On 8 October 2008, Louis Freeh, the fifth Director of the FBI, was hosted in Paris under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The event featured a breakfast, followed by a lunch, both offering a platform for high-level discussion. The sessions were moderated by Alexandre Adler, and François Roche, then director of Foreign Policy France. Their moderation steered the exchanges toward pressing issues in international security, law enforcement, and U.S.–European cooperation in the aftermath of the post-9/11 security landscape. Freeh’s participation brought first-hand insights into counterterrorism, intelligence collaboration, and the challenges of balancing security and civil liberties. The gatherings provided an opportunity for policymakers, diplomats, and experts to engage in substantive dialogue with one of the most experienced figures in American security leadership.
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On 29 October 2008, Prince Talal of Jordan was hosted in Paris for a series of discussions under the banner of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The day began with a breakfast, moderated jointly by Alexandre Adler, and François Roche, then director of Foreign Policy France. The breakfast provided a platform for a candid exchange on Jordan’s role in the Middle East, the broader Arab world’s challenges, and the prospects for regional stability. Journalists, experts, and political figures had the opportunity to engage with Prince Talal on issues ranging from reform and governance to peace initiatives. The discussions continued at a lunch gathering, where the format allowed for a more policy-focused dialogue with diplomats and decision-makers. Prince Talal’s insights highlighted both the opportunities and persistent difficulties facing the region, while the moderators guided the conversation toward the intersection of domestic reforms and international diplomacy.
On 30 October 2008, Georgy Boos, the 4th Governor of Kaliningrad Oblast in Russia, was hosted in Paris for a lunch discussion focusing on Russia’s domestic politics, its regional governance, and the strategic significance of Kaliningrad within Europe. The session brought together a select audience of diplomats, politicians, and policymakers to engage directly with Boos on both economic and political developments in Russia. Particular attention was paid to Kaliningrad’s position as an exclave between EU and NATO member states, and the opportunities and tensions this geography created in terms of trade, security, and integration. The exchange offered valuable insights into how Russian regional leaders perceived their role in shaping the country’s broader international posture. By hosting Boos, the organisers highlighted the importance of understanding Russia not only through its central government but also through its regional perspectives.
On 11 December 2008, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, former chief of Saudi Arabia’s intelligence service and later Ambassador to the United States and the United Kingdom, was hosted in Paris for a dinner discussion on Middle Eastern politics, Saudi foreign policy, and international security. The dinner was moderated by François Roche, then director of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. Roche guided the exchange toward Saudi Arabia’s role in regional stability, its relations with Western powers, and the enduring challenges of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The intimate format of the dinner allowed for candid dialogue with a select audience of diplomats, politicians, and experts. Prince Turki’s unique background, combining his long tenure as head of Saudi intelligence with his subsequent diplomatic service, gave the discussion particular depth and resonance.
On 12 December 2008, Shaukat Aziz, the 17th Prime Minister of Pakistan, was hosted in Paris for a conference at the Académie Diplomatique of Aga Khan, followed by a lunch gathering. The event provided a platform for in-depth reflection on Pakistan’s political and economic trajectory, as well as its role in regional stability. The conference was moderated by Gilles Kepel, the French scholar of Islam and the Middle East, who guided the discussion toward Pakistan’s democratic transition, its economic reforms, and the challenges posed by terrorism and extremism. Aziz drew on his tenure as both Prime Minister and Finance Minister to highlight the importance of financial governance and structural reforms in addressing the country’s internal vulnerabilities. The lunch brought together diplomats, politicians, and policymakers, allowing for a more informal exchange on Pakistan’s foreign policy, its relations with the United States and neighbouring India, and the broader geopolitical shifts affecting South Asia. The event underscored the importance of engaging with leaders who have navigated governance in one of the world’s most strategically pivotal countries.
