Germany–Facing its History, Facing its Future

Join us and prominent commentators on Germany’s future and its meaning for the United States.

Germany has emerged as Europe’s central power, the key to many issues facing the continent, from the challenges of European integration, turbulence in wider Europe and relations with Russia to alliance and partnership with the United States, the rise of China, monetary issues and tests of economic growth. Yet both Germans and their neighbors struggle with their new roles and responsibilities, as they reflect both on Germany’s history and on its future.

Former German President Richard von Weizsäcker, the first postwar president of a united Germany, was a dignified representative of German democracy who brought moral authority to his office and sought to reconcile his compatriots with the legacy of their country’s history by speaking out, often critically, on themes related to reconciliation, power, and Germany’s role as Europe’s Mitte to address German responsibility for Europe’s future.

Discussants include:

• Peter Wittig, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States
• Philip D. Murphy, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany
• John Kornblum, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany
• Robert M. Kimmitt, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany
• Richard Burt, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany
• Daniel Hamilton, Director, Center for Transatlantic Relations, Johns Hopkins SAIS; Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow, Robert Bosch Academy, Berlin
• Friedbert Pflüger, former Member of the Bundestag and former Spokesman for Richard von Weizsäcker
• Christoph Bertram, former Director, Institute for Security Policy SWP; former Chief Diplomatic Correspondent, Die Zeit
• Constanze Stelzenmueller, Robert Bosch Senior Fellow, Brookings
• Derek Chollet, Counselor and Senior Advisor, German Marshall Fund; former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense
• Ingrid Hamm, CEO, Robert Bosch Foundation
• Barry F. Lowenkron, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, German Marshall Fund

A reception will follow.