American Council On Germany

Washington DC: The Social Benefits of Renewable Energy
2018-02-13 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
The American Council on Germany and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission will host a discussion and luncheon with Dr. Sebastian Helgenberger from the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) Potsdam.
For questions, please contact Dale Medearis at
dmedearis@novaregion.org or at (703) 642-4630.
There is no charge to attend this event.
RSVP here by Friday, February 9.
Dr. Sebastian Helgenberger leads the “Multiple Benefits of Renewables” project at IASS Potsdam. Building on experiences with Germany’s Energiewende (transition towards renewable energies), Sebastian and his team in their research activities and international science-policy dialogues are putting particular emphasis on the social and economic benefits of renewable energies as drivers of accelerated transitions towards sustainable energy for all. Sebastian studied Environmental Sciences at Leuphana University Lüneburg and conducted his master thesis at ETH Zurich on knowledge co-creation among science and society in sustainability transformations. He also holds a PhD in socio-economics, acquired from BOKU University Vienna for his work on the relevance of global warming on investment decisions in small and medium enterprises (SME). Throughout his career, Sebastian Helgenberger has been committed to advancing and experimenting with the transformative potential of science and research to accompany societal change.
Abstract: Boosted by impressive technological innovation and cost reductions, renewable energy in a growing number of countries is now primarily considered for its social and economic benefits. Among these benefits are opportunities for local value creation, energy independence, and reducing conflicts over scarce water, which are aggravated by fossil power generation. Allowing for distributed electricity generation, the rapidly expanding renewable energy world is opening up business models for many, including local communities, citizens, and citizens’ cooperatives. Experiences from Germany as well as other countries show how domestic energy policy can shape the enabling environment to seizing the social benefits of renewable energy.
With special thanks to the Northern Virginia Regional Commission for hosting this event
This program was made possible by a generous grant through the European Recovery Program – Transatlantic Encounters.

NYC: A Misaligned Alliance? How Germans and Americans Think about Today's Common Global Challenges
2018-03-01 18:00 - 20:00
The American Council on Germany, the Pew Research Center, and the Körber Stiftung, will host a discussion and reception on March 1, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Presentations by Richard Wike, the Global Attitudes Research Director at the Pew Research Center, and Nora Müller, the Executive Director of International Affairs at the Körber Stiftung, will be followed by a discussion with Jeff Rathke, the Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Ambassador Jürgen Schulz, the Deputy Permanent Representative at the German Mission to the United Nations, and Dr. Steven E. Sokol, President of the American Council on Germany, who will moderate.
There is no charge for this event. RSVPs are required.
RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany
at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org. With special thanks to:

NYC: Innovation and Digitalization: Technology Is the Key to Transforming the Future
2018-03-07 18:00 - 19:30
The ACG will host a discussion and reception with Dr. Reinhard Ploss, Chief Executive Officer and Member of Management Board of Infineon Technologies AG.
RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany
at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org.
Dr. Reinhard Ploss has been a member of the Management Board of Infineon Technologies AG since 2007 and CEO since October 1, 2012. Dr. Ploss began his career at Infineon in 1999 as President and Head of the Industrial Power Business Unit at eupec GmbH Co. KG, a subsidiary of Infineon. From that position, Dr. Ploss took over the Automotive and Industrial Business Division, followed by the development, production, and operational management of the Automotive, Industrial, and Multimarket Segment. In June 2007, he was appointed to the Executive Board of Infineon for the Manufacturing Division. Later, he also became Labor Director and took over the Research and Development Department. He studied process engineering at the Technical University of Munich and received his doctorate in 1986.

NYC: International Value Chains in an Age of Protectionism: Productivity, Employment, and Spillover Effects
2018-03-12 12:00 - 14:00
The American Council on Germany, vbw – the Bavarian Industry Association, and bayme vbm – the Bavarian Employers’ Associations for the Metalworking and Electrical Industries, will host a discussion and luncheon with Professor Dr. Michael Hüther, Director of the German Institute, with remarks also by Bertram Brossardt, CEO of bayme vbm and Executive Vice President and CEO of vbw.
There is no charge for this event. RSVPs are required.
RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany
at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org.
Professor Dr. Michael Hüther is a German economist who has been the Director of the German Economic Institute since July 2004. Since August 2001, Dr. Hüther has also been an Honorary Professor at the European Business School in Oestrich-Winkel. In the academic year 2016-17, he was Gerda Henkel Adjunct Professor in the Department of German Studies at Stanford University. In 1999, he joined DekaBank as Chief Economist and, starting in 2001, additionally served as Division Manager of economics and communication. In 1995, he was appointed Secretary General of the German Council of Economic Advisers. Upon completion of his Doctorate in Economics, in 1991, Dr. Hüther became a member of the research staff of the Council of Experts for the Evaluation of Macroeconomic Development. From 1982 to 1987, he studied economics as well as medieval and modern history at the Justus-Liebig University in Gießen. Dr. Hüther and his team carry out research on pressing issues including the eurozone’s future governance design, digitalization, German Ordnungspolitik, the past economic crisis, and capital market supervision. He is a member of the Board of Atlantik-Brücke. He was awarded the German Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz).

Atlanta: Germany, the EU, and the United States - Building Bridges in Uncertain Times
2018-03-14 17:30 - 19:30
The Atlanta Warburg Chapter, the Representative of German Industry and Trade (RGIT), and the GACC – South will host a discussion and reception with Dr. Stefan Mair, Executive Board Member of the Federation of German Industries (BDI).
There will be no charge to attend this event.
RSVP here by March 11.

