A wide-ranging discussion this morning on German reunification, from the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 to voting patterns in 2025. Many thanks to Dr. Anna von der Goltz and @schuneke.bsky.social for sharing their insights, and to our partners at @amgerinst.bsky.social for cohosting Tuesday's event!

AGI's new publication, "Adapting German Foreign & Security Policy to a New Threat Environment" examines how Chancellor Merz must build on early successes through concerted action, resources, and institutional reform: americangerman.institute/publication/...

Germany has been building its military capabilities and coordinating closely with European partners. In our latest podcast, @annakatrein.bsky.social discusses what Germany still needs to do to prepare for strategic independence:

I recently spoke with @amgerinst.bsky.social’s “Building LGBTQ+ Communities in Germany & the United States” fellows about life in public service, the work of @outinnationalsecurity.org , and how both countries have fitfully advanced full and equal citizenship within national security institutions.

AGI welcomes Finja Augsburg as a DAAD/AGI Research Fellow. A doctoral researcher and project associate at the University of Erfurt, her research at AGI aims to advance understanding how uncertainty impacts transatlantic dialogue on planetary health:

AGI is pleased to welcome Dr. Iulian Romanyshyn as a DAAD/AGI Research Fellow. His research project at AGI will focus on the question of security guarantees for Ukraine based on the concept of sufficient deterrence. Read more:

In his latest blog, Peter Rashish looks to the global trading system in 2035. How and why did it evolve? Is it worth it to embrace the new geoeconomics-driven form of globalization? americangerman.institute/2025/10/peer...

AGI welcomes Dr. Nele Marianne Ewers-Peters as a DAAD/AGI Research Fellow. She will explore the rationales and objectives behind minilateral security cooperation frameworks alongside existing multilateral security organizations such as NATO and the EU:

The Halle Foundation/AGI Internship Program provide a paid professional and educational experience in a nonprofit think-tank that works to build a stronger German-American partnership. Apply for the spring internship by November 7:

Friedrich Merz has established a National Security Council. Phyllis Berry identifies three key dimensions in order for it to deliver successful foreign and security policy:

How have Germany and Europe reacted to U.S. foreign policy changes under the second Trump administration? Listen to our latest podcast episode with @annakatrein.bsky.social on the evolution of the transatlantic relationship:

What are Chancellor Merz's policy options as he addresses war in Ukraine, strengthening the Bundeswehr, European security, and the transatlantic relationship? Phyllis Berry analyzes how he must go beyond current policy to address these issues:

Our transatlantic #agilgbtqexchange participants met this week with leaders from government, media, and civil society in Washington, DC. This fall they’ll share insights through articles, podcasts & multimedia reports – stay tuned for their reflections!

Chancellor Merz is facing key decisions on Ukraine, Germany’s armed forces, European security, and the EU's role in the world. Phyllis Berry examines his policy choices in the months ahead:

Effective grand strategy requires more than clear threat assessments and acknowledging strategic trade-offs. Halle Foundation/AGI Intern Frederik Fink argues it also requires sustained public engagement by politicians:

Germany is doing more to invest in its military. On the newest episode of The Zeitgeist, MdB Hubertus Heil discussed how to ensure that the investments were effective and sustainable: americangerman.institute/podcast/epis...

In her State of the Union, Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged that Europe must "fight for its place in the world." Alex Privitera writes that the EU must find a way to keep working with the US proactively rather than reactively:

Friedrich Merz promised a more strategic foreign and security policy when he entered office. Phyllis Berry analyzes his approach and achievements so far:

Jens Hanefeld has presented his credentials and is now officially Germany's ambassador to the US. Halle Foundation/AGI Intern Frederik Fink profiles the new ambassador and issues on the transatlantic agenda: americangerman.institute/2025/09/agi-...

In a new podcast episode, Member of the Bundestag Hubertus Heil (SPD) discusses the center-left party's stance on Russia and Ukraine and Germany’s efforts to strengthen the Bundeswehr and recruit more personnel. Listen now: americangerman.institute/podcast/epis...

Find out more about the networks between right-wing parties in Europe and the US in our podcast with Annett Meiritz and @jschaeuble.bsky.social. We discuss the findings of their book, The Alliance of the New Right, which is out today. Listen: americangerman.institute/podcast/epis...

Strobe Talbott was committed to building a security architecture that would ensure peace and stability in Europe. Read more about Talbott's vision for the post-Cold War order in an article adapted from Stephan Kieninger's book, which is out today:

AGI President @jeffrathke.bsky.social spoke to ZDF about the Department of Defense's rebrand to the Department of War and what it means for U.S. policy:

Increasing attacks on the Fed and pressure on its governors have raised questions about if it can remain independent of politics. Joern Quitzau examines how a central bank can become politically influenced or dependent:

AGI is pleased to welcome @jhensing.bsky.social as a DAAD/AGI Research Fellow in Fall 2025. At AGI, he will research U.S. techno-economic statecraft to understand how the positions and expertise of industry stakeholders feature in the U.S. policy process. americangerman.institute/2025/09/jako...

