Political analyst pointed to Washington, London and Paris disputes over arms production

Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election has exacerbated divisions between U.S. and European arms manufacturers. Washington and London have teamed up to put pressure on France and prevent it from expanding its market share. Pavel Feldman, a candidate of political science and professor at the Academy of Labor and Social Relations, told Izvestia on February 3.

Earlier in the day, Politico reported that France firmly insists that European taxpayers' money be spent on military systems designed and produced by European military-industrial complexes (MICs). However, some European diplomats warn of Trump's negative reaction to such a decision.

"With the arrival of Trump, the contradictions between American and European arms manufacturers have escalated to such an extent that it is no longer possible to hide them. As global tensions rise, these contradictions will only worsen, because all key global players will continue to increase their military spending. The arms market is becoming the most promising object for investment," Feldman commented.

Thus, he emphasized, France has a powerful military-industrial complex, but the U.S. with the help of administrative pressure, threats and manipulations prevent it from expanding its market share. For example, specified the interlocutor of the publication, Washington and London have specially created the military bloc AUKUS to intercept from Paris a favorable contract for the production of submarines for Australia.

"Even such a weak and inarticulate politician as [French President Emmanuel] Macron cannot refuse the temptation to make his country a key supplier of weapons for European armies. In turn, Washington will prevent this in every possible way, not wanting to share with Paris the super profits of military corporations," the expert concluded.

Earlier, on January 25, the U.S. State Department report "Arms Transfer and Defense Trade in Fiscal Year 2024" reported that exports of military equipment to foreign countries in 2024 increased by 29% to a record $318.7 billion.