French Series

MAY 5, 2021

Terrorists on trial – Can the courtroom help us heal?

Federal and state courts try international as well as domestic perpetrators of terrorist acts on a daily basis. Much anticipated trials are due to take place in the coming months. Our panel of experts will discuss and compare how and why in France and in the United States these trials trigger so much interest and so many expectations. What role does the trial play for victims, beyond the judicial outcome itself, and how are victims involved in the judicial proceedings on both sides of the Atlantic? Do these trials have a role to play in terms of collective catharsis and in the writing of history? Can the trial, the main function of which is to try suspects, fulfill all these expectations?

April 15, 2021

Notre-Dame de Paris: Rebuilding a Legacy

On the second anniversary of the devastating fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Embassy of France in the United States will welcome you to a special French Series devoted to the monument, its history and the reconstruction efforts.

March 8, 2021

Gender Equality: Testimonies from Women in Leadership

On International Women’s day join the embassies of France and Mexico in the United States for a fascinating conversation on gender equality!

February 2, 2021

A conversation with David H. Petraeus

The Embassy of France in the U.S. is honored to welcome retired U.S. Army General and former CIA director David H. Petraeus

December 10, 2020

"America in the world: A History of U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy" – A virtual book talk with Robert Zoellick

The Embassy of France in the U.S. is pleased to invite you to a conversation with Robert Zoellick, former President of the World Bank, about his latest book: America in the world: A History of U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy.

The book identifies five traditions that have emerged from America’s encounters with the world: the importance of North America; the importance of trading, transnational, and technological relations; changing attitudes toward alliances; the importance of public support; and the belief that American policy should serve a larger purpose.

May 21, 2019

Di[gi]plomacy

For centuries, embassies had a monopoly when it came to transmitting information from one country to another. But with the advent of new means of communication, international relations are no longer the exclusive province of diplomats. Social networks have become important channels of information in which many different influences play out in foreign affairs, allowing non-state actors to become involved in the communication between states.

What are the consequences of the digital revolution on diplomacy and related geopolitical challenges? Has cyberspace altered international relations? What, today, is the role of traditional diplomacy in foreign policy? Are expectations of transparency in government decision-making and widespread communication positive developments for diplomacy? How does public opinion shape diplomatic action?

May 2, 2019

News Consumption in the Digital Era

The role played by digital technology in how we consume information has upset old balances and shaken up the news market. Pure players – exclusively online media whose digital platforms were once an advantage, and which profited from online advertising and subscribers, now find themselves facing new challenges, given the resurgent appeal of the most respected print brands and the monopoly of digital giants.

Can different methods of consuming news co-exist? What does the future hold for pure players, in the face of the digital giants? Would improved remuneration for print media and copyright protections from digital giants safeguard the freedom of the press? Has investigative journalism become the main weapon against disinformation?

March 14, 2019

Artificial Intelligence for the Benefit of Humans

Recent years have seen astonishing advances in artificial intelligence technology, which is becoming inescapable in every sector – especially medical research, the economy, defense, the environment and transportation. With AI on the verge of revolutionizing our societies, controlling and managing it are vital to safeguarding national sovereignty and respect for human beings.

What are the economic, scientific and ethical stakes of artificial intelligence? Will humans become obsolete in certain industries? Can we hope to see the creation of new jobs? Will AI affect our democracy by exploiting our personal data? How can we create an artificial intelligence that is responsible and respectful of human rights on a global scale? What controls and limits can be placed on artificial intelligence so that it becomes a tool for the benefit of humanity?

December 18, 2018

How to Reform Multilateralism to Support Peace?

While international cooperation is under threat and we are facing increasing challenges, President Macron has proposed holding the Paris Peace Forum from November 11 to 13. The joint statement with the international organizations published on November 14 strongly reaffirms that: “Working together multilaterally is not optional; it is the only answer.”

However, the current multilateral system is unconvincing and is facing growing criticism in the context of isolationism and the rise of populism.

How should multilateralism be remodeled in order to more effectively address current challenges to peace? How can we ensure inclusion through a free and fair system in the areas of trade, climate change and security – including cybersecurity? How do we define a common agenda to reinforce multilateral relationships or institutions, like NATO?

November 14, 2018

A World War I paradox: Humaneness in the midst of total war

To commemorate the Centennial of the end of World War I, the Embassy of France is pleased to invite you to the screening of The American in Paris: The True story of the American Hospital of Paris.

The documentary tells the story of American volunteers in France during the First World War. Centered on the American Hospital of Paris, the film shows how thousands of doctors, nurses, and ambulance drivers stepped up to help France and, in doing so, strengthened the historic ties between the two countries.

The screening will be followed by a conversation.

October 16, 2018

Societies facing terrorism

Almost two decades after 9/11 and two years after the Paris attacks, the United States and Europe have both faced the tragedy of international terrorism. These traumatic events have had both immediate and long-term effects on societies, public opinion and political orientations. Much has been written and said about terrorist violence and a lot less about how societies are still recovering from it.

What do we call resilience? What are the signs of a resilient society? Has this resilience evolved since 9/11? Are societies’ emotional reactions evolving from one attack to another and what are governments doing to meet expectations? What role is the media playing today in that recovery process?

September 26, 2018

Disinformation and democracies

How can we make our democracies resilient against disinformation?

The threat posed by the manipulation of information has sparked growing awareness and concern in both Europe and the U.S. The manipulation of information can polarize debates, create or deepen tensions in society and undermine electoral systems. Such malign practices and actors harm our democracies by eroding trust in institutions and in the media, and eventually by hampering the ability of citizens to make informed decisions. Sometimes, though, attempts by a foreign entity to interfere in democratic processes fail, as was the case during the 2017 French presidential election.

What lessons can be learned from successful experiences of countering disinformation campaigns? How can we address the issues of fake news and disinformation campaigns while preserving our democratic values? How can we make democratic societies and media more resilient against disinformation? How can transatlantic cooperation be strengthened to combat the manipulation of information? Should social media be regulated?