Timeline Express Announcements

On 22 June 2006, the launch of Foreign Policy édition française took place in Monaco, marking the arrival of the French edition of the internationally renowned magazine. The event highlighted the ambition to provide in-depth analysis and high-level debate on global affairs from a French and European perspective. The launch brought together political figures, diplomats, intellectuals, and business leaders, underscoring the importance of connecting French and European voices to the wider international policy conversation. This milestone, supported by Fabien Baussart, who held the licence of Foreign Policy for France and Ukraine, established a platform that would host discussions with world leaders, policymakers, and experts in the years to follow.

  On 30 November 2010, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) held a soirée d’ouverture for the launch of the magazine Le Monde de l’Art at the Musée Jacquemart-André in Paris. The magazine, sponsored by CPFA and directed by Guillaume de Sardes, sought to create a platform at the intersection of culture, politics, and global affairs. The evening brought together prominent figures from these fields, including actor Jeremy Irons, former French Minister of Culture Jack Lang, art historian and writer Guillaume de Sardes, and the renowned French painter Ernest Pignon-Ernest. The event unfolded in the elegant setting of the historic museum, creating an atmosphere where conversation ranged from contemporary art and literature to the interplay between politics and culture. While the CPFA has primarily focused on international conflict, global affairs, and politics, the soirée highlighted its intellectual and artistic dimension, demonstrating the centre’s broader vision in connecting culture with international dialogue. With its combination of high artistic value and political resonance, the soirée established itself as a distinctive moment in CPFA’s programme of events. The gathering not only celebrated the launch of Le Monde de l’Art but also reaffirmed the role of culture in shaping public discourse and fostering dialogue across disciplines.

  On 3 June 2016, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted a discussion moderated by Renaud Girard, featuring Norman Lamont, former Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, and Yaşar Yakış, former Foreign Minister of Turkey. The event focused principally on developments in the Middle East, including the worsening situation in Syria and regional security implications for Europe and neighbouring states. During the talk, Norman Lamont shifted the conversation to Brexit, which was then fast approaching: the UK referendum on European Union membership was held just a few weeks later on 23 June 2016.  Lamont had publicly declared his support for leaving the EU prior to the referendum, arguing that Britain would benefit from regaining sovereignty and reducing what he viewed as overreach by EU institutions.  Yaşar Yakış focused his remarks on the Middle East’s evolving dynamics, particularly in Syria, and discussed how regional states needed to adapt to shifting power balances and humanitarian crises. Lamont’s Brexit commentary underscored how European political developments were being watched closely in the Middle East, with potential implications for alliances, trade, and regional cooperation.

  After twelve years of conflict, Syria remains trapped in a destructive stalemate. The Assad regime, though still in power, controls only part of the country, while millions of Syrians endure displacement, poverty, and insecurity. In regime-held areas, the booming captagon trade—valued at tens of billions of dollars—has transformed Syria into a narco-state, fuelling regional instability and undermining security across the Gulf and Europe. Despite these realities, some Arab states, encouraged by shifting regional dynamics, are pursuing normalisation with Damascus. Such expectations are misguided. The regime is neither capable nor willing to dismantle trafficking networks it depends upon, nor to undertake reforms that would improve the lives of Syrians. Normalisation would simply entrench Assad’s rule, legitimise his war crimes, and obstruct any meaningful political process. This discussion took place at the Rosewood Hotel, London, with Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, former Chief of the General Staff and Director of UK Special Forces, as guest of honour and first speaker, followed by Randa Kassis, President of the Astana Platform, as the second speaker.

  The Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Lord John Prescott, former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Jeroen van der Veer, former Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell, for a discussion moderated by Renaud Girard. The event brought together political and business perspectives on the challenges of governance, economics, and energy in a rapidly changing world. Lord Prescott drew on his long political career to reflect on Britain’s domestic and international policies, as well as the need for effective multilateralism to tackle global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and regional instability. Van der Veer, with his extensive experience in leading one of the world’s largest energy corporations, explored the shifting dynamics of global energy markets, the pressure to adapt to new sources of energy, and the geopolitical implications of resource dependency. By bringing together voices from politics and industry, the meeting allowed for a nuanced exchange on how governments and corporations can work in tandem to address long-term challenges. CPFA reaffirmed its role as a forum for bridging perspectives between the public and private sectors, emphasising the strategic importance of both leadership and innovation in shaping the future.

