EVENTS
The Road to Election virtual event series concluded in January 2025. We thank all partners and participants for having made this series possible and contributed to a better understanding of the U.S. Elections and its impacts. Looking forward to further cooperation!
Past Events
America First, Europe Uncertain: The Next Four Years of Transatlantic Relations
Date: January 20, 2025
Time: 16:00 CET / 10:00 EST
Host: Aspen Institute Germany, American-German Institute, Amerikahaus NRW, Amerikazentrum Hamburg
Language: English
We are delighted to have concluded the Road to Election Series with a final special event: The Aspen Institute Germany, the American-German Institute, Amerikahaus NRW, and the Amerikazentrum Hamburg explored Donald Trump’s policy proposals and the implications of his presidency on transatlantic relations in three core policy areas: Trade, security, and the transatlantic community of values. With the insights from experts and the possibility to deepen the discussion in breakout sessions, we organized a dynamic online-event, taking place ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration. The discussion was held in English, and Aspen Germany’s Executive Director Dr. Stormy-Annika Mildner moderated the virtual panel. Co-moderators were Viktoria Harbecke, Director of Amerikahaus NRW., and Katja Greeson, Transatlantic Program Director of Aspen Germany. Expert speakers were: Peter Rashish, Vice President and Director of the Geoeconomics Program, American-German Institute; Rachel Rizzo, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council; Laura Thornton, Senior Director for Global Democracy Programs, McCain Institute for International Leadership; Maria Skóra, Policy Fellow, Das Progressive Zentrum; Ian Brzezinski, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council; Joshua P. Meltzer, Senior Fellow in the Global Economy and Development Program, The Brookings Institution.
The audience had the chance to engage with the speakers and other participants in small-group breakout sessions.
The Clean Economy Bridge – Incoming U.S. Administration Briefing: Outlook for U.S. (sub)national climate policy & impacts on transatlantic cooperation
Date: January 17, 2025
Time: 15:00 CET / 9:00 EST
Host: adelphi
Language: English
The outcome of the 2024 US elections will have an immense impact on both subnational and national climate policy-making in the US as well as on the prospects for current and future transatlantic policy cooperation.
As part of the Aspen Institute Germany’s Road to Election 2024 series, this public briefing began with a presentation from Jacob Corvidae from the Rocky Mountain Institute, who provided a deep dive into key state-level election results and pieces of legislation that will have significant impacts on climate and energy policy in the US. The discussion was then continued with an analysis on the implications of the 2024 elections on transatlantic and international cooperation with a special view on climate, energy and resource policy based on a presentation by Lauren Herzer Risi from the Woodrow Wilson Center.
The U.S. Elections: A First Appraisal
Date: November 7, 2024
Time: 10:00 CET / 04:00 EST
Host: John F. Kennedy Institute at the Freie Universät Berlin, Bard College Berlin
Language: English
The politics department of the FU Berlin was pleased to announce a panel discussion in the context of the Presidential Elections 2024, hosted at the John F. Kennedy Institute on November 7th, 2024. There was a fantastic line-up of leading scholars presenting cutting-edge research on the topic from a range of disciplinary, theoretical, and methodological perspectives. Speakers included: Sarah Wagner (Atlantische Akademie), Philipp Adorf (Universität Bonn), Julia Simon (Freie Universität Berlin/ Universität Bremen), Maren Freudenberg (Ruhr-Universität Bochum), Curd Knüpfer (University of Southern Denmark), Thomas Biebricher (Goethe-Universität Frankfurt), Florian Böller (Universität Heidelberg), Aaron Allen (Bard College Berlin) and Lora Anne Viola (Freie Universität Berlin).
More Information can be found here.
The U.S. Elections: Results and Reactions on the Morning After
Date: November 6, 2024
Time: 08:30 CET / 02:30 EST
Host: German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)
Language: English
On November 6, the day after the U.S. presidential election, DGAP’s Research Institute hosted a special morning briefing at its premises and online. Together with Daniel Benjamin, President of the American Academy in Berlin Thomas Kleine-Brockhoff, Director of the DGAP, and Rachel Tausendfreund, Senior Research Fellow, U.S. and Transatlantic Relations, DGAP, they assessed the outcome, and shed light on the steps ahead. They focussed on the implications of the election for the transatlantic relationship and especially for Germany. The event was moderated by Jan Stöckmann, Head of the Directors' Office at the DGAP.
The recording of the event can be found here.
