Virtual Discussions

After Germany's first confirmed COVID-19 case was documented near Munich, Bavaria was forced to take up the fight against the pandemic. Confronted with high infection rates and located in close proximity to Austria and northern Italy, Bavaria had to act swiftly to prevent a health care disaster. But, as the chair of the Ministers-President Conference,...

Late last week, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a controversial speech about engagement with China in the past, present, and future – and called upon democratic and free societies to stand up to an increasingly authoritarian and internationally assertive China. Europe has been directly – and indirectly – affected by increasing rivalry between...

Last week, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper announced the drawdown of nearly 12,000 U.S. troops from Germany. This decision will have a significant impact on the security of Europe - and has the potential to change the dynamic of the German-American partnership. Join us on Monday, August 3 at 11:00 am ET for an online discussion...

Cities that were built on iron, steel, and coal have had to overcome deep economic challenges and structural changes in recent decades. Both Dortmund and Pittsburgh have rebuilt themselves as thriving metropolises....

Virtually every aspect of life has changed due to the spread of COVID-19. Perhaps one of the hardest hit industries is travel. Global stay-at-home orders and travel bans have drastically...

There are a number of important issues on the transatlantic agenda. And, yet the relevance of the partnership between the United States and Germany has been called into question in recent years. From defense spending and the proposed U.S. military drawdown, to transatlantic trade and investment, to relations with other countries such as China and...

In mid-July, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced revised guidelines regarding sanctions on energy pipeline projects – including Nord Stream II and TurkStream. The Trump administration is concerned that Nord Stream II, which is nearing completion, threatens to give Moscow economic and political leverage over Europe and will undermine Europe’s energy security. However, these...

COVID-19 has disproportionally affected low income and minority communities, increased the digital divide, shown weakness in healthcare systems, and changed the nature of everyday life including work and education. Although Germany was able to suppress the infection rate, the pandemic has taken a toll on its social system. Join us on Tuesday, August 18 at 11:00...

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time, the Democratic and Republican National Conventions are being held as virtual events on national television. With dozens of speakers each day, this new format is like a highly choreographed Zoom event with viewers tuning in from across the country and around the world. Join us on Friday,...

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time, the Democratic and Republican National Conventions are being held as virtual events on national television. With dozens of speakers each day, this new format is like a highly choreographed Zoom event with viewers tuning in from across the country and around the world. Join us on...

As the conflict in Syria was intensifying, millions of Syrians sought to escape the danger any way possible – mostly on foot. For many, Germany was the ideal destination. After visiting a refugee camp in Dresden, on August 31, 2015, Chancellor Angela Merkel said “Wir schaffen das” – or “We can manage this” – referring...