On 15 December 2008, Dennis Ross, the American diplomat and former U.S. envoy to the Middle East, was hosted in Paris for a breakfast and lunch discussion under the banner of Foreign Policy édition française, for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. Known for his central role in Arab–Israeli negotiations, Ross offered participants an insider’s view of U.S. diplomacy at a critical moment of transition in Washington. The breakfast brought together journalists, experts, politicians, and policymakers, focusing on the prospects for peace in the Middle East and the implications of the incoming Obama administration for U.S. foreign policy. Ross’s long experience in shuttle diplomacy and his pragmatic approach provided a framework for lively exchanges on regional stability. At the lunch, attended by diplomats, politicians, and policymakers, the conversation turned to broader geopolitical issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, U.S.–European relations, and the enduring challenges of conflict resolution in the Middle East. The discussions underlined the value of convening senior diplomats at pivotal political moments to illuminate the choices and dilemmas facing international actors.
On 7 January 2009, Amartya Sen, Nobel Prize Laureate in Economics, was hosted in Paris for a dinner event under the banner of Foreign Policy édition française, for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The discussion focused on global development, inequality, and the ethical dimensions of economics. The dinner gathered a select group of intellectuals, policymakers, and political figures, creating a setting for candid and thoughtful dialogue. Sen shared his reflections on poverty, social justice, and the responsibilities of policymakers in addressing the challenges of globalisation. His interventions emphasised the importance of human capabilities, freedom, and education as central to sustainable development and equitable growth. The event highlighted the role of Foreign Policy in France in convening not only political leaders but also leading intellectual voices, enriching debates on the values and choices shaping international affairs.
On 27 January 2009, Jamie Gorelick, the 28th U.S. Deputy Attorney General, was hosted in Paris for a breakfast and lunch discussion on law, security, and transatlantic relations. Gorelick, who had served in senior positions across the U.S. government, brought her expertise on legal affairs, counter-terrorism, and national security policy. The sessions were held under the banner of Foreign Policy édition française, for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The breakfast gathered journalists, experts, politicians, and policymakers, allowing Gorelick to share her perspective on the balance between national security and civil liberties, as well as the legal frameworks underpinning U.S. policy. The lunch brought together diplomats, politicians, and policymakers for a deeper discussion of the U.S.–European partnership in addressing shared threats, particularly terrorism and international crime. The exchanges reinforced the importance of legal and institutional cooperation between allies in confronting global challenges.
On 4 February 2009, Mike Huckabee, the 44th Governor of Arkansas and former U.S. presidential candidate, was hosted in Paris for a breakfast discussion on American politics, the U.S. electoral landscape, and transatlantic relations. The event was organised under the banner of Foreign Policy édition française, for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The format brought together journalists, experts, and political observers, offering them the opportunity to hear Huckabee’s perspective on the challenges facing the United States at the outset of the Obama presidency. The conversation touched on U.S. domestic priorities, foreign policy direction, and the future of conservative politics in America. The breakfast format created an open exchange, in line with the think tank’s mission of providing access to influential voices in international and national political life.
On 11 February 2009, Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, was hosted in Paris for a breakfast and a lunch discussion on European politics, the future of the EU, and global economic challenges. Known for his sceptical views on aspects of European integration, Klaus provided a distinctive perspective that sparked lively debate. Both sessions were moderated by François Roche, then director of Foreign Policy France. The gatherings were organised under the banners of the think tank and Foreign Policy, for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The breakfast brought together journalists, experts, politicians, and policymakers, offering them the chance to engage with Klaus on economic and institutional matters. The lunch convened a select group of diplomats, politicians, and policymakers, creating a setting for deeper discussion on Europe’s role in the world and its relationship with global powers. The exchanges highlighted not only Klaus’s particular vision for Europe but also the ability of these forums to foster frank dialogue between leaders and influential interlocutors.
On 18 February 2009, José María Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain, was hosted in Paris for a breakfast and lunch discussion on European politics, transatlantic relations, and global security. The gatherings created formal yet substantive settings, allowing for candid exchanges on the challenges facing Europe at the time. The sessions were moderated by François Roche, then director of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. Roche steered the conversation toward Europe’s strategic position in the world, while Aznar shared his views on strengthening ties between Europe and the United States and responding to the crises of the late 2000s. The two formats encouraged open dialogue between Aznar and select audiences of political figures, diplomats, and opinion-shapers.