Dr. Stefan Mair was born in Munich in 1963. He is married with two children. Dr. Stefan Mair studied Political Sciences, Economics and Sociology at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich. From 1989 to 1991 he held a scholarship from the ifo-Institute for Economic Research. He was subsequently awarded his doctorate in Political Sciences by the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich. In the following years he worked as an advisor on Africa at the Foundation for Science and Politics (SWP), becoming head of the research group Africa and Middle East at the SWP in 1997. From 2002 to 2010 he was a member of the management of the SWP and from 2007 to 2009 he also held the post of director of research. In 2010 Dr. Stefan Mair moved from the SWP to the Federation of German Industries (BDI). From May to October he was head of the Department of International Markets. Since November 2010 he has been a member of the Executive Board of the BDI.

NYC: Role of Women in Germany
2018-03-16 08:30 - 10:00
The American Council on Germany and the German Consul General David Gill will host a breakfast briefing with Elke Ferner, State Secretary for the German Federal Ministry for Families, Seniors, Women and Youth.
This discussion is invitation only.

Philadelphia: The German Dual Education System as a Model: The Potential Benefit to America’s Businesses and Young People
2018-03-19 12:00 - 13:30
The Philadelphia Warburg Chapter and the German American Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia will host a discussion and luncheon with Christine Benz, DBA, Training Manager at TRUMPF Inc.
There will be no charge to attend.
RSVP here or to Lauren Konyves ( LKonyves@mmwr.com or 215-772-7257 ) by March 18.

Dr. Christine Benz, initiated and oversees TRUMPF Inc.’s successful registered apprenticeship program, and promotes dual education among businesses, educators, and legislators. She joined TRUMPF Inc. in May 2003, initially working as an engineer in the Laser Development Department, where she developed new laser designs. She then worked as a Manager of Project Engineering in the Customer Service group, where she managed large-scale automation projects. In her current role as Training Manager, she is responsible for providing TRUMPF customers with the knowledge they need to operate high-technology equipment successfully as well as for the continuous training and development of TRUMPF employees. She also serves as a member of Central Connecticut State University’s Industrial Advisory Board. Dr. Benz earned a B.S. in Micro- and Precision Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany, an M.S. in Technology Management at Central Connecticut State University, and a D.B.A. in Organizational Leadership at North Central University.
Abstract: The U.S. youth unemployment rate is twice as high as the national unemployment rate. America’s colleges have the lowest completion rate in the developed world. At the same time, U.S. industries face a labor pool crisis. The skills gap will leave more than 2 million jobs vacant in the skilled manufacturing and information technology sector over the next decade. It is worth asking whether we are doing all we can to create opportunities for success for all young people while eliminating the skills gap to create a workforce that supports the growth of our economy. The Dual Education System is often cited for Germany’s economic success, its low youth unemployment rate, and low levels of earnings inequality. This talk will take a close look at Germany’s Dual Education System and the current state of the U.S. apprenticeship program, with an emphasis on their advantages and opportunities.

Cleveland: The German Dual Education System as a Model: The Potential Benefit to America’s Businesses and Young People
2018-03-20 12:00 - 13:00
The Cleveland Warburg Chapter and Cleveland Donauschwaben German-American Cultural Center will host a discussion and luncheon with Christine Benz, DBA, Training Manager at TRUMPF Inc.
There will be no charge to attend.
RSVP here by March 20.
Dr. Christine Benz, initiated and oversees TRUMPF Inc.’s successful registered apprenticeship program, and promotes dual education among businesses, educators, and legislators. She joined TRUMPF Inc. in May 2003, initially working as an engineer in the Laser Development Department, where she developed new laser designs. She then worked as a Manager of Project Engineering in the Customer Service group, where she managed large-scale automation projects. In her current role as Training Manager, she is responsible for providing TRUMPF customers with the knowledge they need to operate high-technology equipment successfully as well as for the continuous training and development of TRUMPF employees. She also serves as a member of Central Connecticut State University’s Industrial Advisory Board. Dr. Benz earned a B.S. in Micro- and Precision Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany, an M.S. in Technology Management at Central Connecticut State University, and a D.B.A. in Organizational Leadership at North Central University.
Abstract: The U.S. youth unemployment rate is twice as high as the national unemployment rate. America’s colleges have the lowest completion rate in the developed world. At the same time, U.S. industries face a labor pool crisis. The skills gap will leave more than 2 million jobs vacant in the skilled manufacturing and information technology sector over the next decade. It is worth asking whether we are doing all we can to create opportunities for success for all young people while eliminating the skills gap to create a workforce that supports the growth of our economy. The Dual Education System is often cited for Germany’s economic success, its low youth unemployment rate, and low levels of earnings inequality. This talk will take a close look at Germany’s Dual Education System and the current state of the U.S. apprenticeship program, with an emphasis on their advantages and opportunities.

Pittsburgh: Germany and the United States: An Indispensable Relationship?
2018-03-20 17:30 - 19:00
The Pittsburgh Warburg Chapter will host a discussion and reception with Ambassador John B. Emerson, Chairman of the Board of the American Council on Germany and Vice Chairman at Capital Group International.
There will be no charge for members to attend and a $15 charge for nonmembers. RSVP here by March 19.
Ambassador John B. Emerson was named Chairman of the American Council on Germany on January 17, 2018. He is Vice Chairman at Capital Group International. Previously, he was U.S. Ambassador to Germany, from 2013 to 2017. Serving at a particularly challenging time, in 2015 Ambassador Emerson was awarded the State Department’s prestigious Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service, which is given annually to a non-career Ambassador who has used private-sector leadership and management skills to make a significant impact on bilateral or multilateral relations through proactive diplomacy. Upon his departure from the post, he was also awarded the highest civilian awards given by the Navy and the CIA, respectively.
Before going to Berlin, he was the President of Capital Group Private Client Services from 1997 to July 2013. Previously, he served on President Clinton’s senior staff, from 1993 to 1997, as Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel, and subsequently as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. Ambassador Emerson also coordinated the Economic Conference of the Clinton-Gore transition team and led the Administration’s efforts to obtain congressional approval of the GATT Uruguay Round Agreement in 1994, and the extension of China’s Most-Favored-Nation trading status in 1996. In 2010, President Obama appointed Ambassador Emerson to serve on the President’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.

