rests on convergent visions of multipolarity and multilateralism, embodied in the concept of “strategic autonomy.”

Commentary by Mathieu Droin, Rajesh Basrur, Nicolas Blarel, and Jyotsna Mehra — July 13, 2023