Episode 137: Friedrich Merz: Foreign Policy Chancellor
Chancellor Merz has received praise internationally for many German foreign policy and defense initiatives in 2025: suspending the “debt brake” to allow for more security investments, expanding the Bundeswehr, committing …
Safe But Not Secure
Perceived Threats and Queer Realities in Washington, DC, and Germany In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s election in 2016 and his resurgence in 2024, LGBTQ+ communities across the United States …
Episode 136: The Role of Communities in Times of Crisis
In Washington, DC, LGBTQ+ organizations enhance the city’s cultural life, provide services, and represent the community’s political interests. At a time when LGBTQ+ communities are losing protections and facing increased …
The Far-Right Alternative for Germany Seeks Friends in Washington
How Compatible is the AfD’s Foreign Policy with American Interests? Before Friedrich Merz became the chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), he articulated a number of goals, and one …
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“Conservative America Is Waiting”
The New Transatlantic Axis? Last month, two Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) delegations came to Washington. The first, led by AfD parliamentary group vice-chair Beatrix von Storch, included disqualified Ludwigshafen mayoral …
150 Days of the Merz Government
Between Reform and Restraint When Friedrich Merz entered office as chancellor in May 2025, he did so under the banner of stability and reform. After the collapse of Olaf Scholz’s …
AGI Profiles: Johann Wadephul
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Johann Wadephul hails from northern Germany, a region whose people are often described as taciturn and reserved. Defying that cliché, he chose a career …
Finja Augsburg, DAAD/AGI Research Fellow
AGI is pleased to welcome Finja Augsburg as a DAAD/AGI Research Fellow in Fall 2025. Finja Isabel Augsburg is a doctoral researcher and project associate at the University of Erfurt, …
AGI Profiles: Jens Hanefeld
German Ambassador to the United States Jens Hanefeld took up the role as Germany’s ambassador to the United States on August 8, 2025. He replaces Ambassador Andreas Michaelis, who retired …
Kathrin Ritzka, DAAD/AGI Research Fellow
AGI is pleased to welcome Kathrin Ritzka as a DAAD/AGI Research Fellow in Fall 2025. Kathrin Ritzka is a doctoral researcher and Research Associate in Catholic Theology at Humboldt University …
Episode 132: Transatlantic Alliances of the New Right
Ties between far-right parties and movements in Europe and the United States are growing. Annett Meiritz and Juliane Schäuble join this episode of The Zeitgeist to discuss their forthcoming book …
“We do not have any fax machines and we have no plans to buy any”*
Germany’s New Digital Ministry Germany has established its first-ever ministry dedicated solely to all matters digital. Spearheaded by political newcomer Karsten Wildberger, the Ministry for Digital and State Modernization aims …