The U.S. Elections Results: Implications for Europe and the Transatlantic Relationship
Date: November 6, 2024
Time: 15:00 CET / 9:00 EST
Host: German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)
Language: English
The outcome of the US presidential election on November 5 is too close to predict – and hugely consequential, not least for Europe. Kamala Harris would likely conduct foreign policy that is broadly in line with US President Joe Biden’s, including continued support for Ukraine. Donald Trump, however, would likely pose more fundamental challenges for Europe, its security, and the future of the transatlantic relationship. Our panelists will took stock of the outcome of the US election and assessed its implications for Europe and transatlantic relations. The speakers were: Michael Kimmage, Richard C. Holbrooke Fellow, American Academy in Berlin; Professor and Chair of the Department of History, The Catholic University of America, Liana Fix, Fellow for Europe, Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Chair: Henning Hoff, Executive Editor, Internationale Politik Quarterly.
More information can be found here.
Rhetorik im amerikanischen Wahlkampf
Date: October 31, 2024
Time: 18:00 CET / 13:00 EST
Host: Atlantic Community
Language: German
Christian Zrenner, Leiter der AG Transatlantic der jungen DGAP wird über die Wahlkampfrhetorik von Donald Trump und Kamala Harris referieren. Er wird darauf eingehen, wie die Rhetorikstile der beiden Kandidaten sich unterscheiden, welche Emotionen sie ansprechen und an welche Wählergruppen sie appellieren. Herr Zrenner wird auch erklären warum diese unterschiedliche Rhetorikstile unterschiedliche Wirkung auf Amerikaner und Deutsche haben, und was das für uns jenseits der Wahl bedeutet.
A New Era? U.S. Leadership after the Election and Europe's Security Landscape
Date: October 24, 2024
Time: 17:00 CEST / 11:00 EST
Host: American Council on Germany
Language: English
In some U.S. states early voting has begun, and voters across the country are getting ready to head to the polls on November 5. In Europe there is concern about what the new administration in Washington might look like. With changes in leadership come evolving priorities in foreign and defense policy, which will have significant implications for Europe’s security architecture. This discussion examined how the new administration’s approach to NATO, diplomacy, and global alliances could reshape the continent’s security landscape, fostering both opportunities and challenges for Europe as it navigates this pivotal moment in international relations.
Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis and former Commanding General, United States Army Europe, and Dr. Claudia Major, Head of the International Security Research Division at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) took part in this discussion.
The livestream of the event can be found here.
Democratic Crossroads: Superwahljahr 2024
Date: October 21, 2024
Time: 19:15 CEST / 13:15 EST
Host: German-American Institute Tübingen
Language: German
Das Jahr 2024 steht im Zeichen der Politik: Mit dem Superwahljahr 2024 finden eine Vielzahl wichtiger Wahlen auf nationaler und internationaler Ebene statt und rund die Hälfte der Weltbevölkerung ist zu Wahlen aufgerufen. Von Deutschland über die USA und in zahlreichen Ländern weltweit wird dieses Jahr über die politische Zukunft entschieden.
In einer stark vernetzen Welt wie heute haben Wahlen Auswirkungen über die Landesgrenzen hinweg, insbesondere im Fall von Großmächten wie den USA. Die Präsidentschaftswahl dort wird als besonderes "hot topic" gehandelt, da ihr Ausgang die Richtung und Intensität der transatlantischen Beziehungen in den kommenden Jahren bestimmen wird. Auch innenpolitisch wird die Wahl darüber entscheiden, ob demokratische Grundsätze gestärkt oder geschwächt werden. Wie geht es dem demokratischen Fortschritt?
Moderator Tobias Endler diskutierte zu diesem Thema mit Sigmar Gabriel, seit 2019 Vorsitzender der Atlantik-Brücke, Sudha David-Wilp, Leiterin des GMF-Büros Berlin, und Greta Olson, Professorin für englische und amerikanische Literatur- und Kulturwissenschaft und Mitbegründerin des Europäischen Netzwerks für Recht und Literatur.
Den Livestream zur Veranstaltung finden Sie hier.
Transatlantic Economic Relations in 2025: Global Economic Order or Disorder?
Date: October 17, 2024
Time: 16:00 CEST / 10:00 EST
Host: American-German Institute
Language: English
This event provided a platform to examine what a Harris or second Trump administration would mean for the U.S.-EU geoeconomic agenda. While the transatlantic economic relationship has recovered from the contentiousness during the Trump administration, the last three and a half years under President Joe Biden have seen a rapprochement in outlook that has not always led to advances in common policymaking. Whether the issue is the nexus of climate and trade, how far to derisk from the Chinese economy, or the role of the World Trade Organization, differing U.S. and EU starting points have often acted as a brake on transatlantic statecraft—particularly regarding a strategy for a renewed global economic order.
