The November 2020 election of Joe Biden ended Donald Trump's extraordinary tenure. However, it doesn't inevitably indicate a return to previous policies, as American society's expectations have changed. Indeed, there is a call for a strong federal state on economic and social issues on the one hand, and on the other hand an increased mistrust vis-à-vis American interventionism. The magnitude of these transformations shows how necessary is a monitoring and analysis of the ever-evolving American political landscape — especially since they resonate with comparable political developments in Europe and in the rest of the world.
Founded in 2000, Ifri's United States Program aims to understand American culture and politics from the inside. Furthermore, it studies the evolutions of the country’s foreign and defense policies. It lastly actively contributes to maintaining close trans-Atlantic ties, producing and broadcasting research on the United States in France and Europe while also regularly welcoming U.S. academics and officials to Paris.
Building on field missions and a large network of journalists, business executives, diplomats, academics and researchers from American think tanks, the program's analysis are offered in two main formats: the Potomac Papers, which are about 30 pages long notes that feature our latest research activities, and the Chroniques Américaines, which cover the country's social and political current events.The program also organizes research seminars and, since 2000, a major annual conference in December. As to inform the largest audience possible, our experts regularly intervene in the media, both in the written press and audiovisual sector. Our researchers also contribute to Ifri's main publications, RAMSES and Politique étrangère. Through this program, Ifri associated with the «Time to Sign Off» (TTSO) Newsletter and Slate.fr to air the "Trump 2020" Podcast (available in French) every Wednesday from June 2019 to January 2021, focusing on the U.S. presidential elections. The partnership is renewed with the "New Deal" Podcast (also available in French) to report on U.S. current political events every Thursday.
Research Fellow, Head of Ifri's Americas Program
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Advisor to the Americas Program
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Advisor to the Americas Programme
...The U.S. program publishes in-depth analyses on American domestic and foreign policy issues in the form of:
As confirmed by the 2010 Census, Hispanics have become the largest and most dynamic ethnic minority in the United States. While still facing many difficulties, this rather diverse group is undergoing important changes in terms of political representation, economic situation and cultural...
Many voices denounce the institutional gridlock that has gripped Washington. Indeed, filibustering in the U.S. Senate is not the only issue. Hopes of a reform are limited however.
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Opposing environment protection policies has become a posture de rigueur for U.S. radical conservatives, especially in view of the 2012 campaign. This theme finds itself at the crossroads of several currents of American conservatism: a distrust of scientific elites, trust in the...
California enjoys a strong economy, backed by a strong immigration. Traditionally, this strength was reinforced by consistent investments from Sacramento, allowing for infrastructure development and education policies. In past decades, however, the idea that the state should do less has taken...
Larry J. Sabato, Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia, provides us with solid historical references and tools of analysis to understand midterms in general and those of 2010 in particular.
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One month after the midterm elections, it was time to step back and reflect upon the state of affairs at the time and future direction of President Obama’s Administration and deal with which campaign promises might be achieved in the remaining years and how the political parties would rally...
While European institutions continue to discuss the use of space for security as well as the need for a stable space environment, the United States organized a series of space reviews this past year. To explore these issues and foster an original debate, the Secure World Foundation, with a...
Many Europeans are unaware of Obama's commitment to secondary school reform. The US administration introduced administrative methods inspired by the private sector to combat poor test results in public middle and high schools with large minority populations. This approach is consistent with...
The emergence of a feminist thought in the 18th century gave rise to steady and regular exchanges between French philosophers and American activists. They illustrate in a very particular sector the wealth of the relation between both countries. This dialogue continues on renewed bases today:...
Between dignity and racial prejudice, empathy and weakness, intelligence and paralysis, will the talents of the presidential candidate become handicaps for the 44th president?
