Richard Grenell: An American Ambassador Leaves Berlin
In 1959, Eugene Burdick and William Lederer published a best-selling novel, The Ugly American. It was a searing critique of the American professional diplomatic corps and the lack of cultural …
Episode 26: Deep History and Politics in Eastern Germany Today
How does the past shape today’s politics? For states in eastern Germany, memories of life in the German Democratic Republic are not that distant of a past. One example is …
Telehealth Is Here to Stay—In the United States and in Germany
Before COVID-19, telehealth (a patient seeing and talking to a doctor or other health care provider over the Internet) has long been viewed as an ancillary mode of medical treatment …
Jeff Rathke on G7 in Washington Post
AGI President Jeff Rathke discusses Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision not to attend the G7 – and the later fallout – with The Washington Post’s Anne Gearan. He notes, “Merkel’s decision …
Corona and Public Health Policy in Germany
“It’s COVID-19, stupid!” In Germany, we saw a quick turnaround in responses to the spread of the virus. As the German population has learned about the importance of prevention policies, …
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Lesson from the Corona Crisis: The Neighbors Have Gone Mad
The article is written in the author’s personal capacity and does not necessarily reflect the views the German government. Spending time alone at home gives you time to think. Time …
Promoting Integration and Avoiding Isolation. A Brief History of Germany’s Participation in NATO’s Nuclear Statecraft
Currently, Germany is struggling to decide on a successor for its aging Tornado aircraft. Some of the ancient Tornados are essential to carry forward deployed U.S. nuclear bombs and thus …
Returning to the Past to Win the Future: The SPD in Search of a Long-Term Strategy
Still in the midst of a pandemic and trying to unify a dispirited party with low poll numbers, Germany’s Social Democrats are now trying to revive the uplifting spirit of …
SPD Asks Others to Hold the Nuclear Umbrella
One of Germany’s most significant political figures grabbed and shook an important pillar of transatlantic security a few days ago. Rolf Mützenich, leader of the Social Democratic Party’s (SPD) Bundestag …
Testing State Leaders in a Pandemic: The Rise of Andrew Cuomo and Markus Söder
“Never let a crisis go to waste.” So think many politicians when opportunities emerge to amplify their reputations. The truth is that crises do help politicians and voters to separate …
Episode 25: Defeat or Liberation: The Changing Interpretations of May 8
May 8 marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. While the displays of remembrance differed from the past given presence of the coronavirus, it …
Why Have Women World Leaders Performed So Well During the COVID-19 Crisis?
In 2019, UN Women reported that a mere 5 percent of heads of government around the world were female.[1] These handful of women, including German chancellor Angela Merkel, have dominated …