Earlier in his career, Ambassador Emerson served as the Los Angeles Chief Deputy City Attorney (1987-1993). In 1988, he traveled to Germany on an ACG Political Exchange Fellowship, carried out in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Before that, he was a Partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, specializing in business and entertainment litigation and administrative law. Active on a number of civic and charitable Boards, Ambassador Emerson graduated from Hamilton College (AB, 1975) and University of Chicago (JD, 1978). He is married to human rights activist Kimberly Marteau Emerson. The Emersons have three daughters.

Charlotte: From Checkbook Diplomacy to Global Crisis Management: The Evolution of German Foreign Policy
2018-03-21 11:30 - 13:30
The Charlotte Warburg Chapter will host a discussion and luncheon with Conrad Haessler, Spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations.
There will be a $25 charge for members and nonmembers to attend this event.
RSVP here no later than Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
Conrad Haessler has been serving as the spokesperson of the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations since July 2015. Prior to his current position, Mr. Haessler was part of the foreign policy team at the German Chancellery, working on dossiers such as the Common Security and Defense Policy of the European Union as well as French-German bilateral relations. On his first diplomatic assignment abroad, he was in charge of cultural affairs at the German embassy in Beijing / China. Mr. Haessler holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from San Francisco State University as well as a M.A. in European Politics from Lund University (Sweden).

Indianapolis: The German Dual Education System as a Model: The Potential Benefit to America’s Businesses and Young People
2018-03-21 12:00 - 13:30
The Indianapolis Warburg Chapter, the IUPUI Max Kade German-American Center, Department of World Languages and Cultures, Department of History, and Global and International Studies Program, Lutheran Child and Family Services, and Index Corporation will host a discussion and luncheon with Christine Benz, DBA, Training Manager at TRUMPF Inc.
There will be no charge to attend.
RSVP here by September 20.
Christine Benz, D.B.A., initiated and oversees TRUMPF Inc.’s successful registered apprenticeship program, and promotes dual education among businesses, educators, and legislators. She joined TRUMPF Inc. in May 2003, initially working as an engineer in the Laser Development Department, where she developed new laser designs. She then worked as a Manager of Project Engineering in the Customer Service group, where she managed large-scale automation projects. In her curent role as Training Manager, she is responsible for providing TRUMPF customers with the knowledge they need to operate high-technology equipment successfully as well as for the continuous training and development of TRUMPF employees. She also serves as a member of Central Connecticut State University’s Industrial Advisory Board. Dr. Benz earned a B.S. in Micro- and Precision Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany, an M.S. in Technology Management at Central Connecticut State University, and a D.B.A. in Organizational Leadership at North Central University.
Abstract: The U.S. youth unemployment rate is twice as high as the national unemployment rate. America’s colleges have the lowest completion rate in the developed world. At the same time, U.S. industries face a labor pool crisis. The skills gap will leave more than 2 million jobs vacant in the skilled manufacturing and information technology sector over the next decade. It is worth asking whether we are doing all we can to create opportunities for success for all young people while eliminating the skills gap to create a workforce that supports the growth of our economy. The Dual Education System is often cited for Germany’s economic success, its low youth unemployment rate, and low levels of earnings inequality. This talk will take a close look at Germany’s Dual Education System and the current state of the U.S. apprenticeship program, with an emphasis on their advantages and opportunities.
This program was made possible by a generous grant through the European Recovery Program – Transatlantic Encounters.

NYC: Is the International System Broken? Multilateralism in the 21st Century
2018-03-21 12:00 - 14:00
The ACG will hold a discussion and luncheon with Ambassador Jeffrey D. Feltman, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the United Nations.
RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org.
Ambassador Jeffrey D. Feltman (1986 Young Leader) assumed the post of Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the United Nations on July 2, 2012. He was appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He will conclude his tenure at the UN on March 29, 2018. As Under-Secretary-General and head of the Department of Political Affairs, Ambassador Feltman advises the Secretary-General on peace and security issues globally, while overseeing “good offices” initiatives and field-based political missions carrying out peacemaking, preventive diplomacy, and peace-building activities in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, and the Americas. He also oversees the United Nations electoral assistance provided to dozens of its member states each year. The Under-Secretary-General regularly briefs the Security Council and travels extensively on behalf of the UN’s peace and security agenda. In December, Ambassador Feltman went on a widely reported mission to North Korea.
Before joining the United Nations, Ambassador Feltman served for nearly 30 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, focused especially on the Middle East and North Africa. His last position was as Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, from which he retired at the rank of Career Minister. He served previously as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Lebanon and held earlier diplomatic postings in Baghdad, Erbil, Jerusalem, Tunis, Tel Aviv, Budapest, and Port-au-Prince, as well as with responsibility for coordinating U.S. assistance to countries of Eastern and Central Europe. Earlier, he was a staff member at the American Council on Germany. Ambassador Feltman received his Bachelor’s degree in History and Fine Arts from Ball State University and his Master’s degree in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
With special thanks to DZ BANK AG for sponsoring this event

Dallas: The German Dual Education System as a Model: The Potential Benefit to America’s Businesses and Young People
2018-03-22 11:30 - 13:30
The Dallas Warburg Chapter will host a discussion and luncheon with Christine Benz, DBA, Training Manager at TRUMPF Inc.
There will be no charge to attend.
RSVP here by March 20.

