Macron Unveiled: The Prototype for a New Generation of World Leaders

by Alain Lefebvre

There is a need for a new generation of politicians to change the world, and Emmanuel Macron could very well be a prototype. Macron Unveiled examines Macron' s first four years as France' s president, scrutinizing Macron' s personality, his way of solving problems, his sources of inspiration, his mistakes, his difficulties, as well as the impact he may already have had in his country, in Europe, and the world. As a former French Diplomat, psychologist, and political coach, Alain Lefebvre is uniquely positioned to explain the French perspective to international audiences. He brings careful analysis and historical context to Macron' s time in office.

Genres: Biography

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

About the author

Alain Lefebvre is a French citizen born in Vietnam during the last days of French colonization. He had a sunny childhood in the southern French countryside, studied information technology and electronics, and participated in developing digital tools for air traffic control. After some years in the field and eighteen months in Lebanon, where he taught electronics at University and studied financial economy, Lefebvre went on to study psychology and political science. He earned a space in the Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA), a French institution for senior civil servants where four former students became presidents of the French Republic.

Forgoing a political career, Lefebvre worked in France as a health and social affairs manager and later moved to Brussels to become a diplomat, working as a French negotiator with the European Council. Subsequently, Lefebvre accepted a role as a diplomat working for the French embassies in the Nordic countries, covering Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway.

Lefebvre has traveled extensively across the world, many times living among major events from a young age: he was in Vietnam when the French defeat obliged his family to leave the country; in Lebanon during the Yom Kippur War in October 1973; in Turkey when Cyprus’ invasion was launched on July 20, 1974; in Lebanon at the beginning of the civil war in 1975. Later, Lefebvre was in Brussels as the diplomat on duty in the French Permanent Representation to the European Union when the euro launched on January 1, 1999. As ministers’ adviser for European affairs, he prepared and participated at several Councils of Ministers of the European Union.

American affairs and politics have always been of interest to Lefebvre. As a result, he has frequently visited the United States, starting with a study tour in the spring of 1973 and a visit to American institutions for young ENA alumni considered future leaders by the French American Foundation in 1981. During this last tour, he learned about the American democracy when he spent some memorable days with Senator John Glenn’s team in the Capitol.

Today, Lefebvre is working as an international consultant, advising governments in countries such as Greece, Georgia, and Vietnam, as a political coach and an author.

Reviews

[Dyuti Mukherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book to read, not less because of what's going on in the world right now (the Russia-Ukraine war, if anyone needs context) and Macron's central position in those negotiations. Career diplomat Lefebvre's book is an illuminating take on Macron's leadership style and what it means for France as well as global politics. Macron's meteoric rise from relative anonymity in the political sphere to the position of a well-respected world leader is explained in a series of in-depth character trait-focused chapters. Lefebvre's analysis shines brightest in the discussions of Macron's foreign policy and economical pragmatism. On the flip side, I felt the sections devoted to Macron's more controversial side, such as the response to the Yellow Vest Movement and his venture of tackling terror attacks by building a 'French Islam' could do with some more detail and depth.

As a political observer, I do disagree with the author's assertion that Macron is a prototype for the future generation of world leaders. I have seen in my country how Macron's style of middle-path-liberalism often leads to more exploitation and long-term damage for the most vulnerable of the population, and that's something I wouldn't be able to sit with in my heart. However, I do agree with him that Macron is among the handful of politicians worldwide who are actually a product of our complicated and fast-changing times and far more equipped to deal with the unique challenges of these times than most of the leaders preceding him and even surrounding him on the global stage now. The demands from a president in our day and age are enormous, and the writer does a great job at analyzing how Macron responds to those challenges.

[Aaron Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a review of Macron’s first few years as President of France. Lefebvre takes a look at Macron, and does a fair job of showing us his rise to power. Rather than being solely focused on the political aspect of Macron, the author dives into some character focus and lets us understand what drives him. He focuses on several of his policies and his leadership style and ability. I learned quite a bit more about Macron, and his principles, than is portrayed in American media.

The author shows us how Macron is an example of the current breed of politicians. In stark contrast to the aging politicians of other countries, Macron is a younger man that is equipped to operate in the ever-changing times. Given the current political sphere and how pivotal Macron has become, reading this book has given me better insight in what to expect from him. With how Lefebvre portrays Macron, it is quite clear that he is up for the challenge.

[Zaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to raise awareness about how important it is to vote for Macron during the 2nd round of the French Presidential Elections. We cannot let France, the country which founded Human Rights, fall to Marine LePen, whose campaign was funded by Putin. For the sake of France, for the sake of Europe, votez Macron.

[Danielle Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good insight into the French president Emmanuel Macron. As an American, it is interesting to read his relationship with Donald trump, and how he came to be in his rise to power. Not only does the book explain Macron’s successful political strategies, but also a look into his personal life and his First Ladies as well.