The contemporary French republic

Published September 30, 2009

Julie Duhaut-Bedos isn't used to being interviewed, she explains, despite having sat with senior officials many times as they've been subjected to reporters' questions. For the new press counsellor at the French embassy, this is a different experience.

While many press counsellors start their careers as journalists, Ms. Duhaut-Bedos came into her job through the foreign service. She studied English and American literature and...