The Ambassadors Series: French Ambassador Discusses the Evolving U.S.-French Relationship

October 2018

Past Event

The Ambassadors Series: French Ambassador Discusses the Evolving U.S.-French Relationship

Past Event

Hudson Institute, Washington, D.C. Headquarters

October 29, 2018

October 2018

Past Event

1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004

Read Transcript

Speakers:

Gérard Araud

Ambassador of France to the United States

John Walters

Chief Operating Officer, Hudson Institute

On October 29th, Hudson Institute hosted Gérard Araud, ambassador of France to the United States, for a discussion about the current state of U.S.-French relations, moderated by Distinguished Fellow and Ravenel B. Curry Chair Walter Russell Mead.

The U.S.-French relationship is encountering new and complex issues. The free-trade regime, previously the centerpiece of U.S.-French relations, is undergoing massive changes. Conflicts arising from new U.S. tariff policies, as well as the underwhelming G-7 summit, have left French politicians feeling uneasy about the future of U.S.-French relations. Thanks to his part in negotiating the Iran deal, Ambassador Araud is no stranger to uneasiness and is aware of the necessity of sustained U.S.-French cooperation in tackling the security challenges confronting both countries. Given the threats that still exist in regions such as the Middle East and Northern Africa, the necessity for continued U.S.-French cooperation is clear.

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