America Votes: USA on the World stage
Date: October 16, 2024
Time: 18:00 CEST / 12:00 EST
Host: Heinrich Böll Foundation
Language: English
The US elections on November 5 will have far-reaching national and global repercussions. It could upend longstanding alliances, or open up new opportunities for international collaboration on the biggest challenges of our time: From climate change and lack of food security to regional conflicts, nonproliferation, and the rapid advance of new technologies. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, in some ways, seems ready to break with President Joe Biden on certain questions of foreign policy – but she will likely maintain other policies, including unwavering support for Ukraine. Donald Trump has doubled down on taking American foreign policy in a different direction by calling into question U.S. adherence to NATO’s Article 5 and rhetorically cozying up to dictators, such as Viktor Orban and Vladimir Putin. What can we expect from a new Democratic president, and where would Harris change American foreign policy from Biden? How much of Donald Trump’s foreign policy will build on his first term and where can we anticipate more significant departures? And how do both candidates look at transatlantic relations with Europe?
Prof. Paul Poast, an expert and scholar on international relations, provided analysis and insight into the likely directions for U.S. foreign policy and what the two candidates stand for. The discussion was moderated by Teresa Eder, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC.
The event can be rewatched on Youtube.
The 2024 Presidential Race: A New Turning Point?
Date: October 15, 2024
Time: 18:30 CEST / 12:30 EST
Host: The American Academy in Berlin
Language: English
Since Kamala Harris’s nomination as the Democratic candidate for the 2024 presidential election, polling numbers show a transformed race. Harris has overtaken Donald Trump in most national polls, fueled by rising enthusiasm among younger and non-white voters. But the race remains far from decided, with the outcome hinging on seven pivotal swing states. Despite Democratic momentum, Republicans still benefit from a structural edge in the Electoral College, and Trump’s campaign team has long focused on securing key battlegrounds like Georgia and Pennsylvania.
You joined us for a conversation with Doug Sosnik, renowned political strategist, former senior advisor to President Bill Clinton, and one of Washington’s most sought-after election analysts. Sosnik broke down the latest polling data, offering sharp insights into what both campaigns must do to clinch victory in this high-stakes election.
The event can be rewatched here.
The Ballot and the Bullet: Gun Sellers and the Crisis of American Democracy
Date: October 15, 2024
Time: 19:00 CEST / 13:00 EST
Host: Amerikazentrum Hamburg, DAZ Stuttgart / James F. Byrnes Institut
Language: English
Not just since the recent attempts on Donald Trump’s life or January 6, 2021, has the topic of gun violence polarized the United States. Nonetheless, Americans are arming themselves more than ever before and gun sales see a steady increase. To explore the why’s, how’s and especially the who’s of armed America, our guest, Sociology Professor Jennifer Carlson, travelled across the U.S. and conducted numerous interviews with gun merchants about their clients and American gun culture.
Out of this research, her new book Merchants of the Right: Gun Sellers and the Crisis of American Democracy came into being, which she discuseds with us and moderator David Patrician.
CLEW Press Club: The 2024 U.S. Election's Impact on European Climate and Energy Policy
Date: October 8, 2024
Time: 16:00 CEST / 10:00 EST
Host: Clean Energy Wire CLEW
Language: English
The eyes of the world will be on the U.S. on November 5 this year, when Americans head to the ballot boxes to vote for a new president – or reelect a former one. For Europe in particular, the U.S. elections will have enormous consequences given Washington's rise in transatlantic trade relations, energy supply, security policy, and in global climate diplomacy. And the vote comes at a time when the EU itself is grappling with the threat of populist parties' gaining influence, while its economic clout is tottering and Russia's war on Ukraine has imposed the need for a comprehensive reform of its own energy and security infrastructure. One month before the culmination of the race for the White House, Clean Energy Wire and the Aspen Institute Germany invited expert journalists from France, Poland, Germany, and Brussels to the CLEW Press Club to discuss the election's impact on the EU, with a focus on implications for European climate and energy policies.
The event can be rewatched on Youtube.
The U.S. Elections Deciphered: Assessing Scenarios & Policy in a Harris vs. Trump 2.0 Administration
Date: September 17, 2024
Time: 17:00 CET / 11:00 ET
Host: American Chamber of Commerce in Germany
Language: English
After the appointment of Kamala Harris as the new Democratic U.S. Presidential candidate, a lot has changed in the American Election Campaigns. In the realm of this webinar, Ashlee Rich Stephenson, Senior Political Strategist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Julian Heissler, U.S. Correspondent for the German weekly "Wirtschaftswoche", discussed the current developments in the U.S. election campaigns, key election drivers, as well as the most realistic scenarios after the U.S. presidential and congressional elections on November 5, 2024. We took a closer look at the economic and trade policy priorities of a potential Harris or Trump 2.0 administration and the consequences for transatlantic business. The discussion was moderated by Thomas Henneberg, Head of Department, Strategic Partnerships, Regional Coordination & Events, American Chamber of Commerce in Germany e.V.