  On 2 October 2006, Gerhard Schröder, former Chancellor of Germany, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The occasion included a breakfast followed by a lunch, offering a forum for high-level exchanges. The sessions were moderated by Alexandre Adler and François Roche, who directed the conversation toward European integration, relations with Russia, and the challenges of globalisation for European economies. Schröder, drawing on his years as German Chancellor, provided his perspective on Europe’s role in an evolving international order and the balance between economic pragmatism and political principles. The gatherings attracted an audience of politicians, diplomats, policymakers, and experts, fostering candid debate on Germany’s place in Europe and its influence on wider geopolitical dynamics.

  On 7 December 2006, Al Gore, former Vice President of the United States, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The programme featured a breakfast followed by a lunch, providing a platform for substantive exchanges on global challenges. The sessions were moderated by Alexandre Adler and François Roche, who steered the conversation toward climate change, U.S. foreign policy, and transatlantic relations. Gore, fresh from the success of his documentary An Inconvenient Truth, underscored the urgency of addressing global warming while also reflecting on America’s role in international security and cooperation. The gatherings brought together politicians, diplomats, experts, and journalists, creating a unique opportunity for open dialogue on issues at the intersection of environmental policy and global governance.

  On 18 January 2007, Mohamed ElBaradei, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The programme featured a breakfast followed by a lunch, offering an important platform to discuss nuclear security and non-proliferation. The sessions were moderated by Alexandre Adler and François Roche, who guided the discussions toward the risks of nuclear proliferation, the challenges of enforcing international safeguards, and the geopolitical consequences of nuclear technology. ElBaradei emphasised the importance of multilateral diplomacy and strong international institutions to mitigate nuclear risks. The gatherings attracted an audience of politicians, experts, and policymakers, who engaged in thoughtful dialogue on how to strengthen the global non-proliferation regime and address the emerging threats facing the international community.

  On 30 January 2007, Vitaly Gaiduk, then Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, was hosted in Paris for a breakfast organised under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The discussions focused on Ukraine’s security priorities, its relations with Russia, and the country’s aspirations for closer integration with European and transatlantic institutions. Gaiduk outlined the strategic challenges facing Ukraine at the time, particularly in balancing internal reforms with external pressures in a rapidly evolving regional environment. The dinner brought together a select audience of political figures, diplomats, and experts, creating a forum for candid exchanges on the role of Ukraine in European security and its place in the broader international order.

  On 28 March 2007, Tom Ridge, the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and former Governor of Pennsylvania, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The programme featured a breakfast followed by a lunch, offering a platform for in-depth exchanges on security and international affairs. The sessions were moderated by Alexandre Adler and François Roche, who directed the discussions toward U.S. homeland security strategy, transatlantic cooperation on counter-terrorism, and the broader challenges of global security in the post-9/11 era. Ridge shared his insights on building resilience, the balance between security and civil liberties, and the need for international collaboration to address evolving threats. The gatherings attracted an audience of politicians, diplomats, and experts, encouraging candid dialogue on how U.S. experiences in homeland security could inform wider international approaches to safeguarding societies in a complex security environment.

  On 7 May 2007, Robert Kagan, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a leading American political commentator, was hosted in Paris for a lunch organised by the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA). Kagan addressed themes central to transatlantic relations, the role of the United States in the international order, and the challenges of promoting liberal democracy in an era of rising authoritarianism. Drawing on his influential analyses of power politics, he offered his perspective on the future of U.S.–European cooperation and the shifting global balance. The lunch provided an opportunity for direct dialogue with Kagan, as participants explored the interplay between American strategy and European responses to contemporary geopolitical realities.

  On 21 September 2007, Bob Woodward, the renowned American investigative journalist and author, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The programme featured a breakfast followed by a lunch, offering participants the chance to engage with one of the most influential chroniclers of U.S. politics and foreign policy. Woodward shared insights from his extensive reporting on American administrations, focusing particularly on the Bush presidency, the Iraq War, and the inner workings of decision-making in Washington. His remarks reflected his role as both a historian of power and a critic of its missteps. The gatherings attracted an audience of politicians, diplomats, policymakers, and experts, who engaged in frank discussions with Woodward. The event provided a unique opportunity to analyse the intersection of investigative journalism and political accountability at a moment when U.S. foreign policy was under intense global scrutiny.

