Admiral Alain Coldefy at Polytechnique: an exceptional lecture on tensions in the Asia-Pacific region

13 March 2025 – École Polytechnique

Organised in partnership with the GeopolitiX association, this event provided an opportunity to engage in high-level dialogue with students on the military, strategic and diplomatic dynamics at play in the Asia-Pacific region, drawing on the classic concept of the Thucydides Trap, which describes the risk of confrontation between a dominant power and a rising power.

An experienced speaker dedicated to strategic thinking

A former Inspector-General of the Armed Forces and Major-General, Admiral Coldefy has commanded major operations across the globe and held several key posts in the fields of military diplomacy, strategic foresight and doctrinal analysis. His presentation provided a precise and well-researched analysis of the delicate balances that shape the Asia-Pacific region.

Through a presentation that was both rigorous and accessible, he highlighted:
– China’s rise to power and the areas of tension with the United States,
– the risks of a strategic spiral in a highly militarised region,
– France’s unique position in this region, as the only European power to have a permanent sovereign presence in the Pacific, through its overseas territories and its exclusive economic zone.

A stimulating discussion with students from École Polytechnique

The lecture, followed by a lively discussion, gave the students the opportunity to ask the Admiral directly about issues of sovereignty, collective security and France’s position in the face of the ongoing shifts in the international order. The involvement of young people in international policy debates was at the heart of this meeting, in keeping with Deep Blue’s mission to foster dialogue between strategic expertise and student engagement.

A fruitful partnership with GeopolitiX

Deep Blue extends its warmest thanks to Alexander Zainoun and the GeopolitiX team for their collaboration in organising and facilitating this conference. This synergy between a student think tank and an academic association reflects the importance of forging links between future engineers, decision-makers and strategists, centred on major contemporary issues.