1. CHAPTER 1
International Security
ERIC DANON
Chief Executive Officer
Conseil Supérieur de la Formation et de la Recherche Stratégiques
High Council for Strategic Education and Research
Paris, France
eric@danon.co
http://www.ericdanon.com
http://www.csfrs.fr
As a diplomat for most of his 27-year career, Eric Danon is dedicated to international security issues.
Currently the chief executive officer of the Conseil Supérieur de la Formation et de la Recherche
Stratégiques (High Council for Strategic Education and Research), he has been working on many issues,
all related to international security and development. This public/private agency provides foreign affairs
and diplomacy, and strategic research services. Holding expertise in international policy, multilateral
organizations and economy with developing countries, Mr. Danon is charged with selecting strategic
projects, and overseeing the research and finances. Additionally, he is a diplomatic advisor to ICPO-
Interpol (Lyon, France) and a member of several commissions and think tanks on international security
matters.
Mr. Danon previously served as an ambassador for five years, and has managed the French delegation in
a series of international negotiations on disarmament and arms control. He is a graduate of Ecole Normale
Supérieure de Saint Cloud, the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris, the Ecole Nationale
d’Administration, and has a Ph.D. in Physics. Over the years, he has demonstrated strong analytical and
diplomatic skills and has gained a network of high-level contacts with government officials and
international organizations, and expertise in security-related issues and development policies.
CONVERSATION WITH ERIC DANON
WHO’S WHO PUBLISHERS: On what topics do you consider yourself to be an expert?
ERIC DANON: International security, organization, diplomacy and development.
What characteristics help to separate you from your competitors?
The scope of my experience encompasses both the public (Ambassador and Head of Staff of the Minister
for Cooperation and Development) and private sectors (EADS and CEO of consultancy firms).
What motivates you?
Contributing to understanding and thinking globalization, and taking part in the international policy
making process.
What lessons have you learned as a professional in your field?
Always keep your mind open to anticipate strategic mutations, be ready to share and shake your ideas,
and surround yourself with none but the best experts.

2. What short-term and long-term career goals are you currently pursuing?
My short-term and long-term goals both deal with the objective of being an active player in international
diplomacy.
What is the most difficult obstacle or challenge you have faced in pursuit of your goals?
When trying to be innovative and proactive, one is often facing reluctance toward change and inertia.
Over the years, I have challenged my leadership skills in trying to influence my working teams and to
teach them to think ahead.
What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of your profession?
The successful outcome of some of the international negotiations I was involved in, and sharing it with
the members of my teams.
What advice can you offer fellow members or others aspiring to work in your industry?
First of all, build a strong expertise in one or several fields of interest and challenge it with others,
including experts from other countries, other cultures and other generations. Then, build a strong and
high-level network.
What is your favorite or least favorite work-related task to do and why?
I enjoy the preparatory work, including discussing the policy-related issues, elaborating alternative
scenarios and reviewing media planning, which is key to the successful achievement of a complex
multilateral negotiation, as well as leading a team during the negotiation itself.
Who have been your mentors or people who have greatly influenced you?
I have been inspired by my readings and my humanistic education. And I am grateful to those, who have
entrusted me with increasing responsibilities ever since I joined the Foreign Service.
What changes have you observed in your industry/field since you started?
I started my career a few years before the fall of the Berlin wall. I have been personally involved in the
negotiation process of the reunification of Germany. I have witnessed, as an insider, the thorough changes
in our world and the origination of globalization. Today, my practice as a diplomat has deeply evolved.
How do you see these changes affecting the future of your industry?
The civil society plays an increasingly important part in the world’s governance. Transparency and good
governance are now pre-requisite to addressing international relationships. And, in some fields such as
international security, the private sector has emerged as a major stakeholder. Therefore, diplomacy must
adapt itself and evolve to match those new global challenges.
What is the most significant issue facing your profession today?
Ruling the globalization is a great challenge. Hot topics on the world’s agenda include addressing
transnational crime, non-proliferation, terrorism as well as poverty, HIV-aids, global warming, etc.
What are some questions that an individual interested in your services can ask to ensure a more
productive relationship?
I have always been open to discussions and contradictory debates related to my areas of competence.

3. Did you ever consider pursuing a different career path or another profession? If yes, how did you
end up working in your current field?
As far as I remember, I have always been interested in international relations, geopolitics, prospective
analysis and pro-active work. My entire career has serviced this enthusiasm to understand the world and,
very humbly, to bring my contribution.