Testimonials

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

At that time, I was already very politically active at university and eager to develop intellectually, having attended two IFP seminars. I wanted to apply for the Tocqueville Fellowship because I had the chance to know older former laureates for whom the TF had transformed their civic engagement. I knew that by going, I would learn a lot.

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

From my experience in Washington, D.C., I will never forget our meeting with Ron Paul, the Republican candidate in the primaries for the presidential election. It was an incredible opportunity for us young activists to converse with him for over an hour about our engagement. His words, vision, and optimism were motivating factors for me upon my return to France to continue my civic engagement.

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

Thanks to this trip, I realized the strength and importance of civil society in the United States, especially for the American right under the OBAMA administration. During my stay, François Hollande had just been elected two months earlier, and the French right was in opposition for the first time in 10 years. I then understood that, to advance my convictions, my commitment could extend beyond a political family to include French civil society. That’s why after the TF, I created, along with another TF alumni, the Cercle Droit & Liberté, which has become the leading network of conservative lawyers in France.

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

Being a TF laureate means being part of a small network of highly qualified and committed individuals. When we wanted to launch the Cercle Droit & Liberté, we could seek help and advice from former laureates. Additionally, the TF opens the doors to French civil society, which greatly helped us in our early stages.

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

I would tell them that it will likely be their best experience as a young activist. They will learn about the best practices within American civil society, return with a clear vision for their engagement, and with overwhelming optimism. To do this, I advise them to prepare their project well and think about what they want to learn and seek there before leaving. Indeed, the Americans we meet in Think Tanks welcome us generously and take the time, if asked, to discuss and share their rich experiences in depth.

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

Thanks to the Tocqueville Fellowship, I understood the importance of civil society. It is as important, if not more so, as political engagement. This is why I created, with another laureate, the Cercle Droit & Liberté, which has now existed for 10 years.

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

The TF was a significant and enriching moment in my political engagement. There is undeniably a before and after the Tocqueville Fellowship.