Dr. Christine Benz, initiated and oversees TRUMPF Inc.’s successful registered apprenticeship program, and promotes dual education among businesses, educators, and legislators. She joined TRUMPF Inc. in May 2003, initially working as an engineer in the Laser Development Department, where she developed new laser designs. She then worked as a Manager of Project Engineering in the Customer Service group, where she managed large-scale automation projects. In her current role as Training Manager, she is responsible for providing TRUMPF customers with the knowledge they need to operate high-technology equipment successfully as well as for the continuous training and development of TRUMPF employees. She also serves as a member of Central Connecticut State University’s Industrial Advisory Board. Dr. Benz earned a B.S. in Micro- and Precision Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany, an M.S. in Technology Management at Central Connecticut State University, and a D.B.A. in Organizational Leadership at North Central University.
Abstract: The U.S. youth unemployment rate is twice as high as the national unemployment rate. America’s colleges have the lowest completion rate in the developed world. At the same time, U.S. industries face a labor pool crisis. The skills gap will leave more than 2 million jobs vacant in the skilled manufacturing and information technology sector over the next decade. It is worth asking whether we are doing all we can to create opportunities for success for all young people while eliminating the skills gap to create a workforce that supports the growth of our economy. The Dual Education System is often cited for Germany’s economic success, its low youth unemployment rate, and low levels of earnings inequality. This talk will take a close look at Germany’s Dual Education System and the current state of the U.S. apprenticeship program, with an emphasis on their advantages and opportunities.
With special thanks to Locke Lord llp for hosting this event.
This program was made possible by a generous grant through the European Recovery Program – Transatlantic Encounters.

Nashville: A Seat at the Table: Why Germany Pursues a Seat on the UN Security Council
2018-03-22 12:00 - 13:30
The Nashville Warburg Chapter will host a discussion and luncheon with Conrad Haessler, Spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN.
There will be a charge of $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers to attend this event.
RSVP here no later than March 20.
Conrad Haessler has been serving as the spokesperson of the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations since July 2015. Prior to his current position, Mr. Haessler was part of the foreign policy team at the German Chancellery, working on dossiers such as the Common Security and Defense Policy of the European Union as well as French-German bilateral relations. On his first diplomatic assignment abroad, he was in charge of cultural affairs at the German embassy in Beijing / China. Mr. Haessler holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from San Francisco State University as well as a M.A. in European Politics from Lund University (Sweden).

NYC: The New German Government and Challenges to German Democracy
2018-03-22 12:15 - 14:00
The ACG and the European Union Studies Center at the CUNY Graduate Center will host a discussion and luncheon with Dr. Heidi Tworek, Assistant Professor of International History at the University of British Columbia, Visiting Fellow at the Center for History and Economics at Harvard University, and Non-resident Fellow at The German Marshall Fund.
There is no charge for this event. RSVPs are required.
RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org.
Dr. Heidi Tworek is an Assistant Professor of International History at the University of British Columbia, a Visiting Fellow at the Center for History and Economics at Harvard University, and a Non-resident Fellow at The German Marshall Fund (GMF) of the United States and the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. She is working with the Alliance for Securing Democracy project at GMF on issues related to media. Dr. Tworek is the author or co-editor of three books forthcoming in 2018 on the history of news, business, and international organizations. Dr. Tworek has published in academic venues including Journal of Policy History, Business History Review, International Journal of Communication, Journal of Global History, Journalism Studies, and German History. She has also published in newspapers and magazines including Foreign Affairs, The Atlantic, Politico, Wired, and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. She previously held the position of Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies and Lecturer on History in the History Department at Harvard University. Dr. Tworek has held visiting fellowships at Birkbeck, University of London and the Centre for Contemporary History, Potsdam, Germany. She was a fellow at the Transatlantic Academy at GMF in 2016–17. Dr. Tworek received her bachelor degree in modern and medieval languages from the University of Cambridge and earned her Ph.D. in history from Harvard University.

Boston: The German Dual Education System as a Model: The Potential Benefit to America's Business and Young People
2018-03-23 12:00 - 14:00
The Boston Warburg Chapter and Brandeis University of German and European Studies will host a discussion and luncheon with Christine Benz, DBA, Training Manager at TRUMPF Inc.
There will be no charge to attend.
RSVP here by March 20.
A light lunch will be served.
Dr. Christine Benz, initiated and oversees TRUMPF Inc.’s successful registered apprenticeship program, and promotes dual education among businesses, educators, and legislators. She joined TRUMPF Inc. in May 2003, initially working as an engineer in the Laser Development Department, where she developed new laser designs. She then worked as a Manager of Project Engineering in the Customer Service group, where she managed large-scale automation projects. In her current role as Training Manager, she is responsible for providing TRUMPF customers with the knowledge they need to operate high-technology equipment successfully as well as for the continuous training and development of TRUMPF employees. She also serves as a member of Central Connecticut State University’s Industrial Advisory Board. Dr. Benz earned a B.S. in Micro- and Precision Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany, an M.S. in Technology Management at Central Connecticut State University, and a D.B.A. in Organizational Leadership at North Central University.
Abstract: The U.S. youth unemployment rate is twice as high as the national unemployment rate. America’s colleges have the lowest completion rate in the developed world. At the same time, U.S. industries face a labor pool crisis. The skills gap will leave more than 2 million jobs vacant in the skilled manufacturing and information technology sector over the next decade. It is worth asking whether we are doing all we can to create opportunities for success for all young people while eliminating the skills gap to create a workforce that supports the growth of our economy. The Dual Education System is often cited for Germany’s economic success, its low youth unemployment rate, and low levels of earnings inequality. This talk will take a close look at Germany’s Dual Education System and the current state of the U.S. apprenticeship program, with an emphasis on their advantages and opportunities.
This program was made possible by a generous grant through the European Recovery Program – Transatlantic Encounters.

