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An open space for geopolitical reflection
The Strategic Reflection Circle “Abidjan” brings together researchers, practitioners and citizens on a voluntary basis around one conviction: understanding strategic issues should not remain the privilege of a few closed circles.
Mission
Making strategic culture accessible
The great transformations of our time, from the reshaping of the international order and Sahelian destabilisation to competition for resources and the battle of narratives on social media, directly affect the lives of West African citizens. Yet they are rarely debated in public, or debated without method.
The Circle’s mission is to create a rigorous, accessible and free forum for debate, where people learn to tell fact from opinion, long-term trends from passing events, and real risk from manufactured fear.
Its main instrument is the Free University of Geopolitics: a monthly 90-minute panel, open to all, devoted to a specific theme and led by speakers from Côte d’Ivoire, France and the United States.
Status
A non-profit association driven by volunteers
The Circle sells no services. Its activities are made possible by the commitment of its members and the support of partners.
Legal form
Non-profit association. [Exact legal form, date of creation and registration number to be confirmed]
Free access
All panels and conferences are free to attend, subject to simple registration.
Funding
Institutional partnerships, sponsorship and volunteer contributions. See our funding policy.
Governance
Clear rules to guarantee independence
A think tank is only credible if people know who runs it, who funds it and how decisions are made. We make this public.
| Body | Role | Membership |
|---|---|---|
| General assembly | Adopts the strategic direction, approves the accounts and the annual activity report. | All members [to be confirmed] |
| Presidency | Represents the Circle and guarantees compliance with its independence charter. | Dr Sylvain N’Guessan, founder [title to be confirmed] |
| Executive board | Programmes the panels, manages day-to-day operations and partner relations. | [members to be confirmed] |
| Scientific council | Validates themes and ensures the quality and pluralism of contributions. | [members to be confirmed] |
Charter
Four non-negotiable principles
Independence
No partner determines the content of the panels or the conclusions of speakers.
Pluralism
Reasoned disagreement is an asset: we compare interpretations rather than align them.
Accessibility
Free access is a deliberate choice: strategic knowledge is a common good.
Transparency
Funding sources and activity reports are published every year.
Help keep strategic debate alive
Volunteers, researchers, students and professionals: the Circle needs a wide range of skills to organise, document and share its work.
