The spread of COVID-19 and the ensuing global lock-down as governments try to slow the spread of the corona virus has tested individuals and institutions around the world. Since March of 2020, the ACG has stepped up its digital programming by hosting webinars and video discussions which bring together policy makers and thought leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss some of the key issues shaping transatlantic relations in an unprecedented time. In addition to organizing events on its own, the ACG has also partnered with other organizations such as 1014 and Atlantik-Brücke to launch new series designed to reach beyond the ACG community.
Each week, the ACG hosts a discussion with a journalist based in Germany on the topics making the headlines and shaping political discourse in Berlin. On October 18, the ACG hosted a discussion on populist movements in Germany and the recent resignation of Sebastian Kurz in Austria with Emily Schultheis, freelance journalist and recent fellow with the Institute of Current World Affairs.
Renata Stih and Frieder Schnock are conceptual artists based in Berlin. Their work explores how memory functions in the social sphere – and how it can be reflected in museums and urban spaces. Recognized internationally, articles about their collaborative work have appeared in the New York Times, New Yorker, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times. They have also lectured at major U.S. universities including the Art Institute of Chicago, Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, Emory, and Brown Universities. On October 15, the ACG and 1014 hosted a discussion with Renata Stih and Frieder Schnock on collective memory in society and the use of public space. The conversation was part of 1014’s “Past & Future: A Weekend of Architecture, Culture, and Community.”
Each week, the ACG hosts a discussion with a journalist based in Germany on the topics making the headlines and shaping political discourse in Berlin. On October 11, the ACG hosted a discussion about German politics with former NPR international correspondent Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, who now hosts the podcast “Common Ground.”
Following the September 26 German federal election, an Ampelkoalition – or “traffic light” coalition of the Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats – looks increasingly likely. But, it is not a given. There are other coalition possibilities. As these parties – plus the Christian Democrats – explore possible coalition options, there are questions about where the parties align and where they differ, and what the priorities of a new government might be.
On October 10, the ACG hosted a virtual discussion with author and journalist Martin Klingst to explore the domestic and foreign policy priorities of a governing coalition led by the SPD’s Olaf Scholz.
Each week, the ACG hosts a discussion with a journalist based in Germany on the topics making the headlines and shaping political discourse in Berlin.
On Monday, October 4, hosted a discussion about the results of the federal election and coalition talks with Matthew Karnitschnig, Chief European Correspondent for Politico.