The former French ambassador to Spain, Beijing, and Washington, who also served as a diplomatic advisor to three French presidents — Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, Jacques Chirac, and Nicolas Sarkozy — is currently the Chairman of the GCSP Foundation Council. He spoke on "Towards Optimal Global Political and Geostrategic Governance - The Role of Europe."

"The European Union needs a common narrative"

Ambassador Levitte began by discussing key moments that have marked international history in recent decades, starting with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, the fall of the Berlin Wall ten years later, leading to the collapse of the Soviet empire, the revolution in information and communication technologies, and the reforms in China that signify the end of the century of ideologies. For the West, the series of challenges began in 2001 with the destruction of the Twin Towers, followed by the war in Afghanistan and the Iraq war. Then came the financial crisis of 2007-2008, which began in the United States and spread worldwide.

"We are living in a radically changed world, at the end of five centuries of Western domination of the world."

The world "has become multipolar, with the prodigious rise of China, followed by other major emerging countries: India, Brazil, South Africa, etc. We are moving from non-aligned countries to multi-aligned countries."

In this new international context, the question arises: what could Europe's role be?

First, Ambassador Levitte spoke about the need to significantly increase Europe's economic attractiveness alongside the major powers. The second topic addressed was European foreign policy and the need to unify it with a strategic vision. "Europe must build relationships with major powers and emerging nations." He also spoke about the southern countries and the duty of EU countries to collectively contribute to nations in crisis.

In this world facing major changes, there is a real need for Europe, and we must rise to these challenges.

Our alumni, members of the GCSP security policy community, have exclusive access to Ambassador Jean-David Levitte's full speech at: www.gcsp.ch/mygcsp

From left to right, Isabelle Gillet, Head of the GCSP Alumni and Community Office, Nils Hansma and Manon Frezouls, Hub France leaders, Sara Sahli, Coordinator of the GCSP Alumni and Community Office.

Photo bottom right: Divisionnaire Guy Vallat, Swiss Defence Attaché and his wife with the two Hub France leaders.

This event in Paris marked the new chapter of the GCSP Alumni & Community Hub France with two new leaders, Ms Manon Frezouls and Mr Nils Hansma. Our French community now benefits of an exchange platform, providing access to all experts based in France or of French nationality. The France hub is accessible to members here.

Find our other Hubs.