From Convention Season to the Final Campaign Stretch
Date: September 5, 2024
Time: 17:00 CET / 11:00 ET
Host: Aspen Institute Germany, Transatlantic Hub, Johns Hopkins University SAIS Alumni Association in Germany
Language: English
Two months before Election Day, we delved into the competing visions both parties are offering to U.S. voters and how these messages are being received by the American public. We explored the core values and issues that define what it means to be a Democrat or Republican in today’s political climate. Together with former American Ambassador to Germany John B. Emerson and Dr. Daniel S. Hamilton, Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute of Johns Hopkins University SAIS, we considered what these competing visions mean for Europe and global affairs and assess the state of down-ballot races, examining how elections for Congress, state governments, and local offices might impact the transatlantic partnership. The discussion was moderated by Tina Höfinghoff, founder of Transatlantic Hub.
The event can be rewatched on YouTube.
"Passing the Torch to a New Generation?" – Aktuelle Dynamiken im US-Wahlkampf
Date: August 8, 2024
Time: 18:00 CET / 12:00 ET
Host: AmerikaHaus NRW
Language: German
Die Ereignisse im US-Wahlkampf haben sich in den letzten Wochen überschlagen: Am 13. Juli wurde bei einer Wahlkampfrallye ein Attentat auf Donald Trump verübt, was erneut Debatten über Sicherheit und politische Stabilität in den Vordergrund gerückt hat. Kurz danach ernannte Trump mit JD Vance seinen Vizekandidaten und stieß daraufhin auf gemischte Reaktionen aus den eigenen Reihen. Nach zunehmendem Druck aus der Partei gab Präsident Joe Biden seinen Rückzug bekannt und schlug Vizepräsidentin Kamala Harris als Präsidentschaftskandidatin vor. Harris gewann die Unterstützung vieler führender Demokraten und schaffte es, in nur einer Woche 200 Millionen US-Dollar für ihren Wahlkampf zu sammeln. Ihre Bestätigung als offizielle Präsidentschaftskandidatin durch das Demokratische Nationale Komitee gilt als Formsache. Mit Dr. Johannes Thimm, stellvertretender Leiter der Forschungsabteilung Amerika bei der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), Prof. Dr. Sabine Sielke, Inhaberin des Lehrstuhls für Literatur und Kultur Nordamerikas und Leiterin des North American Studies Program und des German-Canadian Centre an der Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, und Johanna Roth, US-Korrespondentin bei ZEIT ONLINE mit Sitz in Washington, D. C., haben wir uns angeschaut, welche Auswirkungen die Geschehnisse der letzten Wochen auf die US-Wahl im November haben werden.
Mehr Informationen finden Sie hier.
Economic Vistas und die US-Präsidentschaftswahl
Date: July 22, 2024
Time: 19:15 CET / 13:15 ET
Host: Deutsch-Amerikanisches Institut Tübingen
Language: German
Die Wirtschaftsleistung ist in Umfragen seit Monaten der wichtigste Faktor bei den US-Präsidentschaftswahlen. Die Biden-Regierung setzt auf Bidenomics über das Build Back Better Infrastrukturprogramm. Die Republikaner bauen auf Trumps „America First“ Haltung mit nationalistischen Tönen und Forderungen nach einer „anti-corporate elite policy,“ die mit dem GOP-Erbe einer libertären, unregulierten Marktwirtschaft brechen. Dabei haben beide Ansätze mehr gemeinsam, als beide Parteien zugeben, auch mit Bezug auf die harte Linie gegenüber China.
Moderator Dr. Tobias Endler begrüßt Julia Kastein, Korrespondentin im ARD-Studio Washington, Julia Friedlander, Geschäftsführerin der AtlantikBrücke, und Dr. Roland Rohde, Berichterstatter der GTAI (Germany Trade and Invest) in Washington, um zu diskutieren, wie stark sich die Wirtschaftslage auf den US-Wahlkampf auswirkt.
The event can be rewatched on YouTube.
What is Keeping U.S. up at Night: Transatlantic Priorities in Uncertain Times
Date: July 18, 2024
Time: 17:00 CET / 11:00 ET
Host: Munich Security Conference
Language: English
Transatlantic relations, crucial for global peace and security, face challenges like Russia's war in Ukraine, relations with China, Middle East stability, the climate crisis, technology management, and trade. The upcoming U.S. presidential election will significantly influence these relations and Europe's role. Therefore, Europe must prepare for any election outcome to maintain a strong transatlantic partnership. Together with Wolfgang Ischinger, Ambassador (ret.) and President of the MSC Foundation's Council, Elbridge Colby, Principal of The Marathon Initiative and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Strategy, and Katarzyna Pisarska, Chairwoman of the Warsaw Security Forum and the European Academy of Diplomacy, we discussed key geopolitical challenges faced by the transatlantic partners and what the upcoming U.S. election will mean for the future of transatlantic cooperation. The discussion was moderated by Leonard Schütte, Senior Researcher, MSC.
