AICGS: ANALYSES : The AICGS Advisor

The German Election of 2009 - Highlights of AICGS Analysis
On September 27, 2009, the German voters decided in favor of a change in the German government. In a series of online tools, publications, and conferences, AICGS followed the 2009 German federal election and provided analysis for American and German audiences. This publication features the highlights of AICGS' analysis; a compilation of insights into Germany's foreign, domestic, and economic policies before, during, and after the election. We hope that this volume will become a handbook on the campaign and on issues that Germany and the transatlantic partnership will face in the next four years - and beyond.
To access this publication, please click here.

New AICGS Podcast - MdB Hans-Ulrich Klose Talks Russia
Bundestag Member Hans-Ulrich Klose (SPD) discusses Russia policy with Dr. Jackson Janes of AICGS, focusing on the EU's relations with Russia, as well as the potential for transatlantic cooperation in this area. Additional subjects covered include the EU president/ foreign minister elections, President Obama's missile defense decision, and others.
To access this AICGS Podcast, please click here.

Issue Brief #32: Implications of the 2009 German Election
In Issue Brief 32, "A Change in Government But No Change in Policy? Implications of the 2009 German Election," AICGS Research Associate Kirsten Verclas takes an in-depth look at the results of the 2009 German Bundestag election and their implications for the future of Germany's party and electoral system. Additionally, the Issue Brief further analyzes the current stance of the new governing coalition on key foreign policy, economic, and domestic issues and the impact this may have on the German-American partnership and U.S. foreign policy interests.
To access this Issue Brief, please click here (PDF).

Policy Report #39: The Politics of History in Germany and Japan
In Policy Report 39, "Different Beds, Same Nightmare: The Politics of History in Germany and Japan," Professor Thomas Berger examines the characteristics of Germany and Japan that have shaped how the two countries respond to their histories from the Second World War. Citing differences in their histories, reckonings, and international political contexts, Professor Berger shows how despite these differences, Germany's successes can provide a roadmap for reconciliation in northeast Asia.
To access this Policy Report, please click here (PDF).

Zeit für die CO2-Steuer
Dr. Jan Martin Witte, Director of the Global Public Policy Institute and a regular participant in AICGS events, writes that even before the December 7 start of the Copenhagen climate summit, many of the ambitious targets appear unachievable. The remaining differences in the positions of the major negotiating parties are too large to overcome this late in the game; consequently, it is now time for a tax on global carbon dioxide emissions, Dr. Witte argues. This article originally appeared in the November 15, 2009, edition of Financial Times Deutschland and is available in German only.
To read this article, please click here.

Europe as Weltmacht
Now that the Lisbon Treaty has passed, the in-fighting over candidates for president and foreign minister shows that the EU remains an amalgam of nations rather than a single political community, argues Doug Bandow, senior fellow at the Cato Institute and a regular contributor to the Advisor. Until Europeans are more loyal to Europe than their home countries, Bandow contends, the European project will remain unfinished and unfulfilled. This article originally appeared in the November 17, 2009, edition of American Spectator.
To read this article, please click here.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Event: Terrorism in the Transatlantic Context
On Monday, December 7, 2009, AICGS and the Brandenburgisches Institut für Gesellschaft und Sicherheit (BIGS) will hold a conference on "Terrorism in the Transatlantic Context: Cultural and Economic Implications and Solutions," which is undertaken with the generous support of the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung. This workshop will examine the German and American perspectives on terrorism in the transatlantic context and implications for German and American domestic and foreign policy, featuring panels on the connection between culture and terrorism, terrorist financing, and the economy as a cause of, target of, or solution to terrorist activities.
For more information and to sign up for this event, please click here.

Announcements

Atlantic Council's Freedom's Challenge Awards
On November 8, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Atlantic Council hosted the Freedom's Challenge dinner and awards ceremony. AICGS was pleased to be associated with this event, which was held at Berlin's Hotel Adlon and was attended by government, military, business and cultural leaders from across the Atlantic Alliance. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered the evening's keynote address.
For coverage of this event, including audio and video, please click here.

2009 AICGS Global Leadership Award Dinner
On November 4, AICGS held its 15th Annual Global Leadership Award Dinner at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. The Institute was honored to present this year's award to two outstanding leaders: Dr. Manfred Bischoff (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Daimler AG) and The Hon. James A. Baker, III (61st U.S. Secretary of State). The event was a huge success, and we congratulate and thank the awardees for their participation in a great evening.
For more about this year's dinner, including speeches and photos, please click here.

Fellowship Opportunity: AICGS Visiting Fellows Program
AICGS would like to announce a new fellowship opportunity, the AICGS Visiting Fellows Program. The Visiting Fellows Program is designed to provide scholars and specialists with a base while conducting their research in Washington, D.C. Visiting Fellows should be working on issues related to the AICGS mission, which is to strengthen the German-American relationship in an evolving Europe and changing world. Applications will be accepted year round.
For more information about this program, please click here.

For past issues of the AICGS Advisor, please check the Advisor Archive.