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.
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Second Life of Political Leaders: A Case Study of Adolf Hitler

The Role of Adolf Hitler’s Image in American Popular Culture In recent times, the term “second life” relates to a web game in which people create characters of themselves. However, they …

Apprenticeship Loyalty in Hannover

Today we went to the MMBbS, an information technology and media vocational training school two hours south of Berlin by train, and learned about the school that was built on …

Dual System Dilemmas

Germany was derided not too long ago as the “sick man of Europe” after years of economic malaise. It is now lauded as the world’s Exportweltmeister; its current-account surplus even …

October 3: Lessons for the Future of Europe

This week Germany again marks its anniversary of formal unification on October 3. Next month, on November 9, we will remember how the division of Germany ended, seeing dramatic pictures …

Muslims in Germany: A Post-Crisis Update

The rise of anti-immigrant sentiment in Europe has been one the most of worrying trends in the wake of the euro crisis. Surprising gains by far-right and far-left parties in …

The End of Innocence. The 9/11 Generation in Germany and the United States

How can we explain the idea that the September 11 attacks generated a new generation in Germany? We know that there is a 9/11 generation in the United States. They …

From the AGI Bookshelf: Out of the Tower: Essays on Culture and Everyday Life

When was the last time you had a bit more than a “muggeseggele Zeit” to think about what really makes up our everyday cultural lives? For those familiar with German …

Comfort Zones and Conflict Lines: How Germany Cares for Its Religions

In October 2013, Minister President and leader of the Greens in Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, gave an outline of his understanding of freedom of religion and the relationship between state, churches, …

Shaping Transatlantic Solutions: Challenges of the 2012 and 2013 Elections

The U.S. elections in 2012 and the German elections in 2013 demonstrate that, despite their geographic distance, the two countries are confronted by both similar and shared problems: debt crises, …

Once Upon a Time, It Was a Man’s World: Women in Conservative Parties in Germany and the U.S.

With a gain of 7.7 percent or roughly four million electoral votes[1] in the recent federal elections, the German Christian Conservatives brought in the best results since 1990. That success …

An Anxious German Media Reacts to the U.S. Government Shutdown

The world has been closely following the partial shutdown of the U.S. Federal Government. The drama playing out in America’s capital is as much a subject of ridicule overseas as …

The Impact of Textbook Diplomacy: Refraining from a Too Narrow Assessment

Along with official state apology, financial reparations for victims, and truth commissions, international textbook activities have been a core symbol of reconciliation since the end of World War II. The …