Society, Culture & Politics Program
Enhances understanding of the impact of culture on German- American relations and analyzes how cultural beliefs and values, evolving interpretations of historical experiences, and shifting conceptions of national identity shape perspectives and policy responses in the German-American dialogue. The Society, Culture & Politics Program is currently focused on issues of Immigration and Integration, considering the subject as it relates to education, organization, and technology. Under the topic of Reconciliation in Europe and Asia, AICGS looks to Germany for lessons for Japan’s international reconciliation in Northeast Asia.
The Debate over Betreuungsgeld
Viewed narrowly, the passage of Betreuungsgeld demonstrated the power of a small but determined party in a coalition government; it is a bit harder to determine its meaning for German family policy more generally. Considering Germany’s belated commitment to making adequate numbers of child care places available, does Betreuungsgeld simply represent the dying gasp of a deeply conservative strand of German family policy, one that has sought to maintain a housewife role for women since the early days of the Federal Republic?
A Spirit of Reason – Festschrift for Steven Muller
In Memory of Steven Muller Former President of Johns Hopkins University and Co-Chairman of AICGS Steven Muller died on January 19, 2013. He left behind a rich tapestry of accomplishments and many friends worldwide. In 2004 AICGS published a testimonial to Steve and we present it again here in honor of a… Read more >
Thirty Years of Bundestag Presence: A Tally of the Greens’ Impact on the Federal Republic of Germany’s Political Life and Public Culture
As we look to the German federal elections in 2013, AICGS’ newest publication considers three decades of a changing political landscape with the emergence of the Green Party. Andrei Markovits and Joseph Klaver examine the central issues within the party, and within German politics. The authors discuss how the Green Party built… Read more >
Who Can Lead the Change?
“Comfort women,” the Dokdo/Takeshima islands, and the Yasukuni shrine are the Achilles’ heel of South Korean-Japanese relations. Recurring for decades, the clashes over history issues this year have taken a serious turn. Despite the ever-flourishing trade relations and socio-cultural interaction, the acrimonious mood between two state leaders seemed to drag the whole… Read more >
Domestic Structures in Germany and Japan and Their Influence on Reconciliation Policy
Comparing reconciliation politics of different states helps us to understand better the reasons why reconciliation, i.e., the process of normalization of bilateral relations after conflict between former perpetrator and victim states, is or is not taking place. In order to gain valid insights, a rigorous analytical framework is needed which can be… Read more >
Proper Remembrance – The Most Essential for Reconciliation
Everyone knows what the term “reconciliation” means, but few can provide a proper answer to the question, “Have Korea and Japan achieved reconciliation?” This irony arises partly from the conceptual definition of “reconciliation,” but it also springs from considering reconciliation to be a single fixed state.
Challenging Times: Muslims and their Role in Shaping the Future of Germany
The Muslim community is at the forefront of public debate, not only as a result of the post 9/11 era, but more so because of questions related to Islam and its convergences with a democratic, pluralistic society. Whereas some Muslims ignored these inquiries into their faith for too long, others sincerely tried to engage in discussion.
Building a Bridge over the Atlantic? The Impact of the Bologna Process on German and U.S. Higher Education
Driven by the Bologna Process, European higher education has undergone substantial changes in the past ten years. DAAD/AICGS Fellow Tonia Bieber discusses the changes from the Bologna Process and whether the reforms will have an influence on American higher education.
Immigrants in Foreign Policy Making in Germany and the U.S.: Two Very Different Struggles to Embrace Diversity
In a globalized world, domestic politics no longer stop at the water’s edge, as transnational actors have emerged who push beyond existing borders. Some are driven by hybrid identities that reach beyond the contours of the nation-state. These ethnic interest groups represent immigrants and pursue a particular interest in foreign policy toward… Read more >
A Proposal for Historical Reconciliation: The “Dokdo Movement” of Korean Americans in the Washington Area
Watching the daily lives of Korean Americans, one thing stands out: the way they live. Korean Americans are distinct, from the wrapping paper they use at dry cleaners, their supermarkets, their senior citizens associations, Korean restaurants, or even the inside of their
cars. The reason for Korean Americans’ distinction is Dokdo, a small group of islets between
Korea and Japan. Wherever there are Korean Americans you will find objects or people related to Dokdo. That does not mean, however, that Korean Americans are obsessed with
it …
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