Throwback at the Grand Témoin conference with Ambassador Claude Blanchemaison
Foundation
The Grand Témoin conferences invite prominent figures in exceptional circumstances to share their experience of ‘front-line diplomacy.’
They provide an opportunity to bring together the Foundation's friends, supporters and partners and to express our gratitude to them.
An evening rich in discussion, led by a great diplomat's perspective on the transformations of the contemporary world, on the occasion of the publication of his book : Fragments d’un parcours aventureux (éditions Temporis) (Fragments of an adventurous journey).
Claude Blanchemaison, diplomat, was born in Loches, raised in Tours, and graduated from HEC and Sciences Po in Paris. He completed his military service in the Marine Infantry. A former student of ENA, now the National Institute of Public Service, he served as ambassador to Vietnam (1989-1993), India (1996-2000), Russia and Tajikistan (2000-2003), and Spain (2005-2007). A specialist in Europe and Asia, he has held several senior positions at the Quai d'Orsay, including Director for Europe, Director for Asia and Oceania, and Director General for International Cooperation and Development. He has taught at Paris-Dauphine and Sciences Po and has been a commentator on news channels. His book Vivre avec Poutine (Living with Putin) received the Jacques de Fouchier Prize from the Académie Française in 2020.
To review the conference :
A book signing session gave everyone the opportunity to talk personally with Ambassador Claude Blanchemaison about his unique career and his book.
Fragments d'un parcours aventureux. Au fil des bouleversements du monde. (édition Temporis) (Fragments of an adventurous journey. Through the upheavals of the world.)
"This story could be the script for a series of twenty-five episodes, during which a young provincial finds himself propelled to Paris, before being plunged into the cosmopolitan cauldron of Brussels and continuing his adventures in Asia or elsewhere. Each fragment constitutes a short story, a novella, with its own history, characters, culture and flavor, in which the author represents the only element of continuity.
The diplomat's journey is intriguing. Can one successively negotiate the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Communities, go to undermine the apartheid regime in South Africa, dialogue with the legendary General Giap in Hanoi, obtain reconciliation with China during secret negotiations in Beijing, attempt to seduce India in all its "states", explore the limits and risks of cooperation with Vladimir Putin's Russia, before organizing the 2008 French presidency of the Council of the European Union? A diplomat must be able to rise to any challenge, without ever abandoning his or her convictions, whatever the consequences. It's not about appearances, but about acting, analyzing, inventing, proposing, deciding and implementing, very often at one's peril."
The evening concluded with a cocktail reception and a concert of Indian classical music featuring Joyeeta and Debojyoti Sanyal, on sitar and tabla, both originally from Kolkata. They transported us with virtuosity into the refined world of North Indian classical music with their performance of Raga Rageshree, known for its romantic and meditative sweetness; a moment suspended between grace, serenity and delicacy.
Trained by the greatest masters and an academic at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in New Delhi, Joyeeta Sanyal embodies the elegance and depth of the Hindustani tradition. She was accompanied by her brother, Debojyoti Sanyal, whose subtle and precise tabla playing delicately supported the melodic flights of the sitar.
The Fondation Inalco would like to warmly thank its donors, partners and all participants for their attendance and renewed trust.
Thank you all for this wonderful evening. We look forward to seeing you again soon for more exciting events with the Fondation.