The event can be rewatched on YouTube.
A Republic, If We Can Keep It - Democracy on the Ballot Since the Very Beginning
Date: July 2, 2024
Time: 18:30 CET / 12:30 ET
Host: Amerikazentrum Hamburg
Language: English
The 2024 election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in history. With two vastly different candidates and visions, the stakes couldn't be higher. What’s particularly concerning this year is the apparent disregard for democratic institutions and values.
We explored the historical context of this pivotal moment, starting from George Washington’s presidency. To mark 225 years since Washington's passing, we discussed how his precedent of stepping down after two terms has shaped our democracy and we were delighted to welcome Thomas Zimmer, Professor at Georgetown University Washington. The discussion was moderated by Gottfried Haufe, event and radio moderator.
You can find more information about the event here.
Dormant NATO: Future Prospects and Challenges
Date: July 1, 2024
Time: 17:00 CET / 11:00 ET
Host: European Council on Foreign Relations
Language: English
Russia's war against Ukraine has shown how much the Europeans are still dependent on the US to ensure their security, despite all the talk of "strategic autonomy". Even though Europeans have significantly increased their defence spending over the past two years, there is still a massive transatlantic imbalance in NATO. The potential re-election of Donald Trump puts NATO’s future into question. Trump has controversially stated that he would encourage Russia to "do whatever the hell they want" to any NATO country that doesn't meet the 2% defense spending target. Conversely, if President Biden is re-elected, NATO may still struggle as the administration juggles European defense commitments with the rising threat from China.
Together with Camille Grand, Distinguished Policy Fellow, ECFR, Sumantra Maitra, Senior Fellow, Center for Renewing America, and Jeremy Shapiro, Research Director & Director, US programme, ECFR, we explored these scenarios, discussing NATO's adaptability and the broader implications for international security. The discussion was moderated by Jana Puglierin, Head, ECFR Berlin & Senior Policy Fellow, ECFR.
You can rewatch the event here.
KI & ME: Der Wahlkampf und Künstliche Intelligenz
Date: June 25, 2024
Time: 19:15 CET / 13:15 ET
Host: German-American Institute Tübingen, German-American Center James F. Byrnes Institute Stuttgart, German-American Institute Heidelberg, RHET AI, University of Tübingen, Carl-Schurz-Haus Freiburg
Language: German
Erst kürzlich wurde berichtet, dass der US-Präsident Joe Biden in New Hampshire demokratische Wähler *innen angerufen habe, mit der Aufforderung, sich nicht an den Vorwahlen zu beteiligen. Hierbei handelte es sich jedoch nicht um einen Anruf des US-Präsidenten, sondern um eine versuchte Wahlbeeinflussung durch eine KI-generierte Simulation der Stimme von Joe Biden. Mit Prof. Dr. Olaf Kramer (Universität Tübingen) und Prof. Dr. Christian Bieber (Forschungsprofessor am CAIS) haben wir darüber gesprochen, welche Formen eine solche Beeinflussung durch KI annehmen kann, wie sie funktioniert und vor allem, wie sie enttarnt werden kann. Welchen Einfluss haben Algorithmen allgemein auf den politischen Meinungsbildungsprozess?
Über diesen Link können Sie sich die Veranstaltung erneut ansehen.
The Crossroads of Democracy: Student Protests and the 2024 U.S. Presidential Elections
Date: June 18, 2024
Time: 17:00 CET / 11:00 ET
Host: American Academy in Berlin
Language: English
This spring’s student protests were more dramatic than any America has seen since the Vietnam War. On some campuses, classes and even graduation were canceled; in a number of cases, police were called in to dismantle protestors’ encampments. The protests also raised the question of whether opposition to the Biden administration’s policies toward Israel and Gaza could weaken support for the president’s effort to win reelection.
To discuss the campus turmoil of 2024, the president of the American Academy in Berlin, Daniel Benjamin, talked with student journalist Theo Baker of Stanford—whose article “The War at Stanford” appeared in The Atlantic in March—Nicholas Christakis, Sterling Professor of Social and Natural Science at Yale, and pollster Laura Silver, an associate director at Pew Research Center.
You can find more information about the event here.
