Episode 77: Zeitenwende Anniversary
On February 27, 2022, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made an historic speech to the German Bundestag, declaring a historic turning point (Zeitenwende) for Germany’s security and defense policy following Russia’s …
Self-Assurance—To What End?
Many commentators have concluded that this year’s Munich Security Conference was mostly about the West’s self-assurance. The gathering’s motto (Re:vision) points in a similar direction insomuch as the authors of …
Episode 75: What Germany’s Solution to its Tank Dilemma Tells Us about the Zeitenwende?
On this episode of the Zeitgeist, AICGS President Jeff Rathke talks with Dr. Liana Fix, Fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations, to discuss ongoing challenges in Germany’s …
Episode 67: Will Germany’s Zeitenwende Stick?
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared a “Zeitenwende,” a historic turning point for Germany’s security and defense policy. Scholz pledged to set up an …
Angela Merkel’s Russia Legacy
A Tightrope Walker Reaches the End of the Rope Former Chancellor Angela Merkel made her first public appearance since leaving the Chancellery recently with an extended interview in the famed …
Recent Authors
Support the insights you need into the German-American relationship.
Support Our WorkNicole Koenig, DAAD/AICGS Research Fellow
AICGS is pleased to welcome Nicole Koenig as a DAAD/AICGS Research Fellow from May through June 2022. She is Deputy Director of the Jacques Delors Centre at the Hertie School …
Episode 56: War in Ukraine: How are the United States and its NATO Allies Responding?
A Conversation with Ambassador Julianne Smith, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Russia’s war in Ukraine has entered a new phase, after the Ukrainian forces’ spirited and effective resistance forced Russia …
Episode 52: A Turning Point in Germany’s Policy toward Russia?
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has invaded Ukraine to redraw the post-Cold-War order in Europe. Russia’s aggression has drawn global condemnation and prompted Western governments to impose more severe economic sanctions …
Olaf Scholz in Washington: AICGS Expert Analysis in the Media
On February 7, 2022, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made an official visit to Washington, DC. It was his first since succeeding Angela Merkel in December 2021. Multiple major media outlets …
Averting War in Ukraine
Germany is Needed Strengthening military deterrence in Europe is the surest way to avert war—or at least to minimize the damage Putin’s armies can do and their prospect for success. …
German Chancellor’s Visit Tests Biden’s Bet on Berlin and Scholz’s Leadership Aspirations
Olaf Scholz’s first visit to the U.S. as German Chancellor February 7 will be a test for the German leader and for his U.S. host, President Joe Biden. At stake …
Episode 51: Why Does Russia Want to Roll Back Europe’s Political and Security Architecture?
On this episode of The Zeitgeist, AICGS President Jeff Rathke and AICGS Trustee Ambassador John Kornblum discuss the growing threat to European security and the post-Cold War security architecture resulting …
Episode 48: The Future of Germany’s Security and Defense Policy
Germany is essential to transatlantic security, a fact that grows more important with rising security challenges in Europe. Berlin’s allies have long called on the country to play a bigger …
Berlin and Washington Revive Their Defense Partnership
Will Germany’s Next Government Address its Defense Spending Dilemma? German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer visited Washington on June 30, developing Germany’s emerging role as one of the Biden administration’s most …
