Assessing the Zeitenwende

On February 27, 2022, three days after the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz outlined major changes to German foreign and security policy, which he termed as a Zeitenwende, or “turning point.” In response to war on the European continent, he outlined a massive reinvestment in Germany’s defense forces, sanctions against Russia, and a new approach to energy security for Germany after years of hydrocarbon dependence on Russia.

The German government has been tested in its ability to realize these ambitious goals, and the international landscape has shifted, with the push from the Trump administration for an agreement to end the war and a changing U.S. policy toward Europe. We are therefore inviting leading experts on the transatlantic partnership to gather to provide insight on German grand strategy and the relationship with the United States. We will examine critical issues such as defense capabilities and analyze Germany’s evolving role with its allies and toward potential adversaries.

The American-German Institute (AGI) at Johns Hopkins University and the U.S. Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute are proud to have collaborated with leading defense, security, and foreign policy experts to produce a comprehensive forthcoming report “Assessing the Zeitenwende.” We assess what progress has been made, identify what shortcomings remain, and offer insight on what changes would be help achieve the goals outlined by the Zeitenwende.

On March 10, we welcome your participation along with contributors to this publication as they share their research and discuss the major challenges in transatlantic relations, German foreign and security policy shifts, and the future of European and global security.

This event will convene in-person at the American-German Institute in Washington, DC. We kindly ask for your RSVP no later than Wednesday, March 5 to AGI Program Coordinator Mr. Jack Fornasiero at jfornasiero@aicgs.org.