Testimonials

What inspired you to apply for the Tocqueville Fellowship, and what did you hope to accomplish?

I was inspired by the strong organization of American civil society, particularly the libertarian movement. American politics in general has always interested me, and the opportunity to understand the coalition system and meet personalities I greatly admired, such as researchers from the Cato Institute or Congressman Ron Paul, was a great source of motivation. I hope, in line with this experience, to represent my current thoughts and ideas in my region and within French civil society.

Can you describe one of the most memorable experiences you had during your stay in Washington, D.C.?

I loved meeting Ron Paul, visiting research centers like the Cato Institute, and meeting researchers from the Heritage Foundation who really welcomed us and answered our questions kindly.

I also enjoyed participating in coalition meetings (with Grover Norquist and Robert Bluey) and the speeches we had from journalists or media owners who explained their commitments. Following this example, I have since created my own media group. The books offered and the exchanges between fellows are also excellent memories.

What were the main lessons from your fellowship that had an impact on your personal and professional life?

The fellowship significantly influenced my view of politics and the role of civil society in political action. It was also thanks to the fellowship and the support of Alexandre Pesey that I could return to the United States for an internship within the libertarian movement. I kept the idea of creating a media group since the fellowship and was able to realize this project. I have maintained many friends and a connection with the USA.

How did the fellowship facilitate networking opportunities, and could you share how these connections helped you in your career?

The fellowship represents a great network in the USA and France. I was fortunate to gain friends through this adventure, secure decisive internships for my training in the USA thanks to the fellowship, and have examples that I still think about today, with photos that are still in my office. I met many economists whom I continue to follow and with whom I have exchanged ideas.

I had dinner with a fellow from the fellowship in Bratislava, revisited speakers I met during the fellowship on my return to the United States, and the Tocqueville Fellowship network is diffusely present in my daily life.

What specific skills did you develop during the fellowship that are useful in your current role?

I had a concrete illustration of the political role of economists and civil society actors, and I continue to follow this example in my daily career.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Tocqueville Fellowship?

I would certainly advise them to apply and to prepare for the trip by reading as much as possible about the people they will meet. Having read the books of some personalities I met allowed me to ask more precise and enlightening questions.

I would also advise candidates to approach the trip with a great open mind, not as activists but as researchers. I learned a lot from meeting movements or personalities who defend ideas different from mine. Preparing well for the Tocqueville Fellowship means being ready to educate oneself, sometimes learn, and sometimes just understand.

Looking back, how has the Tocqueville Fellowship influenced your professional trajectory?

I ended my career and part of my studies with my wife in Washington based on my experience during the Tocqueville Fellowship and with the help of the Tocqueville Fellowship network (particularly Alexandre Pesey).

I have also focused my political commitment on actions taken from civil society rather than through election and political office, remembering well that there are communicating doors between these two worlds.

If you had to summarize your Tocqueville Fellowship experience in a few words, what would they be?

I would say “Thank you” for this experience, which made me grow intellectually and humanly and represented an opportunity I was able to seize to build my career.