AGI at the 2024 Munich Security Conference

The American-German Institute will host a series of events in Germany during the week of the Munich Security Conference.

AGI President Jeff Rathke is available for comment on the developments at the MSC as well as U.S.-German relations; Germany’s defense policy including support to Ukraine; NATO (including burdensharing); European security and defense; U.S. foreign policy. He can be reached at jrathke@aicgs.org.

AGI Vice President Peter Rashish is available for comment on U.S.-German economic relations, global economic strategy, and the nexus of climate and trade policies. He can be reached at prashish@aicgs.org.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 1:00 – 5:00 pm: “The Transatlantic Agenda in a Pivotal American Election Year”
In-person registration has closed. Livestream information is available on our website.
The transatlantic relationship—a geopolitical and geoeconomic center of gravity—will be influenced by the 2024 U.S. elections. The American presidential election will present the U.S. electorate with a choice: between four more years of President Biden, who has focused on intensifying transatlantic cooperation, or a return to an “America First” foreign policy as represented by former President Trump in his bid for the Republican nomination. The presidential campaign will shine a light on policy debates within the two political parties about America’s role in the world and how domestic politics can shape global priorities. This symposium will deepen understanding of some of the most important issues in the transatlantic partnership, how they are likely to be affected by the election cycle, and what the potential outcomes might mean for Germany, Europe, and the United States.

The event is hosted by Allianz Global Investors in Frankfurt. Former European Investment Bank President Werner Hoyer will deliver keynote remarks. Speakers are Uwe Becker, State Secretary, Hesse Ministry of Finance; Brian Egan, Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Mary Lovely, Anthony M. Solomon Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics; Ludovic Subran, Chief Economist, Allianz SE; Emily Haber, former German Ambassador to the United States; Kai Oppermann, Professor of International Politics, Chemnitz University of Technology; Anne-Marie Slaughter, President, New America, and Ken Weinstein, President Emeritus, Hudson Institute.

Friday, February 16, 2024, 5:30 – 6:30 pm: “Climate Statecraft and Global Economic Order: For a Renewed Transatlantic Partnership”
In partnership with the BMW Foundation. This event is part of the BMW Foundation’s Responsible Leaders Hub at the Munich Security Conference.
The United States, Germany, and the European Union face a global economic order that has been irreversibly disrupted by climate change. A bold and cooperative statecraft will be essential to promote new agreements and arrangements to respond to this ongoing change in the international economy—one where ad hoc coalitions of the willing are playing as large a role as formal institutions in achieving policy innovation. Peter Rashish’s paper “Transatlantic Climate Statecraft and Global Economic Order” will frame the conversation.

Saturday, February 17, 2024, 7:30 – 9:00 am: “Shattered Illusions: How to Preserve and Update Transatlantic Resolve”
In partnership with the American Council on Germany. This closed-door event is only available for invited MSC attendees with participant credentials.
The transatlantic community faces a world increasingly bristling with systemic conflict: Russia’s attempt to remake the European security order, the attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups in an effort to roll back Israel’s growing relationships in the Middle East, and China’s pursuit of regional hegemony and global influence. The strong response by Germany, the United States, and their allies has helped enable Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty. Likewise, the strengthening of the NATO alliance for the long term and bolstering security in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific are vital challenges. The looming election cycle in the U.S. will put Washington’s foreign policy approaches to the political test with the American public. This complex situation will require effective transatlantic dialogue to strengthen coordination and to be prepared for the challenges that may arise, regardless of the outcome. This breakfast session will explore how Germany and the United States can adapt to the growing global security challenges, navigate politics at home and abroad, and secure the transatlantic alliance in a time of turbulence and uncertainty.

Speakers:
Boris Pistorius, German Federal Minister of Defense
Ambassador Julianne Smith, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO

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The American-German Institute (AGI) is a nonprofit, non-partisan policy research center affiliated with Johns Hopkins University and dedicated to deepening understanding of the challenges facing Germany and the United States in a broader global arena. Based in Washington, DC, AGI focuses exclusively on the most pressing issues at stake for Germany and the U.S. With in-depth policy expertise and understanding of both countries, AGI collaborates with the public sector, corporate leaders, and other research centers to deliver timely analysis and recommendations that help anticipate trends, reduce risk, and positively influence policy choices.

For more information, visit our website or contact AGI Communications Officer Ms. Elizabeth Hotary at ehotary@aicgs.org.