its team handles topics: indeed, its officials frequently assess situations by using data that originates out of the traditional diplomatic channels, whether in universities, think tanks or specialised services at home or abroad. It also has the resources necessary to commission expert analyses from external sources. This makes it a source of independent and sometimes critical analyses vis-à-vis the government’s policies. It is for instance mentioned for its dissenting analyses, carried out by external consultants, in the Duclert report on France, Rwanda and the Tutsi genocide. Its mission is also to present alternatives and new options and ideas. It has a certain liberty of speech outside of the administration, and its members frequently publish and partake in conferences, activities which serve to heighten its status on the international scene. History The Centre d’analyse et de prévision, as it was first called, was set up on 18 May 1974 by then-Foreign Minister Michel Jobert, who wanted to implement some institutionalised out-of-the-box thought. The decree establishing its existence states its purpose as “contributing to the preparation of decisions in foreign affairs” by “analysing current situations” and “conducting attempts at foreseeing future evolutions”. Despite having changed names two times since then, it has remained a constant source of doctrine for ministers. Directors The CAPS has a history of renowned directors, either academics or career diplomats. Thierry de Montbrial (1974-1978) Jean-Louis Gergorin (1979-1984) Philippe Coste (1984-1989) Jean-Marie Guéhenno (1989-1993) Bruno Racine (1993-1995) Gilles Andréani (1995-1999, 2002-2004) Michel Foucher (1999-2002) Pierre Lévy (2005-2010) Marie Mendras (2010) Joseph Maïla (2010-2013) Justin Vaïsse (2013-2019) Manuel Lafont Rapnouil (2019-) References 1974 establishments in France Think tanks established in 1974 Foreign relations of France Foreign policy and strategy think tanks Political and economic think tanks based in France