AGI

Society

Our societies are changing on both sides of the Atlantic thanks to demographic change, immigration and integration, and regional differences—among other factors. Greater understanding about our cultures, an open exchange about emerging issues, and fostering dialogue between different groups can help German and American societies build stronger internal and external connections and awareness.
Reset

Migrant Crisis Leading to Rise of Far-Right Politicians

In advance of this Sunday’s state-level elections in three German states, The New York Times analyzes how the migrant crisis is building support for far-right leader Frauke Petry and her Alternative …

U.S. Immigration Policies Meet Criticism

In the United States, state-level immigration reform is seeing progress.  Undocumented immigrants in New York state will now be able to apply for teacher certification and professional licenses from the …

Anti-Immigrant Sentiment In Germany Sees Results

Last week German interior minister Thomas de Maizière confirmed that Germany has flown 125 refugees back to Afghanistan as part of federal government efforts to stem the flow of migrants …

Capability, Reciprocity, and Luck

With a mixture of capability, reciprocity, and pure luck, Germany has so far avoided a Jihadi terrorist attack (with the exception of a “lone wolf” killing of two American soldiers …

Lifting the Refugee Burden

Americans have become increasingly alarmed by events in Europe. The euro crisis was averted, but euro zone economies continue to face sluggish growth. Political parties throughout the continent question the …

Immigrants React to Government Action in EU and U.S.

German chancellor Angela Merkel and last week’s European Union summit are focused on keeping the 3 million Syrian refugees who came to Turkey inside Turkey and are enacting measures to …

Beyond the Numbers: Humanitarian Crisis Rips Europe Apart

It was supposed to be a light-hearted cocktail party celebrating the Munich Security Conference’s (MSC) special newspaper edition, The Security Times. On the evening of his signature conference, MSC chair …

Federal and Local, German Sentiments about Refugees are Diverse

German chancellor Angela Merkel met with Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu last week to discuss the growing influx of migrants to Europe, as well as the ongoing conflict in Syria.  …

Desperation for Relief Growing on Both Sides of Refugee Crisis

As the Syrian refugee crisis continues, Germany is feeling the pressure from an influx of hundreds of thousands of migrants.  On 3 February, Germany introduced a new bill that will …

Refugees and Human Security

Anxiety over terrorism and migration is shaping the electoral dynamics in both Europe and the United States. Both of these complex challenges belie simplistic characterization (or demonization); unfortunately, the politics …

Obama and Merkel Craft Their Approaches to Islam, Refugees

In both the United States and Germany, tensions have risen regarding the influx of refugees and relations with domestic and asylum-seeking Muslims. Early this month, President Barack Obama visited the …