Gerard Araud

Gérard Araud is a distinguished former French diplomat who held the prestigious lifelong title of Ambassadeur de France throughout an illustrious career spanning strategic security, Middle Eastern affairs, and international diplomacy. He served as France's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador to both Israel and the United States, and led negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue from 2006 to 2009. Now a sought-after adviser, author, and commentator, Araud serves as Senior Distinguished Fellow at the Atlantic Council and trustee of the International Crisis Group, whilst his forthcoming book Israel and the Lure of History reflects his continued analysis of global affairs. Audiences gain rare insider perspective on geopolitics, diplomatic strategy, and the forces shaping international relations today.

Over four decades in the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gérard Araud shaped critical moments in global diplomacy, from negotiating the Iranian nuclear deal to representing France at the United Nations and serving as ambassador to Israel and the United States. His career, which concluded with his retirement in 2026, earned him the prestigious lifelong title of Ambassadeur de France, a recognition of sustained excellence in international relations. Throughout his tenure, Araud held pivotal positions including Director for Strategic Affairs, Security, and Disarmament, Director General for Political Affairs and Security, and France's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, where he navigated complex geopolitical challenges during some of the most turbulent years in modern diplomacy. His role as France's lead negotiator on the Iranian nuclear issue from 2006 to 2009 positioned him at the centre of one of the most consequential diplomatic efforts of the twenty-first century.

Araud's expertise extends beyond diplomatic practice into rigorous analysis and scholarship. He has authored several acclaimed works, including his memoirs Passeport Diplomatique, a biography examining Henry Kissinger's legacy, and two explorations of French diplomatic history: Histoires Diplomatiques and Nous étions seuls 1919–1939. His forthcoming book, Israel and the Lure of History, reflects his continued engagement with the complexities of Middle Eastern affairs and the historical forces that shape contemporary conflict. As a columnist for Le Point and regular commentator on French television network LCI, alongside appearances on CNN International, BBC, and other major platforms, Araud offers informed perspective on the strategic calculations and power dynamics driving international relations. His advisory roles with the International Crisis Group, the Atlantic Council in Washington, and Portland Communications, alongside his work with several companies, demonstrate how his diplomatic insight translates into practical guidance for organisations navigating geopolitical risk.

Audiences benefit from Araud's rare combination of insider experience and analytical clarity. He demystifies the mechanics of diplomacy, revealing how negotiations unfold, why alliances shift, and what historical patterns can teach about present challenges. His presentations equip leaders and decision-makers with frameworks for understanding geopolitical complexity, assessing strategic risk, and anticipating how global events may affect their organisations. Whether addressing corporate boards, policy forums, or international conferences, Araud transforms abstract geopolitical trends into actionable intelligence, helping audiences make sense of an increasingly volatile world and prepare for the diplomatic and security challenges ahead.