French Novelist and Diplomat Nicolas Idier Visits French Connexions center of excellence
On October 30, 2024, we had the honor of hosting Dr. Nicolas Idier, a celebrated French novelist, diplomat, and sinologist. Organized by the French Connexions Center of Excellence in collaboration with the Departments of East Asian Languages and Cultures and Comparative Literature, Idier’s visit fostered engaging dialogues on literature, politics, and cultural diplomacy. Highlights of the day included a luncheon on Sino-French diplomatic relations, a discussion with Dr. Lionel Cuillé's class ("Current Topics") of his acclaimed novel Matignon la Nuit based on his experience as speech writer to the French Prime Minister, and a public lecture titled “Fiction and Politics.” Idier’s blend of literary and diplomatic experience brought invaluable perspectives, emphasizing the power of storytelling in shaping political action.