Trade Policy in the next Administration
Date: June 17, 2024
Time: 16:00 CET / 10:00 ET
Host: Representative of German Industry and Trade (RGIT)
Language: English
To examine where the two presidential candidates differ and align on their overall trade strategy, the use of tariffs, the relationships with Europe and China, and looking ahead to the USMCA review, we welcomed two experts with inside perspectives on transatlantic trade policymaking; Kate Kalutkiewicz, Senior Managing Director at McLarty Associates for trade practice, and Sarah Bianchi, Senior Managing Director and Chief Strategist of international political affairs and public policy at Evercore ISI; for an off-the-record discussion on possible agendas for the next Administration. The discussion was moderated by Stephanie Harwood, RGIT’s Policy Manager for Trade.
The Crossroads of Democracy: Foreign Policy Implications of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Elections
Date: June 12, 2024
Time: 18:00 CET / 12:00 ET
Host: American Academy in Berlin
Language: English
Foreign policy seldom plays much of a role in American presidential elections, but the consequences of those contests can be profound for America’s allies in Europe and for the world. The 2024 election will have significant implications for American foreign policy, whatever the outcome. To discuss how the election results are likely to influence America’s global relationships — and particularly those with Germany and Europe — the European Council on Foreign Relations’ Majda Ruge (Senior Policy Fellow) and Jeremy Shapiro (Research Director) joined Academy president Daniel Benjamin for an examination of the foreign policy implications of the 2024 US elections.
Please find more information here.
Jamie Raskin: The Unthinkable – Fighting for American Democracy
Date: May 31, 2024
Time: 18:00 CET / 12:00 ET
Host: Amerikahaus Nordrhein-Westfalen, Amerikahaus München & Atlantik-Brücke e.V.
Language: English
Is American democracy in danger? Congressman Jamie Raskin, member of the Democratic Party, expert in constitutional law and lead impeachment manager in the second impeachment trial of former president Donald Trump, talked about January 6, 2021, how he experienced that day in Congress and how he perceives its aftermath. The lawyer has written a very personal book about the subject, which is also the moving story of his late son Thomas B. Raskin. The talk was followed by a discussion with Prof. Dr. Pierre Thielböger, Executive Director of the Institute for the International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV). The talk and the discussion both were moderated by Viktoria Harbecke, Director of the AmerikaHaus NRW e.V.
Please find more information here.
Sigmar Gabriel: Die transatlantischen Beziehungen in unsicheren Zeiten
Date: May 23, 2024
Time: 18:00 CET / 12:00 ET
Host: German-American Institute Saxony & Atlantik-Brücke e.V.
Language: Deutsch
Das transatlantische Bündnis steht vor neuen Herausforderungen. Seit dem russischen Angriffskrieg auf die Ukraine ist klar, dass die Zeiten der geopolitischen Stabilität vorbei sind. Wie wird sich die transatlantische Partnerschaft im Angesicht dieser Unsicherheiten weiterentwickeln, besonders mit den bevorstehenden Präsidentschaftswahlen in den USA?
Diese und weitere Fragen werden wir im Gespräch mit Sigmar Gabriel, ehemaliger Bundesminister für Umwelt, Wirtschaft sowie im Auswärtigen Amt, und Vorsitzender der Atlantik-Brücke e.V., beantworten. Die Veranstaltung wird von Therese Mager, wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin am Forschungsinstitut für Gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt, moderiert.
Diese Veranstaltung wurde aufgezeichnet. Sie finden die Aufnahme hier.
Six Months Out: Countdown to the U.S.-Election
Date: May 3, 2024
Time: 11:00 CET / 5:00 ET
Host: German-American Institute Saxony
Language: English
Together with Prof. Paul Rundquist we talked about the upcoming US-elections, where we are at and what to expect in the coming months. This live-streamed workshop was part of the Transatlantic Student Summit program at the German-American Institute Saxony. Prof. Paul Rundquist is a former congressional operations specialist. He worked for the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. for about 30 years.
Please find the recorded video here.
Burden-Sharing or Burden-Shifting? U.S. Policy on NATO after November 2024
Date: April 24, 2024
Time: 16:00 CET / 10:00 ET
Host: American-German Institute
Language: English
The specter of the United States abandoning NATO looms large over the 2024 U.S. elections. Former President Trump recently reminded Europeans of his ingrained hostility toward the Alliance when he invited Russia to “do whatever the hell they want” to allies that do not pull their weight in defense spending. While a formal U.S. withdrawal from NATO appears unlikely, a potentially imminent Republican administration would seek to fundamentally rebalance the transatlantic relationship. Given the multiple parallel threats to U.S. leadership, ballooning public debt, and an underperforming defense industrial base, even a second Biden administration would face enormous pressures to shift resources and attention away from Europe.