On 20 April 2009, Richard Danzig, the 71st U.S. Secretary of the Navy, was hosted in Paris for a day of exchanges on security, defence policy, and transatlantic relations. Danzig, who had served under President Bill Clinton, brought a wealth of experience in naval strategy, military reform, and U.S. foreign policy. The event featured both a breakfast and a lunch, each moderated by François Roche, then director of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. The breakfast provided journalists and experts with the opportunity to explore U.S. perspectives on military transformation and the strategic role of maritime power in global security. The lunch gathered diplomats, politicians, and policymakers for a broader conversation on the future of NATO, U.S.–European cooperation, and emerging challenges in the Middle East and Asia. Danzig’s analysis underlined the importance of adaptability in defence planning and the need for stronger transatlantic engagement in an increasingly uncertain world.
On 30 April 2009, Romano Prodi, former Prime Minister of Italy and 10th President of the European Commission, was hosted in Paris for a series of high-level exchanges on European affairs, global governance, and the Middle East. Prodi, one of Europe’s most prominent political figures, brought his extensive experience in EU leadership to discussions that touched on both institutional and geopolitical challenges. The day opened with a breakfast attended by politicians, including Prince Turki al-Faisal, alongside leading journalists. Prodi used the occasion to reflect on the future of the European project, the EU’s response to global crises, and Europe’s role in fostering dialogue with its neighbours. A lunch followed, moderated by François Roche, then director of Foreign Policy France — for which Fabien Baussart held the licence in France and Ukraine. This session gathered diplomats and policymakers for a more strategic conversation on international affairs, with particular attention to relations between Europe, the Middle East, and emerging global powers.
On 14 May 2009, Ahmed Rashid, the renowned Pakistani investigative journalist and author, took part in a day of exchanges in Paris. Known internationally for his groundbreaking reporting on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia, Rashid brought unmatched insight into the dynamics of terrorism, insurgency, and regional geopolitics. The sessions — a breakfast and a lunch organised under the banners of the think tank and Foreign Policy — were moderated by Sara Danielle, then editor-in-chief of Politique Internationale. Her role as moderator ensured a sharp and structured dialogue, allowing Rashid to set out his perspective on Pakistan’s internal crises, the growth of militant networks, and the wider implications for Western policy in South Asia. Rashid’s interventions emphasised the interconnections between domestic fragility, regional instability, and international security. His deep knowledge and candid analysis sparked rigorous debate with participants, demonstrating the value of convening leading voices from regions directly affected by conflict.
On 17 June 2009, General Brent Scowcroft, who had twice served as U.S. National Security Advisor (to Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush), was welcomed in Paris for a day of exchanges on global security and U.S. foreign policy. The occasion brought together diverse audiences in two distinct formats, each with a different focus. The morning breakfast was organised under the banner of Foreign Policy in France, for which Fabien Baussart held the licence, and provided an opportunity for journalists and experts to engage Scowcroft on pressing international challenges. Drawing on his long experience, he addressed U.S. policy in the Middle East, transatlantic relations, and the shifting balance of power in a post-Cold War world. The lunch was held under the framework of CPFA as a think tank, following Chatham House rules, and was moderated by Renaud Girard. Attended by diplomats, policymakers, and political figures, it encouraged candid dialogue on the future of U.S. engagement in global security, NATO’s role, and the importance of strategic cooperation between Europe and America. The event underscored CPFA’s capacity to host influential figures for rigorous debate at the intersection of policy and strategy.
