Institut Francais des Relations Internationales

What Institut Francais des Relations Internationales does

The Institut Français des Relations Internationales (Ifri), founded in 1979 and headquartered at 27 rue de la Procession, 75015 Paris, is an independent French research institute focused on international relations, geopolitics, security, energy, climate, governance, and technology. It edits and publishes the quarterly journal Politique étrangère (the oldest French journal on international relations, founded 1936) and the annual Ramses reference work (most recently 'Ramses 2026: Un nouvel échiquier,' co-published with Dunod), produces the bimonthly podcast 'Le monde selon l'Ifri,' and convenes high-level events including the World Policy Conference (founded and chaired by founder/executive president Thierry de Montbrial) and the Dialogue de Paris (launched in 2026 with AGDA Abu Dhabi). Research is organized across regional centers (Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Indo-Pacific, Europe, Russia-Eurasia, MENA) and thematic programs (notably the Centre Énergie et Climat led by Marc-Antoine Eyl-Mazzega).

Ifri is constituted as a 'fondation reconnue d'utilité publique' (public utility foundation) under French law, a status conferred by decree of the Council of State on 16 November 2022 (SIRET 784 308 926 00038). It is not publicly traded and operates as a non-profit, with no parent company, subsidiaries, or funding rounds disclosed. Its revenue model rests on three streams: (1) private donations and corporate sponsorships from more than 90 French and foreign companies and organizations in 2026 plus individual donors, which the institute identifies as central to its intellectual independence; (2) publications sales via ifri.org and Amazon/book retailers; and (3) event-based revenue tied to conferences such as the World Policy Conference and Dialogue de Paris, with select donor-only access layers.

The institute serves a horizontal mix of customers and audiences — corporate donors seeking geopolitical risk intelligence, policymakers and government officials consuming research for decision support, researchers and academics contributing to and citing its publications, journalists sourcing expert commentary (with researchers appearing in La Croix, RFI, and Challenges), and the broader public engaging through free digital content, podcasts, and newsletters. GTM is community-led and content-led rather than sales-led: research publications, events, podcasts, media interventions, and donor programming together build audience and recurring support, with HR, development, and communications functions staffed accordingly.

Name

Institut Francais des Relations Internationales

Legal name

Institut Français des Relations Internationales

Website

https://ifri.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Institut Français des Relations Internationales (Ifri) is an independent French think tank founded in 1979 that produces research, publications, podcasts, and convenes high-level conferences on international relations, geopolitics, security, energy, and climate for policymakers, corporate donors, academics, journalists, and the public.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Policy Research and Geopolitical Analysis

NAICS

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172)

SIC

International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Think Tanks, Policy Research & Public Policy Institutes (BPAGAFAO)

Keywords

• International relations research
• Geopolitical risk analysis
• Policy research publications
• Foreign affairs journal
• Strategic intelligence advisory

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Private donations and corporate sponsorships: Ifri operates as a foundation recognized as being of public utility. It relies heavily on private donors—companies and individuals—to ensure its sustainability and intellectual independence. In 2026, Ifri supports more than 90 French and foreign companies and organizations.
2. Publications sales: Sale of publications including the annual Ramses book (published by Dunod/Ifri, available on Amazon and directly), and the Politique étrangère journal subscriptions.
3. Events and conferences: Revenue from events including World Policy Conference and Dialogue de Paris, with some events reserved for donors.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Ifri is an independent French think tank (fondation reconnue d'utilité publique) that produces and sells research, analysis, and publications on international relations and geopolitics. Its offerings include the flagship annual Ramses yearbook, the Politique étrangère academic journal (founded 1936), a bimonthly podcast, and recurring conferences and seminars such as the World Policy Conference and Dialogue de Paris. The institute serves corporate donors, policymakers, researchers, journalists, and the general public seeking rigorous, independent geopolitical analysis.

Product overview

Ifri operates as a research institute producing publications and organizing events focused on international relations. Its product portfolio consists of two flagship core publications—Ramses (annual yearbook) and Politique étrangère (academic journal founded in 1936)—alongside a podcast series ('Le monde selon l'Ifri'), annual conferences (World Policy Conference, Dialogue de Paris), and recurring seminar programs (Brown Bag Seminar Series, Brief des experts). These offerings provide geopolitical analysis and foster debate among policymakers, researchers, and the public.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Politique étrangère: The oldest French journal on international relations, founded in 1936 and edited by Ifri. Published quarterly, it offers debates and analysis on major international questions.
• Ramses
• World Policy Conference
• Le monde selon l'Ifri
• Dialogue de Paris

