Hélène Carrère d'Encausse

About the author

Hélène Carrère d'Encausse (born Zourabichvili; 1929–2023) was a French political historian whose specialisation in Russian history brought her to the summit of French intellectual life. Elected to the Académie Française in 1990, she served as its Perpetual Secretary from 1999 until her death — a rare and defining role. She also sat in the European Parliament from 1994 to 1999, representing the Gaullist-conservative RPR.

Among her honours were the Lomonosov Gold Medal, the Grand Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of Poland, and the 2023 Princess of Asturias Award in Social Sciences.