Drawing on interviews with congressional staffers, former officials, and experts in Washington, this webinar addressed what a second Trump administration would mean for NATO. Together with Dr. Leonard Schütte (AAD/AGI Research Fellow and Senior Researcher at the Munich Security Conference) we discussed how the debate within the Republican Party on NATO is evolving, what rebalancing entails concretely, and what the Europeans need to do to put NATO on a sustainable footing again.
Please find the recorded video here.
Personnel is Policy: Plans for an Administrative Overhaul under Trump 2.0
Date: March 22, 2024
Time: 16:00 CET / 11:00 ET
Host: European Council on Foreign Relations
Language: English
The overwhelming likelihood is that Donald Trump will be the next Republican nominee for President. As such, he stands a roughly even chance of winning the presidency.
With this potential transition looming, attention has turned towards Trump’s agenda to eradicate the “Deep State” and ongoing preparations for the implementation of such agenda. Plans such as Heritage 2025 Agenda and America First Transition Project have outlined a series of staffing plans and overhaul initiatives that could significantly shape the direction of governance if Trump assumes office for a second term.
Together with Dan Caldwell (Public Policy Advisor, Defense Priorities) and Jeremy Shapiro (Research Director & US Programme Director, ECFR) we talked about the plans for an administrative overhaul during a second Trump administration, discussed what they mean for America and Europe and described the parallels to the Hungarian experience.
Please find the recorded video here.
Super Tuesday 2024 - Key Takeaways and the Road Ahead
Date: March 6, 2024
Time: 18:30 CET / 12:30 ET
Host: AmerikaHaus NRW e.V.
Language: English
On March 5, more than 15 US states and territories held primary elections and caucuses. With the highest number of delegates at stake on a single day, Super Tuesday is typically a strong indicator of how the presidential primaries will play out overall. Sofia Dreisbach (US Correspondent FAZ), Faith Jessie (Reporter & News Anchor WXIA-TV / NBC) and Julia Naue (US Correspondent dpa) analyzed the results and discussed scenarios for the road ahead. They also looked at key state-level races. What do the results tell us about the mood in the country? Which issues moved voters the most? And what does that imply for November 5?
Please find more information here.
Democratic Crossroads – Super Tuesday: Weichenstellung im US-Wahljahr
Date: March 5, 2024
Time: 19:15-20:45 CET / 13:15-14:45 ET
Host: German-American Institute Tübingen
Language: German
Hybrid-Podium mit dem ehem. ARD-Washingtonkorrespondenten Arthur Landwehr, Berlin-Korrespondentin der NYT Melissa Eddy und Dr. Tobias Endler. Die USA befinden sich mitten in einem turbulenten Wahlkampf um die Präsidentschaft und der Rest der Welt schaut gespannt zu: Wird Donald Trump trotz Gerichtsurteil Wahlkampf betreiben können und wenn ja – wie? Was sind Joe Bidens Chancen auf eine Wiederwahl und welche Kandidat*innen nehmen ab jetzt die Favoritenrolle ein? Am Super Tuesday, einer zentralen Wegmarke im US-Wahljahr, werden einige dieser Fragen bereits entschieden. Im Gespräch analysierten Arthur Landwehr und Tobias Endler die zentralen Kandidat*innen mit ihren Programmen und zeigten, wie sich der Wahlkampf entwickeln kann.
Mehr Informationen finden Sie hier.
The Crossroads of Democracy: The 2024 US Presidential Election with Lynn Vavreck
Date: February 29, 2024
Time: 18:00-19:30 CET / 12:00-13:30 ET
Host: American Academy in Berlin
Language: English
Do American voters think Joe Biden is too old — and might they not vote for him, as a result? And despite seemingly cruising to the Republican nomination, is Donald Trump actually showing weakness within his own party? Are minorities drifting away from Biden? Will the upcoming trials weaken Trump’s support? These were just some of the questions UCLA political scientist Lynn Vavreck and Academy president Daniel Benjamin have discussed in a conversation about the dynamics of the 2024 US presidential election. Vavreck, a widely known analyst of American politics, is a contributing columnist for the New York Times and co-author of several critically acclaimed books on the last three election cycles. She also helped to develop and manage Nationscape, a large-scale political survey that produces more 6000 new voter-interviews every week.
Please find the recorded event in full length here.
Die transatlantischen Beziehungen vor der US-Wahl: Wie geht es weiter?
Date: February 19, 2024
Time: 18:00-19:30 CET / 12:00-13:30 ET
Host: Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft e.V.
Language: German
Die Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft freut sich, den deutschen Botschafter in Washington D.C., Andreas Michaelis, für einen Impulsvortrag zum Stand der transatlantischen Beziehungen im Kaiserin-Friedrich Haus (Robert-Koch-Platz 7, 10115 Berlin) empfangen zu haben.
