An Enduring Alliance Born of Independence
ABMF Ambassadors Series Briefing with Hon. Philippe Etienne, former Ambassador of France to the United States and Jim Rosener, Chairman, American Battle Monuments Foundation.
Presenting Sponsor
0:51–3:42 — M. Etienne’s career has seen major international events: fall of the Berlin Wall, end of the U.S.S.R., rise of China, Khomeini’s regaining control in Iran, and emergence of the EU. Ambassador Etienne comments on these pivotal events and the role of diplomacy.
3:43–5:55 — The effects of tariffs on trade with France.
5:56–11:50 — M. Etienne’s work to promote the reform agenda of President Emmanuel Macron; French independence and integration in Europe; the rise of Islamic terrorism in France; the Paris Climate Accord; bringing African countries into the IMF; improvement in the French economy.
11:52–14:15 — M. Etienne visited 43 states to learn about American culture. Hear his insights about the road trips. He describes the style of the Donald J. Trump administration.
14:16–19:27 — A discussion on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the concerns of Europe. His experience as ambassador in Russia and Romania gave him a unique perspective. France is a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council; President Macron felt a particular responsibility to help Ukraine.
19:28–27:19 — Discussion of the obligation of European countries to fund more of their defense. France has taken a leadership role as Europe transitions to its collective defense. The best way to keep an alliance with the United States is to show seriousness and a greater share of the military burden. France hosts the G7 in 2026. France plays a role in opening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Audience Questions
27:22–30:04 — Regarding the fall of the Berlin Wall, the reunification of Germany, and its aftermath. M. Etienne was in Brussels at this time, working with the European Union on the establishment of the euro and the build-out of a single market.
30:31–32:52 — On immigration, integration, and assimilation.
32:52–34:09 — On the future of Ukraine and what both President Putin and President Zelensky will accept.
34:10–35:05 — Recommends his book, La Sherpa: Mémoires d’un diplomate aux avant-postes de l’Histoire, by Philippe Etienne. At this time, only available in French.
0:51–3:42 — M. Etienne’s career has seen major international events: fall of the Berlin Wall, end of the U.S.S.R., rise of China, Khomeini’s regaining control in Iran, and emergence of the EU. Ambassador Etienne comments on these pivotal events and the role of diplomacy.
3:43–5:55 — The effects of tariffs on trade with France.
5:56–11:50 — M. Etienne’s work to promote the reform agenda of President Emmanuel Macron; French independence and integration in Europe; the rise of Islamic terrorism in France; the Paris Climate Accord; bringing African countries into the IMF; improvement in the French economy.
11:52–14:15 — M. Etienne visited 43 states to learn about American culture. Hear his insights about the road trips. He describes the style of the Donald J. Trump administration.
14:16–19:27 — A discussion on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the concerns of Europe. His experience as ambassador in Russia and Romania gave him a unique perspective. France is a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council; President Macron felt a particular responsibility to help Ukraine.
19:28–27:19 — Discussion of the obligation of European countries to fund more of their defense. France has taken a leadership role as Europe transitions to its collective defense. The best way to keep an alliance with the United States is to show seriousness and a greater share of the military burden. France hosts the G7 in 2026. France plays a role in opening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Audience Questions
27:22–30:04 — Regarding the fall of the Berlin Wall, the reunification of Germany, and its aftermath. M. Etienne was in Brussels at this time, working with the European Union on the establishment of the euro and the build-out of a single market. 30:31–32:52 — On immigration, integration, and assimilation.
32:52–34:09 — On the future of Ukraine and what both President Putin and President Zelensky will accept.
34:10–35:05 — Recommends his book, La Sherpa: Mémoires d’un diplomate aux avant-postes de l’Histoire, by Philippe Etienne. At this time, only available in French.