  On 26 October 2007, Donald Rumsfeld, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The event consisted of a breakfast followed by a lunch, providing an opportunity for participants to hear directly from one of the most influential and controversial figures of recent U.S. history. The sessions were moderated by Alexandre Adler and François Roche, who guided the discussion toward the war in Iraq, U.S. defence policy, and the broader security implications for the Middle East and beyond. Rumsfeld offered his perspective on the military strategies pursued during his tenure, the challenges of counter-insurgency, and the evolving nature of global threats. The gatherings attracted a select audience of politicians, diplomats, policymakers, and experts, who engaged in candid exchanges with Rumsfeld. The event highlighted both the contentious legacy of his leadership at the Pentagon and the continuing debate over the U.S. role in shaping post-war Iraq and international security.

  On 24 January 2008, Richard Holbrooke, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State and one of America’s most prominent diplomats, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The programme included a breakfast followed by a lunch, creating a forum for wide-ranging exchanges on international affairs. The sessions were moderated by Alexandre Adler and François Roche, who steered the discussions toward U.S. foreign policy, NATO’s future role, and the shifting balance of power at the dawn of a new geopolitical era. Holbrooke drew upon his extensive diplomatic career — from the Dayton Accords to his work at the United Nations — to reflect on the need for persistent diplomacy in addressing global conflicts. Participants, including politicians, diplomats, policymakers, and experts, engaged with Holbrooke on the prospects for U.S.–European cooperation and the importance of sustained multilateral engagement. The event highlighted his reputation as a forceful advocate for diplomacy and his capacity to bridge strategic vision with practical negotiation.

  On 6 March 2008, Joseph Wilson, former U.S. Ambassador, and Valerie Plame, former CIA operations officer, were hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The event unfolded as a breakfast followed by a lunch, attracting considerable interest given the couple’s central role in one of the most high-profile U.S. political scandals of the decade. Speaking openly in the aftermath of the CIA leak scandal—commonly known as the Plame affair—Wilson and Plame reflected on the political pressures, intelligence failures, and manipulation that accompanied the run-up to the Iraq War. Their testimony highlighted the dangers of politicising intelligence, the fragility of institutional trust, and the human toll of political vendettas. The discussions gathered a select audience of policymakers, diplomats, and experts, who engaged directly with the couple’s candid account. The event offered a rare window into the intersection of diplomacy, intelligence, and politics at a moment when U.S. credibility abroad was being intensely scrutinised.

  On 19 March 2008, General Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe and U.S. presidential candidate, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The programme included a breakfast followed by a lunch, offering an opportunity to engage with one of the most experienced military leaders of his generation. The sessions were moderated by Alexandre Adler and François Roche, who guided the exchanges toward NATO’s strategic challenges, U.S. foreign policy priorities, and the broader security environment in Europe and the Middle East. Clark drew upon his extensive military and political career to analyse the evolving nature of conflict, the importance of alliances, and the role of diplomacy alongside force. The gatherings brought together a select audience of diplomats, politicians, and experts, enabling candid discussion with Clark on the pressing geopolitical questions of the time, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts and shifting global balances.

  On 2 April 2008, Richard N. Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations in the United States and former Director of Policy Planning at the U.S. State Department, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The programme included a breakfast followed by a lunch, designed to encourage substantive discussion on pressing international issues. The sessions were moderated by Alexandre Adler and François Roche, who steered the debate toward the state of U.S. foreign policy, the future of transatlantic relations, and the implications of shifting global power balances. Haass also reflected on the challenges of multilateral diplomacy and the strategic lessons of recent conflicts. The event gathered a select group of policymakers, diplomats, and experts, who engaged with Haass in candid exchanges. The format provided an opportunity to benefit from his extensive experience at the intersection of policy-making and intellectual debate on world affairs.

  On 15 May 2008, Philip H. Gordon, then Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs in the U.S. State Department, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The occasion took the form of a breakfast, creating a focused setting for discussion. Gordon addressed key issues in U.S.–European relations, including transatlantic cooperation, NATO’s evolving role, and the challenges posed by Russia, the Balkans, and energy security. His insights reflected Washington’s priorities at a time of shifting dynamics within Europe and the wider international order. The breakfast gathered a select group of political figures, and experts, offering an opportunity for direct exchanges on policy coordination and future prospects for U.S.–European strategic alignment.