Indianapolis: Towards Resilient Migration Governance in Europe?
2018-03-27 12:00 - 13:30
The Indianapolis Warburg Chapter of the American Council on Germany, the Sagamore Institute, IUPUI, and Lutheran Child and Family Service will host a discussion and luncheon with Dr. Regine Paul, Political Scientist at Bielefeld University and JFK Memorial Fellow at the Center for European Studies at Harvard University.
There will be no charge to attend. RSVP here by March 25.
Dr. Regine Paul is a political scientist at Bielefeld University and a JFK Memorial Fellow for 2017-18 at the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies at Harvard University. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Bath/UK (2012) with a comparative study of labor migration regimes in Britain, France, and Germany. Her current research focuses on risk regulation and public management reforms in Europe. Dr. Paul co-chairs the European Integration & the Global Political Economy Research Network at the Council for European Studies.
Abstract: Resilience is a new buzzword in the European Union’s external governance approach and is currently being probed as a new paradigm for migration governance, too. During the refugee crisis, efforts have been redoubled to carve out an approach that could ostensibly help address root causes of migration while also improving integration outcomes of new residents in host countries. Yet, policy analysts and researchers are yet to elaborate on whether and how resilience assessments prominent in natural disaster relief or development aid can, and indeed should, be applied in migration governance. The talk addresses three questions: 1. What could resilience mean in the migration context? 2. How could resilience be assessed and improved? 3. What implications, both for migration governance and for the position of migrants themselves, would a shift to a resilience paradigm entail?

Atlanta: Cyber Security Challenges Need a Global Approach
2018-04-02 12:00 - 14:00
The Atlanta Warburg Chapter and the German American Chamber of Commerce will host a discussion and luncheon with Quirin Blendl, Director of Cybersecurity and Digital Policy at VdTUV.
There will be no charge for ACG and GACC members and a $15 charge for nonmembers to attend. RSVP here by March 30.
Quirin Blendl is currently the Director of Cybersecurity and Digital Policy at VdTUV (Association of TUVs). Previously, he worked for the Federation of German Industries (BDI), where he oversaw “Cybersecurity and Industry 4.0” for over a year, and the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) in Bonn. He received his MA in International Political Economics and Psychology from the University of Bonn in 2012.
Abstract: Knowledge is power. This old saying determines the current digital paradigm shift. Digital business models and information technology drive innovation and global growth: Around 20,000 new jobs in Germany every year. Access to data and competitive software coding has become key to market success. Nevertheless, the overall societal relevance of the digitization predominates its economic potential. Resilient digital architectures and sustainable privacy standards are a fundamental challenge to protect citizens from technology and technology from citizens and itself. Cyber-attacks, data infringements and mass surveillance challenge these pillars and boosts national security policies around the globe. Particularly, the internet of things requires higher security standards and innovative regulation to maintain trust within this new technological environment. But how do global policy makers in Europe, China and USA react? What are their approaches to strengthen security, privacy and safety while leveraging existing market potentials?

Los Angeles: Tour of the Getty Research Institute
2018-04-03 12:00 - 15:00
The Los Angeles Warburg Chapter tour and luncheon of the Getty Research Institute with Professor Thomas W. Gaehtgens, Director.
There is a $10 charge for members and a $20 charge for nonmembers to attend this event.
RSVP here by March 27.
Prof. Thomas W. Gaehtgens is Director of the Getty Research Institute. Previously, he was Director of the Deutsches Forum für Kunstgeschichte/Centre allemand d’histoire de l’art in Paris, an institution he founded in 1997, and Professor at the Department of Art History at the Free University of Berlin. He is an art historian of eighteenth- to twentieth-century German and French art as well as broader fields of art and intellectual history. He organized the XXVIIIth International Congress of Art History in Berlin in 1992 and served as President of the Comité International d’histoire de l’art from 1992 to 1996. For his accomplishments and contributions to art history, he received numerous awards and honors, including an honorary doctorate from the Courtauld Institute of Art in 2004, the Grand Prix de l’Académie Française pour la Francophonie in 2009, and an honorary doctorate from the Paris-Sorbonne in 2011. He was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2011. In 2015, Thomas W. Gaehtgens was awarded the Prix Mondial Cino del Duca by the Institut de France.

Phoenix: Cyber Security Challenges Need a Global Approach
2018-04-03 18:00 - 20:00
The Phoenix Warburg Chapter will host a discussion and reception with Quirin Bendl, Director of Cybersecurity and Digital Policy at VdTUV.
There will be a $15 charge to attend.
RSVP here by March 30.
Quirin Blendl is currently the Director of Cybersecurity and Digital Policy at VdTUV (Association of TUVs). Previously, he worked for the Federation of German Industries (BDI), where he oversaw “Cybersecurity and Industry 4.0” for over a year, and the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) in Bonn. He received his MA in International Political Economics and Psychology from the University of Bonn in 2012.
Abstract: Knowledge is power. This old saying determines the current digital paradigm shift. Digital business models and information technology drive innovation and global growth: Around 20,000 new jobs in Germany every year. Access to data and competitive software coding has become key to market success. Nevertheless, the overall societal relevance of the digitization predominates its economic potential. Resilient digital architectures and sustainable privacy standards are a fundamental challenge to protect citizens from technology and technology from citizens and itself. Cyber-attacks, data infringements and mass surveillance challenge these pillars and boosts national security policies around the globe. Particularly, the internet of things requires higher security standards and innovative regulation to maintain trust within this new technological environment. But how do global policy makers in Europe, China and USA react? What are their approaches to strengthen security, privacy and safety while leveraging existing market potentials?

