AGI

Foreign & Security Policy

The AGI Foreign & Security Policy Program addresses German security policy, the foreign policy cooperation between the U.S. and Germany, and the transatlantic defense relationship.
Reset

Merkel’s European Message

The results of the Brussels summit this week underline one basic somewhat contradictory fact: If the euro were to collapse, it would be because Germany was not leading the effort to save it. At the same time, if Germany does lead that effort, it will include all the criticism that goes with leadership. This is the same kind of challenge the United States has had to face for decades. If you are the only leader available, you are damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Ask anyone in the White House what that is like.

Lurch to the Left or a Spot of Shadow Boxing? The Left Party’s New Programme and its Implications for Governing Germany

When, on 27th September 2009, Die Linke (the Left Party) polled just under 12 per cent of the vote in Germany’s federal election, it looked as if a new era …

Half-term Report for the German Government

With the current parliament in Germany half way through its normal lifespan of four years, now is as opportune a moment as any to review the performance of the federal …

The Eurozone Crisis and Implications for the United States

European leaders finally agreed to a more comprehensive plan to help bring the euro out of its current crisis. However, many experts agree that there is still much more that needs to be done to bring Europe, and the global economy as a whole, out of this mess. This week’s AICGS Advisor examines a few of the expert opinions on what still lies ahead:
Peter S. Rashish, Vice President for Europe & Eurasia, U.S Chamber of Commerce, gives his testimony before the House Financial Services subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade on the U.S. implications of the euro zone crisis and what should be done to bolster trade between the two partners.

Global Re-balancing Act at the G20

Ahead of November’s G-20 summit in Cannes, France, Dr. Matthias M. Matthijs and Neil K. Shenai, Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC, assess the changes …

The Malaise

In his essay entitled The Malaise, Alexander Privitera, Washington-based N24 Special Correspondent and frequent AICGS contributor, examines the pessimistic mood growing among the U.S. population about the current state, and future, of the economy. With confidence in the ability of the U.S. economy to rebound falling, as well as the increasing failure of leaders to act, populist movements like the Tea Party may take root in the more widespread sentiment of the American people.

The Privilege of Partnership

In this week’s At Issue, Executive Director Jack Janes discusses the increasing bonds of transatlantic interdependence — and the price and privilege which come with them.

The Upcoming Blame Game

In his essay entitled The Upcoming Blame Game, frequent AICGS contributor Alexander Privitera explores the finger pointing being used by leaders on both sides of the Atlantic in the face of the economic crisis. According to Mr. Privitera, with elections coming up in several countries, including the U.S. and France, not only could the transatlantic blame game get worse, but we may even witness a standstill in policy-making as a whole — the last thing a pair of faltering economies can afford.

The Dirty Secret of the U.S.-European Relationship

Underneath the cloak of a never-ending list of foreign issues lies the heart of the transatlantic relationship: trade. According to the essay The Dirty Secret of U.S.-European Relations by Jan Techau, Director of Carnegie Europe and a frequent AICGS program participant, this makes for a “boring” partnership, despite the general goodwill between both sides. However, with the economic crisis continuing to weaken the global positions of the U.S. and Europe, both sides will have to begin to build a more meaningful relationship to stave off their respective declines.

Changing Transatlantic Equations

In his essay entitled A New Equation for the Transatlantic Alliance, recently published in the Strategic Europe essay series from Carnegie Europe, Executive Director Jack Janes looks at the unprecedented rise of a deeply integrated Europe, one that is still struggling to find its course within the context of the global stage. Amidst all the current debate about the euro, it is important not to lose sight of how far Europe has come despite the many challenges ahead.

The German-American Relationship: In the Name of What?

In a recent Huffington Post article entitled The German-American Relationship: In the Name of What?, author Catherine Cheney seeks to answer a question posed by Dr. Jack Janes: does the transatlantic relationship mean the same thing in Berlin as it does in Washington?

Merkel’s Moment

In her article entitled Merkel’s Moment, originally published in the International Herald Tribune, Margarita Mathiopoulos, participant in AICGS events, suggests that it is time for Germany to come to terms with its leadership role in Europe. This realization, argues Ms. Mathiopoulos, begins with Chancellor Merkel’s willingness to lead Europe through its current crises.