Products and services

• Ramses Ifri's flagship annual reference work on international relations and geopolitical developments. Ramses 2026 ('Un nouvel échiquier') covers topics including global governance, European strategic margins, and African geopolitics. Sold via Dunod/Ifri and Amazon.
• Politique étrangère Peer-reviewed academic journal published since 1936, the oldest French journal on international relations. Published quarterly by Ifri, offering debates and analysis on major international questions. Available by subscription.
• Le monde selon l'Ifri (Podcast) Bimonthly podcast hosted by Marc Hecker, Ifri's Executive Director, providing analysis and understanding keys for current geopolitical issues. Distributed via podcast platforms and the Ifri website.
• World Policy Conference Annual international conference founded and chaired by Thierry de Montbrial, bringing together political leaders, economic decision-makers, researchers, and journalists from five continents to discuss major global issues. Held in Chantilly.
• Dialogue de Paris Initiative created by Ifri in partnership with AGDA (Abu Dhabi Global Advisory Centre), co-chaired by Thierry de Montbrial and Anwar Gargash. First edition held June 8-9, 2026, focusing on international dialogue and cooperation.
• Brown Bag Seminar Series Conference series focused on intelligence topics, organized in partnership with the Collège du Renseignement en Europe. By-invitation sessions featuring Ifri experts and partner intelligence services.
• Brief des experts 30-minute expert briefings reserved for corporate donors, featuring Ifri researchers on current topics such as European electrical grids, climate issues, and nuclear sharing.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• AGDA (Abu Dhabi Global Advisory Centre)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026AGDA (Abu Dhabi Global Advisory Centre), a center of excellence based in Abu Dhabi, partnered with Ifri to create the 'Dialogue de Paris' initiative. The first edition was held June 8-9, 2026. The initiative is co-chaired by Thierry de Montbrial, executive president of Ifri, and Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates and Vice-Chairman of AGDA's board.
• Collège du Renseignement en EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partnership with Collège du Renseignement en Europe (College of European Intelligence) for a conference series focused on intelligence. Ifri hosts events in this framework, such as the Brown Bag Seminar on intelligence with German Federal Intelligence Services.
• DunodcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDunod is the publishing partner for the annual Ramses publication. Ramses 2026 'Un nouvel échiquier' is published by Dunod/Ifri in September 2025, 384 pages, ISBN 978-2-10-022260-1.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP): Germany's leading foreign policy and security think tank. Closely comparable to Ifri as a national-level European policy research institute producing studies on geopolitics, security, and regional affairs with a German policy counterpart relationship.
• International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS): Global think tank on defense and security with membership-funded model. Comparable to Ifri through its focus on geopolitics, security, and strategic analysis, its flagship publications (e.g., The Military Balance, Strategic Survey), and its global convening platforms.
• Brookings Institution: One of the oldest and largest US policy research organizations. Comparable to Ifri as a multi-thematic think tank covering international affairs, economics, and governance, with diverse funding sources and a strong publication/media footprint.
• Institut de Relations Internationales et Stratégiques (IRIS): French think tank on international and strategic affairs, also based in Paris. A direct domestic peer of Ifri with overlapping thematic coverage (defense, geopolitics, security) and a similar French corporate/policy donor ecosystem.
• Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: US-headquartered think tank focused on international peace and foreign policy with global research centers. Comparable as a multi-regional policy research institute with corporate/foundation donor model, peer-reviewed publications, and convening events for policymakers.
• European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR): Pan-European foreign policy think tank with offices across EU capitals. Closely comparable to Ifri in European foreign policy focus, multi-office model (where Ifri is single-headquartered), corporate donor base, and policy publication output.
• German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF): US-based think tank focused on transatlantic policy and European affairs. Comparable to Ifri through donor-funded policy research, convening of European and US policymakers, and broad publication of geopolitical analysis.
• Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS): Paris-based French research foundation on defense and strategic studies. Comparable as a Paris-headquartered policy research foundation with government, corporate, and academic stakeholders, publishing analysis on international security topics.
• Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs): The UK's premier international affairs think tank, founded 1920. Highly comparable as an independent, donation-funded institute publishing a flagship journal (International Affairs), running major events, and producing policy research across global regions with corporate and government donor support.
• Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): Washington DC-based bipartisan policy research organization on international affairs and security. Comparable to Ifri as a large geopolitical/security think tank with corporate and government sponsorship, flagship reports, and major policy events.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC5dEjrg3Tg6yRZ469ILTsEpxvPX9jTz0v
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ifri
• Xx.com/ifri_
• Facebookfacebook.com/ifri-institut-fran

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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