Washington, DC Area: Cyber Security Challenges Need a Global Approach
2018-04-06 12:00 - 14:00
The Greater Washington Warburg Chapter and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission will host a discussion and luncheon with Quirin Blendl, Director of Cybersecurity and Digital Policy at VdTUV.
For questions, please contact Dale Medearis at dmedearis@novaregion.org or via telephone at (703) 642-4630.
There will be no charge to attend. RSVP here by March 30.
Quirin Blendl is currently the Director of Cybersecurity and Digital Policy at VdTUV (Association of TUVs). Previously, he worked for the Federation of German Industries (BDI), where he oversaw “Cybersecurity and Industry 4.0” for over a year, and the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) in Bonn. He received his MA in International Political Economics and Psychology from the University of Bonn in 2012.
Abstract: Knowledge is power. This old saying determines the current digital paradigm shift. Digital business models and information technology drive innovation and global growth: Around 20,000 new jobs in Germany every year. Access to data and competitive software coding has become key to market success. Nevertheless, the overall societal relevance of the digitization predominates its economic potential. Resilient digital architectures and sustainable privacy standards are a fundamental challenge to protect citizens from technology and technology from citizens and itself. Cyber-attacks, data infringements and mass surveillance challenge these pillars and boosts national security policies around the globe. Particularly, the internet of things requires higher security standards and innovative regulation to maintain trust within this new technological environment. But how do global policy makers in Europe, China and USA react? What are their approaches to strengthen security, privacy and safety while leveraging existing market potentials?

Charlotte: Toward Resilient Migration Governance in Europe?
2018-04-09 11:30 - 13:30
The Charlotte Warburg Chapter will host a discussion and luncheon with Dr. Regina Paul, Political Scientist at Biefeld University and JFK Memorial Fellow a the Center for European Studies at Harvard University.
There will be no charge for ACG Members and a $15 charge for nonmembers to attend this event. RSVP here by April 6.
Dr. Regine Paul is a political scientist at Bielefeld University and a JFK Memorial Fellow for 2017-18 at the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies at Harvard University. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Bath/UK (2012) with a comparative study of labor migration regimes in Britain, France, and Germany. Her current research focuses on risk regulation and public management reforms in Europe. Dr. Paul co-chairs the European Integration & the Global Political Economy Research Network at the Council for European Studies.
Abstract: Resilience is a new buzzword in the European Union’s external governance approach and is currently being probed as a new paradigm for migration governance, too. During the refugee crisis, efforts have been redoubled to carve out an approach that could ostensibly help address root causes of migration while also improving integration outcomes of new residents in host countries. Yet, policy analysts and researchers are yet to elaborate on whether and how resilience assessments prominent in natural disaster relief or development aid can, and indeed should, be applied in migration governance. The talk addresses three questions: 1. What could resilience mean in the migration context? 2. How could resilience be assessed and improved? 3. What implications, both for migration governance and for the position of migrants themselves, would a shift to a resilience paradigm entail?
This program was made possible by a generous grant through the European Recovery Program – Transatlantic Encounters.

Dallas: The German Dual Vocational and Training System
2018-04-11 11:45 - 13:15 | The City Club, Bank of America Plaza, 901 Main Street, Suite 6900, Dallas, TX, 75202-3779, United States
The Dallas Eric M. Warburg Chapter of the American Council on Germany and the Rotary Club of Dallas will host a discussion and luncheon with Dr. Karsten Hess, Counsellor for Science and Technology at the German Embassy, on “The German Dual Vocational and Training System.”
There will be a charge of $25 at the door. RSVP here by April 10.
Dr. Karsten Hess currently serves as Counselor for Science and Technology at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Washington, D.C. Prior this position, he served as the Deputy Head of Division Basis Energy Research from 2011-2014 and Desk Officer for Earth System Science from 2008 -2011 at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Bonn. Dr. Hess has held positions in the German Space Agency in Bonn and the German Mining Museum in Bochum. Dr. Hess is a minerologist and journalist by education. He holds a Ph.D. in Mineralogy.

Chicago: Germany and the United States: An Indispensable Relationship
2018-04-11 18:00 - 19:30
The Chicago Warburg Chapter and Dentons will host a discussion and reception with Ambassador John B. Emerson, Chairman of the ACG and Vice Chairman of Capital Group International.
There will be no charge to attend. RSVP here by April 10.

Ambassador John B. Emerson was named Chairman of the American Council on Germany on January 17, 2018. He is Vice Chairman at Capital Group International. Previously, he was U.S. Ambassador to Germany, from 2013 to 2017. Serving at a particularly challenging time, in 2015 Ambassador Emerson was awarded the State Department’s prestigious Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service, which is given annually to a non-career Ambassador who has used private-sector leadership and management skills to make a significant impact on bilateral or multilateral relations through proactive diplomacy. Upon his departure from the post, he was also awarded the highest civilian awards given by the Navy and the CIA, respectively.
Before going to Berlin, he was the President of Capital Group Private Client Services from 1997 to July 2013. Previously, he served on President Clinton’s senior staff, from 1993 to 1997, as Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel, and subsequently as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. Ambassador Emerson also coordinated the Economic Conference of the Clinton-Gore transition team and led the Administration’s efforts to obtain congressional approval of the GATT Uruguay Round Agreement in 1994, and the extension of China’s Most-Favored-Nation trading status in 1996. In 2010, President Obama appointed Ambassador Emerson to serve on the President’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.
Earlier in his career, Ambassador Emerson served as the Los Angeles Chief Deputy City Attorney (1987-1993). In 1988, he traveled to Germany on an ACG Political Exchange Fellowship, carried out in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Before that, he was a Partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, specializing in business and entertainment litigation and administrative law. Ambassador Emerson graduated from Hamilton College (AB, 1975) and University of Chicago (JD, 1978).