On 29 June 2009, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Sebastián Piñera, then a candidate in the Chilean presidential election. The event consisted of a breakfast moderated by Renaud Girard, gathering journalists and experts for an exchange on Chile’s political future and its role in Latin America. Piñera shared his views on Chile’s economic trajectory, governance challenges, and the broader regional landscape, highlighting his proposals for consolidating democratic institutions and fostering growth. His visit to Paris took place just two weeks before he won the presidential election, making the discussion especially timely as he prepared to assume national leadership. The breakfast also took place at a time when Fabien Baussart held the licence of Foreign Policy for France and Ukraine, which reinforced CPFA’s standing as a hub for dialogue between political leaders, experts, and the media on issues of international importance.
On 30 June 2009, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted John Hamre, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense and President of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The event, which featured both a breakfast and a lunch moderated by Renaud Girard, provided an opportunity to explore U.S. defence policy, NATO’s role, and the strategic challenges posed by shifting global power balances. During the discussions, Hamre reflected on the evolving nature of transatlantic relations, U.S. military strategy, and the implications of conflicts in the Middle East for Western security. His interventions shed light on how Washington perceived Europe’s role as both an ally and a strategic actor in its own right, underlining the importance of coordination in facing emerging threats. The event also took place at a moment when Fabien Baussart held the licence for Foreign Policy in France and Ukraine, directed by François Roche, reinforcing CPFA’s role as a hub for transatlantic dialogue and analysis. This context lent additional visibility and influence to the exchanges, ensuring that the debates resonated widely within European policy and expert circles.
On 2 July 2009, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris welcomed Andrei P. Vavilov, former First Deputy Finance Minister of Russia, for a day of exchanges on Russia’s economy, energy policy, and the global financial system. The discussions provided participants with insights from a key figure who had played a central role in shaping Russian fiscal and economic strategy during a period of profound transformation. The morning breakfast, moderated by Ulysse Gosset, brought together journalists and experts to engage with Vavilov on the state of the Russian economy and its interaction with global financial markets. Topics included Russia’s energy exports, its fiscal resilience, and the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on both domestic and international policy choices. A lunch followed with politicians, diplomats, and policymakers, where the conversation shifted to broader strategic themes, including Russia’s positioning in the global order and its relationship with Europe. Vavilov’s interventions highlighted the complex interplay between economics and geopolitics, reinforcing CPFA’s mission of creating a space for dialogue with figures at the heart of international decision-making.
On 29 October 2009, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones, former UK Minister of State for Security and Counter-Terrorism in the Home Office. The event featured both a breakfast and a lunch, each moderated by Renaud Girard, offering a comprehensive exploration of security policy, counter-terrorism strategy, and the wider challenges facing Europe in an era of increasing threats. At breakfast, with journalists and experts, Baroness Neville-Jones addressed the evolving landscape of global security, focusing particularly on counter-terrorism measures, intelligence cooperation, and the risks posed by radicalisation. Her experience at the heart of UK security policymaking provided participants with an authoritative perspective on the delicate balance between safeguarding civil liberties and ensuring national protection. The lunch brought together politicians, diplomats, and senior policymakers, allowing for a more strategic discussion. Exchanges centred on the necessity of transnational cooperation to combat terrorism, the role of NATO, and Europe’s preparedness in addressing unconventional threats.
On 2 June 2010, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris welcomed José María Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain, for a day of exchanges on European politics, international security, and transatlantic relations. The event was structured into two sessions, each led by a distinguished moderator, creating a balance between journalistic inquiry and strategic analysis. The morning breakfast was moderated by Bryan Carney of The Wall Street Journal and brought together journalists and experts. Aznar reflected on Spain’s challenges in the wake of the global financial crisis, while also offering his views on the European Union’s cohesion and Spain’s place within NATO. His remarks opened the door to a frank discussion on Europe’s ability to respond collectively to political and economic uncertainty. At the lunch session, moderated by Renaud Girard, politicians, diplomats, and policymakers gathered to examine broader questions of international security and the transatlantic partnership. Aznar emphasised the enduring importance of European-American relations for global stability and addressed the strategic concerns emanating from the Middle East.
