French Academics Discuss the Future of Democracy

Paris, France – Two professionals addressed the question, “Does the Democratic Dream Have a Future?” at an event held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026. UPF-France organized the conference at its headquarters in Espace Barrault, Paris.

The program featured two keynote presentations. Dr. Laurent Ladouce, head of research at UPF-France, and Mr. Jacques Marion, president of UPF-Europe and the Middle East, examined the contribution of the United States to democracy and world peace from complementary perspectives.

Dr. Ladouce explored the historical, cultural and philosophical foundations of the American experiment, while Mr. Marion presented the vision of the founders of UPF, who devoted nearly forty years of their lives in the United States to laying the foundations of a global movement that culminated in the establishment of the Universal Peace Federation. Their presentations were followed by remarks from Mrs. Patricia Lalonde, former member of the European Parliament and vice president of the Géopragma think tank, who offered reflections on the contemporary role of the United States in world affairs, leading to a lively exchange with the audience.

Dr. Ladouce examined the foundations of American identity through the nation's founding myths and Saint Augustine's distinction between the City of God and the Earthly City. He showed how the American experiment has sought to reconcile spiritual ideals with political institutions through concepts such as “One Nation Under God,” Manifest Destiny, the land of opportunity, the “melting pot” and the ideal of the “city upon a hill.”

He also highlighted the influence of Puritanism, federalism, institutional checks and balances, and the tradition of philanthropy in shaping American society. While acknowledging contemporary challenges, particularly political polarization, he nevertheless expressed confidence in the resilience of American democratic institutions. The subsequent discussion also explored cultural and educational differences between the United States and France.

In the second presentation, Mr. Marion outlined UPF's perspective on the contribution of the United States to world peace. He explained that this vision is rooted in the experience of the organization's founders, whose lives were profoundly shaped by the Korean War and by the liberation of the founder from a North Korean labor camp by United Nations forces. He presented the principal pillars of UPF's philosophy: altruism, the family as the fundamental unit of society, interreligious dialogue and cooperation, and the strengthening of the United Nations' role in global governance.

He then reviewed the work of Rev. Sun Myung Moon in the United States, including the major rallies organized during the American Bicentennial, the development of academic and media initiatives, and his efforts to promote East–West dialogue following the Cold War. The founding of UPF in 2005 was presented as the culmination of this longstanding vision, reflected in its commitment to interfaith dialogue, international cooperation, and practical peacebuilding initiatives, particularly in the Middle East.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Marion emphasized the need for a moral and spiritual renewal of the democratic world. According to the founders of UPF, such a renewal requires a philosophy of peace rooted in a parental heart, capable of transcending the "fraternal" divisions between the political right and left. He also drew attention to the growing threats facing freedom of conscience and religion, one of the fundamental liberties upon which every democracy depends.

The conference concluded with an interactive discussion on the future of the American democratic model and on the contribution that spiritual values, interfaith dialogue, and international cooperation can make to the advancement of lasting peace.

The event concluded with the presentation of Ambassador for Peace certificates to four distinguished individuals, who shared their reflections on world peace and emphasized the vital role of education – particularly the education of women – in building a more peaceful world.

By Jacques Marion, President, UPF-EUME July 4, 2026