Hubert Védrine was born on July 31, 1947, and is a renowned French Socialist politician. He is currently an advisor at Moelis & Company.
Védrine's educational background includes a degree in history from Sciences Po and ENA. Initially, he considered a career in journalism but was advised by historian and family friend Jean Lacouture to join the culture ministry instead.
Védrine's extensive political career began when he served as an aide to President François Mitterrand from 1981 to 1995. He held various positions, including diplomatic advisor, spokesperson, and Secretary-General of the French presidency.
After Mitterrand's presidency, Védrine became the Foreign Minister of France from 1997 to 2002, serving under Lionel Jospin's government. He was succeeded by Dominique de Villepin after Jacques Chirac's re-election in 2002.
Védrine is notable for coining the term "hyperpower" to describe the United States' influence and might at the turn of the century. He founded Hubert Vedrine Conseil, a consulting firm, in 2003.
In 2005, Védrine was appointed to the High Council for the Alliance of Civilizations, an initiative promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue. He participated in the committee preparing the Paris Conference on the Environment in 2007.
Védrine has authored over 19 books, with two being translated into English. His notable works include "France in an age of globalization" and "History strikes back: how states, nations, and conflicts are shaping the twenty-first century".
In recent years, Védrine has been sought after for advice by President Emmanuel Macron on foreign policy issues. In 2020, he was appointed by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to join a group of experts supporting the strengthening of NATO's political dimension.
