AGI

Society, Culture & Politics

The AGI Society, Culture & Politics Program focuses on crucial topics within the German-American dialogue, including: demographic change, migration/integration, and aging societies; electoral politics at the national, state, and European levels, and comparative analysis of Germany and the United States; diversity within Germany, Europe, and the United States; the politics of collective memory and identity, Holocaust remembrance and reconciliation, and shifting conceptions of national identity that shape perspectives and policy responses.
Reset

Neo-Nazi Terror: An Attack on Democracy, a Failure of Policy

How did a right-wing terrorist group operate in Germany for thirteen years without being detected? In his essay entitled Neo-Nazi Terror: An Attack on Democracy, a Failure of Policy, Dr. Heiko Holste, Visiting Scholar at the BMW Center for German and European Studies at Georgetown University, looks at the failures of German intelligence in stopping the extremist group known as the “National Socialist Underground” and the government’s underestimation of neo-Nazi groups in Germany.

Gibt es eine Braune-Armee-Fraktion in Deutschland?

Gibt es in Deutschland im Untergrund operierende rechtsextremistische Terrorstrukturen, gar eine „Braune-Armee-Fraktion? Seit knapp zwei Wochen ist bekannt, dass eine Gruppe Rechtsextremer über dreizehn Jahre hinweg in Deutschland gemordet und …

Is there a “Brown-Army-Faction” in Germany?

In his essay entitled Does a “Braune-Armee-Fraktion” in Germany Exist?, AICGS Non-Resident Fellow Alexander Ritzmann examines whether the “Nationalsozialistischer Untergrund,” or National Socialist Underground (NSD), can be categorized as a terrorist group. Having recently come into the public spotlight following more than a decade of under the radar murders and robberies, the German Federal government, argues Mr. Ritzmann, must be cautious in labeling this newly surfaced group.

Stand Up and Fight is the Message Philipp Rösler Sent from Frankfurt

At their party convention this past weekend, Germany’s Free Democratic Party (FDP) made one thing clear: they intend to push forward in the face of mounting criticism. In his essay Stand Up and Fight is the Message Philipp Rösler Sent from Frankfurt, Dr. Tim Stuchtey, Managing Director of the Brandenburgisches Institut für Gesellschaft und Sicherheit (BIGS) and Director of the Business & Economics Program at AICGS, examines what was covered at the convention, as well as the remarks made by FDP Chairman Philipp Rösler.

Seriousness and Wish for Unity

In his essay Seriousness and Wish for Unity, AICGS Trustee Andreas Nick examines the serious tone set by Angela Merkel and other CDU leaders at this week’s party convention. While Merkel’s goals of a stronger Europe and a practical approach to global issues were once again at the forefront, it appears that the CDU’s plan for the 2013 general election has begun to take shape.

Constructive Power and Reconciliation: The Importance of German Societal Organizations

The Importance of German Societal Actors The Euro-zone crisis has focused international attention on Germany’s power, depicting the Federal Republic either as selfless savior (constructive power) or as dictatorial demon …

Merkel’s Momentum

In this week’s At Issue, Executive Director Jack Janes reviews the CDU party convention in Leipzig and Angela Merkel’s political leverage as she looks forward to the second half of her second term as Chancellor.

Germany’s Telling Reaction to bin Laden’s Death

A version of Dr. Jackson Janes’ At Issue essay appeared in Real Clear World on May 14, 2011: Germany’s Telling Reaction to bin Laden’s Death.

How Geography Explains Economics For Germany and the U.S

Dr. Tim Stuchtey quoted in “How Geography Explains Economics For Germany and the U.S.,” by Derek Thompson, The Atlantic, June 9, 2011.

The Muslim-American Muddle

In his in-depth article “The Muslim-American Muddle” from National Affairs, Professor Peter Skerry examines the identity and crises of Muslim-Americans. While already dealing with being stereotyped by non-Muslim Americans as terrorists, Muslim-Americans must also navigate the many ethnic divisions within their own population. A new approach, argues Professor Skerry, is necessary to move forward.

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 …

Occupy Frankfurt?

In this week’s At Issue, Executive Director Jack Janes examines the growing dissatisfaction with policy-makers and financial institutions in dealing with the current economic crisis, and how this widespread sentiment is leading populations on both sides of the Atlantic to look for a multitude of ways to vent their frustration.