  On 3 June 2008, Strobe Talbott, the 12th U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and then President of the Brookings Institution, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The programme featured a breakfast followed by a lunch, providing an opportunity for in-depth discussion on U.S. foreign policy and transatlantic relations. The sessions were moderated by François Roche and Alexandre Adler, who steered the exchanges toward the pressing geopolitical issues of the time. Talbott offered his perspectives on U.S.–Russia relations, arms control, and the challenges of multilateral diplomacy in addressing global security concerns. An audience composed of policymakers, diplomats, and experts engaged directly with Talbott, fostering dialogue on the strategic shifts at the close of the Bush administration and ahead of the U.S. presidential transition later that year.

  On 11 June 2008, Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister of France, was hosted in Moscow under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The occasion took the form of a dinner, providing an intimate setting for discussion with Russian and international figures. The event was moderated by François Roche, who directed the conversation toward France’s foreign policy, Europe’s relations with Russia, and the broader challenges confronting the international order at the time. De Villepin drew upon his long experience in government to reflect on the importance of diplomacy, multilateralism, and strategic balance. The dinner brought together a select group of participants, encouraging candid exchanges on international politics and the evolving relationship between Europe and Russia. The format highlighted the value of cross-national dialogue in an increasingly complex global environment.

  On 18 June 2008, John Howard, the 25th Prime Minister of Australia, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The event consisted of a breakfast followed by a lunch, offering participants the chance to engage with one of Australia’s longest-serving leaders. Discussions centred on global security, transatlantic relations, and the Asia-Pacific region, with Howard reflecting on the challenges of balancing regional dynamics with international responsibilities. His insights, shaped by his years in office, addressed the intersections of foreign policy, economic stability, and counter-terrorism. The sessions gathered a select audience of politicians, diplomats, and experts, encouraging open dialogue on how Australia’s experience and perspective could inform broader debates on global governance and strategic cooperation.

  On 20 June 2008, Sergei Bagapsh, the 2nd President of Abkhazia, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The programme consisted of a breakfast followed by a lunch, bringing together participants to hear Bagapsh’s perspective at a time of heightened tensions in the Caucasus. The sessions were moderated by Alexandre Adler and François Roche, who guided the discussion toward Abkhazia’s political aspirations, its relations with Russia and Georgia, and the broader implications for regional stability. Bagapsh addressed the challenges his administration faced in pursuing recognition on the international stage while navigating the realities of geopolitical pressure. A select audience of policymakers, diplomats, and experts engaged in candid exchanges with Bagapsh, reflecting on the complexities of frozen conflicts and the role of local leadership in shaping outcomes. The event offered a rare opportunity to hear directly from the Abkhaz leadership within an international setting.

  On 27 June 2008, Vladimir Yakunin, President of Russian Railways, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The event began with a breakfast, followed by a lunch, offering participants an opportunity to engage with one of Russia’s most influential business and political figures. The sessions were moderated by Alexandre Adler and François Roche, who directed the conversation toward Russia’s strategic role in global energy, infrastructure, and international transport corridors. Yakunin shared his views on how Russian economic and geopolitical ambitions intersected with European interests, particularly in light of growing debates on energy security and regional stability. The gatherings brought together a select audience of political figures, diplomats, and experts, providing a forum for candid dialogue on the relationship between Russia and Europe. Yakunin’s participation underscored the importance of understanding Russia not only as a political actor but also as an economic partner with far-reaching influence.

  On 9 September 2008, Carly Fiorina, former Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett-Packard, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The programme included a breakfast followed by a lunch, bringing together leaders and experts to engage with Fiorina on issues at the intersection of business, politics, and global affairs. The discussions were moderated by Alexandre Adler and François Roche, who steered the exchanges toward the challenges of leadership, corporate governance, and the broader implications of global economic shifts. Fiorina also reflected on the role of technology in shaping international competitiveness and innovation. The event attracted a select audience of policymakers, diplomats, and economic thinkers, offering an opportunity to examine how private sector perspectives could inform responses to international political and financial challenges.

  On 16 September 2008, Zbigniew Brzezinski, former U.S. National Security Advisor under President Jimmy Carter, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The event consisted of a breakfast followed by a lunch, both designed to foster high-level exchanges on global affairs. The sessions were moderated by François Roche, then director of Foreign Policy France. Brzezinski addressed key issues shaping the international order, including U.S. foreign policy challenges, NATO’s role in Europe, and the complex dynamics of relations with Russia, China, and the Middle East. Participants, drawn from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, and strategy, engaged with Brzezinski’s distinctive vision of geopolitics, marked by his emphasis on balance of power and the need for multilateral cooperation. His contribution provided a critical perspective on the shifting landscape of international relations at the close of the 2000s.