NYC: Forging the 'China Solution' as a Challenge for the West: How the Chinese Communist Party Tries to Win Influence in Europe
2018-04-12 12:00 - 14:00
The American Council on Germany will host a discussion and luncheon with Dr. Kristin Shi-Kupfer, Director of the Research Area of Public Policy and Society at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS). This is discussion is part of the 2018 Transatlantic Global Agenda Series.
There will be no charge for this event. Space is extremely limited.
You must register in order to attend.
RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org.
Dr. Kristin Shi-Kupfer heads MERICS’ research on politics, society, and the media. She is an expert on media policy, civil society, religious policy, and ideology in China. Dr. Shi-Kupfer previously worked as a Research Associate at the University of Freiburg’s Institute for Sinology. She earned her Ph.D. from Ruhr University Bochum with a thesis on spiritual and religious groups in China after 1978. From 2007 to 2011, she was the China correspondent for the Austrian newsmagazine Profil, the German Protestant Press Agency epd, and Südwest Presse in Beijing. She also worked as a freelance contributor for other media, such as ZEIT Online, tageszeitung (taz), and Deutsche Welle in China. In May 2017, Dr. Shi-Kupfer was appointed a member of the expert committee of the German-Chinese platform on innovation under the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Pittsburgh: Germany and the EU's China Policy: Analysis, Assessment and Areas for Competition and Cooperation with the U.S.
2018-04-16 12:00 - 13:30
The Pittsburgh Warburg Chapter and the German American Chamber of Commerce will host a discussion and Luncheon with Dr. May-Britt Stumbaum, Director of the NFG Research Group on Asian Perceptions of the EU at the Free University of Berlin.
There will be no charge to attend. RSVP here by April 15.
Dr. May-Britt Stumbaum is Director of the NFG Research Group “Asian Perceptions of the EU” at the Free University of Berlin, and Team Leader of the EU’s Asia Pacific and Research Network (#APRAN) by Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Chatham House and Clingendael. #APRAN provides tailor-made briefings by Asian experts for EU policy-makers. Dr. Stumbaum previously served as Executive Director of the China and Global Security Program at SIPRI, Fritz Thyssen Fellow at WCFIA Harvard, and in senior positions at the German Council on Foreign Relations and at Berlin Partner. Bridging policy and academia, she worked at renowned think tanks in Europe, the United States and Asia (CHN, TWN, AUS, NZL), the EU Delegation to China, and still serves regularly at the German Ministry of Defense as a Reserve Officer (Air Force Major) in the political unit. She is Editor of the Blog “The SPEAR – Security and Politics in Europe-Asia Relations” and Associate Editor of European Geostrategy Blog. She is the co-founder and former president of Women in International Security Deutschland (WIIS.de), served as the first female President of the Tönissteiner Kreis e.V. and is a full member at the CSCAP EU Committee of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific. Dr. Stumbaum graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (MSc) and the Free University Berlin (PhD). She frequently comments in the media (CNN, Al-Jazeera, N24, and others) and testified before the U.S. Congress’ U.S.-China Economic and Security Committee on EU-China security in 2012.
Abstract: The talk will provide a short overview of the current state of play of Germany’s and the EU’s policy vis-á-vis China as a global actor and a rising military power, and analysis and assessments of China’s foreign and security policy from a European/German perspective and discuss with the audience possible areas for cooperation and competition when dealing with China – on China and on cooperation/competition with China on regional and global challenges.
This program was made possible by a generous grant through the European Recovery Program – Transatlantic Encounters.

Washington, DC: Germany and the EU's China Policy: Analysis, Assessment, and Areas of Competition and Cooperation with the U.S.
2018-04-18 08:00 - 17:00
The Greater Washington, DC Warburg Chapter and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung will host a discussion and luncheon with Dr. May-Britt Stumbraum, Director of the NFG Research Group on Asian Perceptions of the EU at the Free University of Berlin and Team Leader of the EU’s Asia Pacific and Research Network by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Chatham House, and Clingendael.
For questions, please contact Dale Medearis at dmedearis@novaregion.org or via telephone at (703) 642-4630.
There is no charge to attend this event. RSVP here by April 19.
Dr. May-Britt Stumbaum is Director of the NFG Research Group “Asian Perceptions of the EU” at the Free University of Berlin, and Team Leader of the EU’s Asia Pacific and Research Network (#APRAN) by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Chatham House and Clingendael. #APRAN provides tailor-made briefings by Asian experts for EU policy-makers. Dr. Stumbaum previously served as Executive Director of the China and Global Security Program at SIPRI, Fritz Thyssen Fellow at WCFIA Harvard, and in senior positions at the German Council on Foreign Relations and at Berlin Partner. Bridging policy and academia, she worked at renowned think tanks in Europe, the United States and Asia (CHN, TWN, AUS, NZL), the EU Delegation to China, and still serves regularly at the German Ministry of Defense as a Reserve Officer (Air Force Major) in the political unit. She is Editor of the Blog “The SPEAR – Security and Politics in Europe-Asia Relations” and Associate Editor of European Geostrategy Blog. She is the co-founder and former president of Women in International Security Deutschland (WIIS.de), served as the first female President of the Tönissteiner Kreis e.V. and is a full member at the CSCAP EU Committee of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific. Dr. Stumbaum graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (MSc) and the Free University Berlin (PhD). She frequently comments in the media (CNN, Al-Jazeera, N24, and others) and testified before the U.S. Congress’ U.S.-China Economic and Security Committee on EU-China security in 2012.
Abstract: The talk will provide a short overview of the current state of play of Germany’s and the EU’s policy vis-á-vis China as a global actor and a rising military power, and analysis and assessments of China’s foreign and security policy from a European/German perspective and discuss with the audience possible areas for cooperation and competition when dealing with China – on China and on cooperation/competition with China on regional and global challenges.
This program was made possible by a generous grant through the European Recovery Program – Transatlantic Encounters.