On 7 June 2010, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Dr. Shi Zhengrong, founder and chairman of Suntech Power, then one of the world’s largest producers of solar panels. The day opened with a breakfast for journalists and experts, providing an introduction to the opportunities and challenges of renewable energy in the global market. A lunch with politicians, diplomats, and policymakers followed, where Shi Zhengrong expanded on the strategic importance of renewable energy for international cooperation and climate security. He emphasised how innovation, cross-border investment, and coherent policy frameworks could accelerate the shift towards sustainable energy systems worldwide. The exchanges offered participants a rare opportunity to hear from a pioneer of the solar industry, often referred to as the “Sun King.” His vision and experience highlighted both the technological promise and the geopolitical dimensions of clean energy, reinforcing CPFA’s commitment to addressing not only political and security issues but also the environmental challenges shaping the twenty-first century.
On 17 June 2010, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Long Yongtu, China’s chief negotiator for accession to the World Trade Organization, alongside Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former Prime Minister of France. The day featured both a breakfast and a lunch, each moderated by Ulysse Gosset, creating a forum for exchanges on global trade, China’s rise, and Europe’s response to shifting economic balances. At breakfast, with journalists and experts, Long reflected on the challenges and opportunities China encountered during its path to WTO membership, emphasising how integration into global markets reshaped the country’s economy. Raffarin offered the French and European perspective, underlining both the benefits and the anxieties generated by China’s rapid ascent as a global economic power. The lunch session, attended by politicians, diplomats, and policymakers, deepened the conversation by examining how these dynamics influence international relations. Discussions touched on issues of reciprocity in trade, the need for strategic dialogue between Europe and China, and the broader implications of global interdependence. The event highlighted CPFA’s role in convening influential policymakers and negotiators to foster dialogue on the world’s most consequential economic transformations.
On 23 June 2010, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Nabil Ali Alyousuf, Director General in the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. The day featured a breakfast and a lunch, both moderated by Renaud Girard, offering an in-depth look at Dubai’s vision for governance and development. During the breakfast session, attended by journalists and experts, Alyousuf outlined Dubai’s strategy for innovation-driven growth, its emphasis on efficient governance, and its ambition to position itself as a global hub for finance and culture. He stressed the importance of diversification, human capital, and public service modernisation in sustaining long-term development. At lunch, with politicians, diplomats, and policymakers in attendance, the discussion turned to Dubai and the UAE’s wider role in the region and on the international stage. Alyousuf shared perspectives on balancing rapid modernisation with regional stability, as well as the UAE’s engagement in international partnerships. The exchanges provided participants with an insider’s view of the governance model that has made Dubai one of the Middle East’s most dynamic centres.
On 9 September 2010, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Lord Paddy Ashdown, former leader of the Liberal Democrats in the United Kingdom and former High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The day opened with a breakfast session, moderated by Renaud Girard, which brought together journalists and experts for an exchange on international security and conflict resolution. The programme continued with a lunch attended by politicians, diplomats, and policymakers, also moderated by Girard. Ashdown expanded on the lessons of international intervention, drawing in particular on his experience in the Balkans. He emphasised the need for inclusive political frameworks, long-term commitment to reconstruction, and close international cooperation to prevent renewed instability. The event gave participants the chance to engage directly with one of Europe’s most seasoned statesmen. Ashdown’s dual background in national politics and international diplomacy provided both practical insights and broader reflections on how the international community can better manage crises in fragile states.
On 19 October 2010, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Jack Straw, former Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom. The event gathered a select audience for an in-depth discussion on international affairs, European politics, and the challenges facing global security. Straw reflected on his extensive experience in government, sharing perspectives on Britain’s foreign policy priorities and its role in shaping international diplomacy. The conversation ranged from the Middle East and transatlantic relations to questions of European integration and the future of the UK’s global engagement. The exchanges offered participants valuable insights into the thinking of one of Britain’s most senior statesmen of recent decades. The event also underscored CPFA’s continued mission to connect leading policymakers with international audiences in Paris, fostering dialogue on issues of lasting global significance.