Guillotines. Marie Antoinette. Les Mis. Longstanding pop culture references aside, the French Revolution’s political and social impact on the world is still felt today. Though historians debate its causes, many point to the American Revolution’s influence as a starting point for France’s new republic. But every revolution needs a spark, and a little-known figure today, Jacques Necker, played a significant part in igniting the cries of vive la France! Aurelian Craiutu of Indiana University, Bloomington believes that though Necker’s role as a financial advisor for the French monarchy cannot be understated, his views on political thought and governance—particularly on the balance of powers—hold their own relevance even today. “Everyone knew of Necker during his lifetime as a rich man and as an ambitious man, but very few knew about Necker as a political thinker … it has taken a long time for his reputation as a political thinker to be consolidated.” Sponsored by: Liberty Fund