Denver: Germany and the EU's China Policy: Analysis, Assessment, and Areas for Competition and Cooperation with the U.S.
2018-04-18 18:00 - 21:00
The Denver Warburg Chapter and the Denver Council on Foreign Relations (DFCR) will host a discussion and reception with Dr. May-Britt Stumbaum, Director of the NFG Research Group on Asian Perceptions of the EU at the Free University of Berlin and Team Leader of the EU’s Asia Pacific and Research Network by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Chatham House, and Clingendael.
There is a $15 charge for members and a $25 charge for nonmembers to attend this event.
There will be a cash bar.
RSVP here by April 15.
Please note that cell phone usage, jeans, and commercial sales are not permitted at the Denver Country Club.
Dr. May-Britt Stumbaum is Director of the NFG Research Group “Asian Perceptions of the EU” at the Free University of Berlin, and Team Leader of the EU’s Asia Pacific and Research Network (#APRAN) by Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Chatham House and Clingendael. #APRAN provides tailor-made briefings by Asian experts for EU policy-makers. Dr. Stumbaum previously served as Executive Director of the China and Global Security Program at SIPRI, Fritz Thyssen Fellow at WCFIA Harvard, and in senior positions at the German Council on Foreign Relations and at Berlin Partner. Bridging policy and academia, she worked at renowned think tanks in Europe, the United States and Asia (CHN, TWN, AUS, NZL), the EU Delegation to China, and still serves regularly at the German Ministry of Defense as a Reserve Officer (Air Force Major) in the political unit. She is Editor of the Blog “The SPEAR – Security and Politics in Europe-Asia Relations” and Associate Editor of European Geostrategy Blog. She is the co-founder and former president of Women in International Security Deutschland (WIIS.de), served as the first female President of the Tönissteiner Kreis e.V. and is a full member at the CSCAP EU Committee of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific. Dr. Stumbaum graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (MSc) and the Free University Berlin (PhD). She frequently comments in the media (CNN, Al-Jazeera, N24, and others) and testified before the U.S. Congress’ U.S.-China Economic and Security Committee on EU-China security in 2012.
Abstract: The talk will provide a short overview of the current state of play of Germany’s and the EU’s policy vis-á-vis China as a global actor and a rising military power, and analysis and assessments of China’s foreign and security policy from a European/German perspective and discuss with the audience possible areas for cooperation and competition when dealing with China – on China and on cooperation/competition with China on regional and global challenges.
This program was made possible by a generous grant through the European Recovery Program – Transatlantic Encounters.

NYC: Regional Visioning: Transforming City Regions and Public Participation
2018-04-19 18:30 - 20:00
The American Council on Germany, the German Center for Research and Innovation, and the University Alliance Ruhr will hold panel discussion Ullrich Sierau, Mayor of the City of Dortmund; Jamie Bemis, Mechanical Engineer and City Planner and Account Manager at Bright Power, Inc. (2017 ACG McCloy Fellow on Global Trends); Wolfram Hoefer, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; James G. Koth, Director of Parks & Recreation for the County of Bergen; and moderated by Bettina Oberhauser, Editor for the European public television channels ARTE and 3sat (2017 ACG McCloy Fellow on Global Trends).
Please RSVP by April 17. Registration is required to attend.
By 2050, more than two thirds of the world’s population is expected to live in city regions and contribute to an ever-increasing percentage share of the global GDP. While cities are often associated with higher levels of literacy and education, better access to health care and social services as well as enhanced opportunities for cultural and political participation, growing urban environs pose significant risks to economic, social and environmental sustainability. Likewise, formerly heavily industrialized regions such as the Ruhr area and parts of New Jersey face similar challenges as they stake out a new future for themselves as new technology and research hubs. Given the growing complexity of urban growth and the transformation of city regions, integrated planning approaches are needed to more equitably and inclusively set policy priorities. The success of sustainable urban development depends to a large extent on the participation of local actors. But how does top-down planning meet bottom-up planning, what forms of public participation in decision-making processes seem particularly promising? What works in New Jersey, what works in Dortmund, Germany? Join an international panel of experts and city officials who will discuss the future of sustainable urban development.

Washington, DC: The Alliance in Question? The Transatlantic Relationship in an Era of Disruption
2018-05-07 08:00 - 15:00
The American Council on Germany and the Atlantik-Brücke will host the annual German-American Conference in Washington, DC.
Over the past year, the strong alliance between the United States and Germany has weakened as both countries have been more inwardly focused. Finding common ground to address common concerns has become more challenging. In an era of disruption, it makes transatlantic dialogue on a range of issues of mutual concern all the more important. This year’s joint conference will address the challenges facing the German-American partnership with a focus on foreign and security policy, trade and economic policy, as well as the socio-political challenges of digital disruption and the dissemination of fake news and alternative facts.
Registration has ended for this event.
