THE PEN AND THE SHIELD: THE ORIGINS OF STRATEGIC THINKING

Published on :

7 October 2026
In this pivotal and historic year marking the Institute’s 90th anniversary, we look back at the archives that have shaped strategic thinking and the spirit of defence. From 1936 to 1977, illustrious figures — from Charles de Gaulle to John F. Kennedy, including Raymond Aron and Léopold Sédar Senghor — addressed IHEDN students to analyse their era. This saga explores the balance of power in the past and thus sheds light on how to understand current geopolitical realignments and anticipate the crises of tomorrow.

To mark the 90e To mark the IHEDN’s anniversary, this summer we are publishing a selection of speeches delivered to students between the 1930s and the 1970s by intellectual and historical figures such as John F. Kennedy, Raymond Aron, Fernand Braudel and Léopold Sédar Senghor… This four-part series will explore the history of the Institute, the fundamentals of strategy, French society and what is now known as the «Global South».

The episodes of our series «The Pen and the Shield» are now available.

Watch the whole series

The IHEDN would like to thank the Archives Mission within the Prime Minister’s Office and the Defence Historical Service for facilitating access to these lectures.