Im Anschluss diskutierten wir mit Botschafter Andreas Michaelis, Botschafter a.D., Dr. Klaus Scharioth sowie Dr. Laura von Daniels (SWP) über die Rolle Deutschlands und Europas im US-Wahljahr und darüber hinaus: Wie kann Deutschland gemeinsam mit den USA dafür sorgen, dass die EU-Mitgliedsstaaten ihre eigene Sicherheit und Verteidigung ernster nehmen? Wo stehen die transatlantischen Beziehungen mit Bezug auf die Unterstützung Israels? Welcher gemeinsame Umgang kann in Bezug auf China gefunden werden? Wie können sich die Europäer auf eine mögliche zweite Trump-Präsidentschaft vorbereiten und was ist zu tun, um die Ukraine möglicherweise mit verminderter US-Rückendeckung weiter zu unterstützen?
Der Tagesspiegel-Journalist Dr. Christoph von Marschall moderierte die Veranstaltung. Die Diskussion begann um 18:00 und fand im Kaiserin-Friedrich Haus (Robert-Koch-Platz 7, 10115 Berlin) statt. Anschließend gab es einen Empfang.
Die Veranstaltung wurde aufgezeichnet. Schauen Sie sich die Aufnahme hier an.
Palmetto Politics: South Carolina and the U.S. Elections 2024
Date: February 14, 2024
Time: 18:00 CET / 12:00 ET
Host: Atlantische Akademie Rheinland-Pfalz
Language: English
With its “First in the South” primary, South Carolina has ended and revived numerous political careers and cemented its status as a legendary political battlefield. In 2020, winning the state proved a turning point for Joe Biden’s campaign and the Democrats have not forgotten, having now established South Carolina as the first contest for their primary calendar. On the Republican side, Donald Trump swept the 2016 primary and is now looking to repeat his win in 2024 and forcing former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley out of the race in her home state. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has already left the contest for the presidential nomination and has endorsed Donald Trump, along with many notable political figures of the state. In this event, we analyzed the unique political culture of South Carolina politics and discuss with two experts what the “Palmetto State” can tell us about the race to the White House and the way the Democrats and Republicans operate in the South. Speakers included Gavin Jackson, host of SCETV's weekly public affairs show "This Week in South Carolina" and the weekly "South Carolina Lede" podcast, and Kirk Randazzo, Professor of Political Science at the University of South Carolina.
Please find more information here.
Election Season and US Foreign Policy: Implications for Ukraine Support
Date: February 12, 2024
Time: 15:00-16:15 CET / 9:00-10:15 EST
Host: German Council on Foreign Relations
Language: English
As the US election campaign heats up, the future of US support for Ukraine has become a hot-button issue. With a critical legislative bill that includes foreign policy assistance alongside border security and asylum policy measures still under negotiation in Congress, the likelihood of its passage dwindles. This scenario poses significant risks for Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion and places additional pressure on European allies to swiftly expand their assistance to Ukraine, especially in military aid.
In a virtual discussion Dominik Tolksdorf with US foreign policy experts, we discussed the factors shaping US policy on Ukraine during the election year, the geopolitical ramifications of conflicts such as those expanding in the Middle East, the options for the Biden administration to continue the support, and the implications for Ukraine and European allies. The discussion was moderated by Dominik Tolksdorf and speakers included Scott Cullinane, Director of Government Affairs, Razom for Ukraine, and Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Senior Fellow and Director of the Transatlantic Security Program, Center for a New American Security (CNAS).
Watch the recorded event here.
Franklin Foer: On Joe Biden's White House and the Struggle for America's Future
Date: Februar 1, 2024
Time: 19:00 CET / 13:00 ET
Host: Amerikahaus München / Stiftung Bayerisches Amerikahaus gGmbH
Language: English
As part of the Amerikahaus Book Talk series, this event focused on Franklin Foer's gripping biography of Joe Biden, following his first term in office: The Last Politician. Foer analyzed the triumphs and failures of Biden's leadership from the 2022 "midterm mirachle" to the power of the Inflation Reduction Act, all with an eye for what this will mean for the upcoming presidential elections in 2024. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Johannes Thimm.
Watch the recorded event here.
The Pulse of the Nation after Iowa and New Hampshire
Date: January 25, 2024
Time: 17:00 CET / 11:00 ET
Host: American Council on Germany
Language: English
Join us for the kickoff of an engaging series where we sit down with prominent pollsters in the U.S. In this event, we delved into their insights on the nation's current mood as the first primaries unfold. Looking ahead, we also discussed what to expect in the upcoming political race. Our distinguished panel included Margie Omero, Principal at GBAO polling firm, and Matt Gorman, Vice President of Targeted Victory. The discussion was moderated by Juliane Schäuble.
Please find more information here.