On April 26, 2025, Yenching Academy had the honor of hosting Mr. Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former Prime Minister of France and current Shuhsi Hsü Chair Professor at Yenching Academy, as part of its Leadership and Global Governance lecture series. The event served as a timely platform to reflect on the nature of leadership in contemporary society, in line with the theme of this year’s Yenching Global Symposium—Fortitude: Navigating the Tides of Change.
Mr. Raffarin’s visit brought together scholars, faculty, and members of the wider Peking University community for a keynote address and open discussion on the principles, responsibilities, and enduring challenges of political leadership.
The event opened with remarks from Dean Dong Qiang, who highlighted the importance of cultivating globally minded leaders capable of navigating today’s complex international landscape.
Mr. Raffarin’s keynote address offered a deeply personal reflection on leadership drawn from decades of experience in public service. “A leader is not alone,” he began, challenging traditional notions of authority by underscoring the need for collective strength and collaboration over competition. In his words, leadership is not defined by power, but by the ability to build trust, listen, and connect—whether through networking, delegation, or the way one delivers a speech.
He argued that there is no leader without vision—a vision which must be accompanied by fortitude and the courage to face difficult truths. “Vision means having a target,” he noted, “but also the strength to carry people toward it, even when the news is bad.” For Mr Raffarin, decisions are legacy, and the mark of a leader is not how loudly one speaks, but the actions they leave behind.
Reflecting on his time in government, he spoke candidly about learning when to delegate, how to avoid overexposure, and the value of listening over dominating. He outlined three defining qualities of leadership:
● Legacy – leaving a meaningful, constructive impact
● Creativity – the ability to invent solutions where none seem obvious
● Fortitude – courage in the face of pressure and resistance
He also highlighted the “fields” in which leadership plays out: strategy, influence (or charisma), networks, and action. Effective leadership, he said, must be grounded not just in ideas but in relationships—with one’s team, one’s audience, and one’s values. As for followers, Mr Raffarin stressed the importance of respect for others, stability, and the confidence a leader inspires.
Following his keynote, Yenching Global Symposium (YGS) Co-Chairs Yang Ying and Nicole Angria reflected on the Symposium's planning process and significance.
Yang Ying expressed gratitude for the contributions of the many volunteers, delegates, and organizers who made the event possible, and thanked Mr. Raffarin for his online presence at the YGS opening.
Nicole Angria shared her perspective on leadership through the lens of her experience as Co-Chair. She described YGS as a collective endeavor—one that brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds in pursuit of a shared vision. While acknowledging the challenges faced during the organization of the Symposium, she noted that these difficulties ultimately strengthened the team and contributed to the success of the event.
In closing, both Co-Chairs expressed hope that the connections formed during YGS—across cultures, disciplines, and perspectives—would continue to grow and spark future collaboration.
In the Q&A session that followed, topics ranged from China-Europe relations and digital governance to youth participation in policymaking.
Mr Raffarin voiced concern over the current geopolitical climate, particularly the impact of war on political certainty and electoral behavior. Discussions also addressed the shifting relationships among China, the United States, and Europe, noting realignments in traditional alliances and growing unease surrounding international diplomacy. Particular attention was given to recent U.S. policies, which were described as destabilizing and prompting global anxiety; there was broad consensus on the need for renewed dialogue and more comprehensive international coordination.
On the economic front, Mr Raffatin criticized the limitations of current EU tariff strategies and advocated for more constructive engagement, including deeper cooperation with Chinese authorities to stimulate reinvestment. The conversation turned to private equity investment, especially in unlisted small and medium-sized enterprises across Europe and Asia, as a vital engine for long-term growth.
Reflecting on the theme of fortitude, students considered how younger generations might build resilience in the face of ongoing exploitation and power imbalances, for example, in the African continent.
Mr Raffarin emphasized the need for strength, clarity, and purpose in navigating today’s global pressures. He also stressed the value of creating meaningful employment opportunities, investing in youth, and reshaping partnerships with African nations as the key to achieving sustainable development.
As the event came to a close, many scholars expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with a seasoned statesman whose insights offered both historical depth and future-oriented thinking.