AGI is pleased to welcome Kathrin Ritzka as a DAAD/AGI Fellow this fall. Her research at AGI will examine how the Catholic Church in the U.S. and Germany has responded to migration policy debates between 2001 and 2025: americangerman.institute/2025/09/kath...

The classification of the AfD as extremist earlier this year has led to some in Germany to call for a ban of the right-wing party. Next Thursday, join AGI and Marco Buschmann for a discussion of the constitutional provisions for party bans in Germany:

In a new episode of The Zeitgeist podcast, journalists Annett Meiritz and @jschaeuble.bsky.social discuss the ties between far-right networks in the U.S. and Germany—how they're networking, learning from each other, and working together. Listen now: americangerman.institute/podcast/epis...

Strobe Talbott was a close advisor to Bill Clinton, serving all eight years of Clinton's administration. Stephan Kieninger examines how their friendship endured from their days as Rhodes Scholars and how Talbott's trusted advice influenced key US policies: americangerman.institute/2025/08/the-...

Digitization is an important goal of Friedrich Merz's government, and one of the strongest signals of this was the creation of the Ministry for Digital and State Modernization. Katharina Schindel explains the mandate and structure of the new ministry:

Announcing the 2025-2026 cohort of #agiLGBTQexchange! These participants will examine the past, present, and future of LGBTQ+ rights in the US and Germany and will share their insights throughout the year. Learn more about the group: americangerman.institute/project/buil...

What are the legal and political debates in Germany about a possible ban of the far-right Alternative for Germany party? Join AGI on Sept 4 at 10 am ET for a webinar with former Justice Minister Marco Buschmann on the German constitution and party bans:

Cooperation on AI could serve the shared interests of the US and Germany and boost the transatlantic relationship. Zane Davis finds other AI partnerships that could serve as blueprints for new US and German initiatives:

There are three weeks left to apply for the DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship Program in 2026! Fellows receive stipends, travel funds, and office space in Washington to research key topics in transatlantic relations. Apply by Sept 5:

Germany's government has grown more critical of Israel in recent months, but the fundamentals of the German-Israeli relationship have remained the same. Jack Fornasiero examines what actions would constitute a true "Zeitenwende" in the special relationship:

As the global trading system becomes more multipolar and more uncertain, what will be the role of multilateralism? Luz Ma de la Mora @unctad.bsky.social discusses the continued importance of multilateral institutions in a new episode of The Zeitgeist podcast: americangerman.institute/podcast/epis...

The EU is a leader in regulating online platforms, but Berlin is setting a new pace for DMA and DSA enforcement. Halle Foundation/AGI Intern Katharina Schindel examines Berlin's ambitions and how they could impact the transatlantic relationship:

Research key issues for the German-US relationship in Washington next year! The DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship offers financial support, office space at AGI and the opportunity to publish and present findings to the DC policy community. Apply by Sept 5:

After ten years in the private sector, Katherina Reiche has returned to politics as Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. Halle Foundation/AGI Intern Frederik Fink examines her vision to revitalize Germany's economy:

Germany has amended its constitution in order to invest in its defense. On the latest episode of #TheZeitgeist, @metinhakverdi.bsky.social discussed how Germany's new approach to leadership and burden-sharing have impacted Berlin's relationship with Washington:

Despite being one of the first countries to adopt an AI strategy, Germany has lagged in AI growth and deployment. Halle Foundation/AGI Intern Zane Davis examines Germany's current challenges and how those challenges can be overcome:

Now online: our podcast with @metinhakverdi.bsky.social covers Germany’s new approach to burden-sharing, seeing the U.S. beyond the coasts, and how, despite differences, the U.S. and German governments are working to find common ground: americangerman.institute/podcast/epis...

Germany's government has big ambitions for its digital policy. Halle Foundation/AGI Intern Katharina Schindel profiles the business leader leading the new digital ministry:

"Germany can play an important role in enhancing the foreign policy dimension of the Clean Industrial Deal beyond the Climate Club through its own green industrial foreign policy and by building coalitions with other member states at the EU level."

Thanks to @metinhakverdi.bsky.social for taking part in a discussion at AGI during his first visit to Washington in his role as transatlantic coordinator. You can hear more about his role and views of the US-German relationship in an upcoming episode of #TheZeitgeist podcast.

To reach a trade deal by August 1, the extent of transatlantic interdependence will need to be brought to center stage, both commercially and strategically. More from Peter Rashish's latest Wider Atlantic blog: americangerman.institute/2025/07/u-s-...

After the Cold War, the United States used its power and influence to expand the global liberal order. Stephan Kieninger examines one of the architects of the post-Cold War order and his commitment to European peace:

How could a party be banned in Germany, and what impact would it have? Listen to the latest episode of #thezeitgeist podcast for more on Germany's "militant democracy":

Research transatlantic issues in 2026 at AGI. DAAD/AGI Research Fellowships support junior and senior scholars working on issues important to the German-American partnership. Apply by September 5, 2025:

Germany's climate policy will not be economically successful by itself; it must be supported by robust domestic and foreign policy. Sonja Thielges explains how Germany can elevate green industry in its foreign policy: