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The Zeitgeist

American-German Instituteamericangerman.institute
Building a Smarter German-American Partnership
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Episodes

Episode 127: A New Normal in Transatlantic Trade?

President Trump claims the international trading system is unfair to the United States. The Trump administration is seeking to rectify trade imbalances through tariffs and is trying to reshape the …

Jun 04, 202525 min

Episode 123: An Expanding German Memory Culture

For decades, memory culture in Germany has largely focused on coming to terms with and memorializing the Holocaust. In recent years, however, memory discourses have expanded to include, among others, …

Mar 12, 202530 min

Episode 122: The German Bundestag Election Results

Shortly after the polls closed in Germany, Jeff Rathke, Eric Langenbacher, and Klaus-Dieter Frankenberger discussed the results of the snap elections. They give their reactions to the performance of the …

Feb 24, 202538 min

Episode 121: Climate Change and National Security

Climate change can create national security risks, test military resilience, and redefine how countries pursue their geopolitical interests. Sherri Goodman, author of Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight …

Feb 12, 202528 min

Episode 119: Voter Volatility and Political Stagnation

Germany votes for a new parliament on February 23. While the center-right Christian Democrats maintain a lead in the polls, the three parties of Olaf Scholz’s outgoing “traffic light” coalition …

Jan 15, 202537 min

Episode 118: Is There a Leadership Vacuum in Europe?

Who does the United States call when it wants to call Europe, especially as Germany enters a transition through early elections and France experiences political turmoil? Dr. Phyllis Berry joins …

Dec 19, 202433 min

Episode 117: Germany in 2025

The second Trump administration will take office in just over one month—how will it approach the European security order and trade with the European Union? What risks and opportunities does …

Dec 11, 202428 min

Episode 116: The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Rights in Germany

For thirty-five years, the LSVD+ – Queer Diversity Association has been representing the interests of LGBTQ+ people in Germany. Its managing director Klaus Jetz joins The Zeitgeist to discuss how …

Nov 21, 202433 min

Episode 114: The Transatlantic Legacy of Stonewall

In September 2024, participants in AGI’s project “Building LGBTQ+ Communities in Germany and the United States: Past, Present, and Future” traveled to New York City for site visits and discussions …

Oct 23, 202435 min

Episode 113: A Geoeconomic Europe?

The German economic model is facing headwinds: a loss of secure energy from Russia, renewed urgency to rebuild its defense capabilities, and a fragmenting global economy where not everyone plays …

Sep 25, 202431 min

Episode 110: The Continued Strength of the AfD

The eastern German states of Saxony and Thuringia will vote in state elections on September 1, and Brandenburg will vote on September 22. The populist radical-right Alternative for Germany (Alternative …

Jul 31, 202439 min

Episode 109: Angela Merkel’s Legacy

Germany’s longest-serving chancellor of the twenty-first century was also uniquely successful; Angela Merkel left office after sixteen years with an approval rating of over 70 percent. As Germany must now …

Jul 17, 202438 min

Episode 106: LGBTQIA+ Inclusion and the Economy

On this episode of The Zeitgeist, guest host Dr. Eric Langenbacher speaks with two participants of the AGI exchange program, “Building LGBTQ+ Communities in Germany and the United States.” Simon …

May 30, 202440 min

Episode 103: Elections and the European Economy

Elections in Europe and the United States this year could have significant impacts on the European economy. The outcomes will influence how the transatlantic partners address the challenge from China …

Apr 10, 202428 min

Episode 102: The Trends Driving Europe’s Future

Every four years, the U.S. National Intelligence Council publishes its Global Trends report, an unclassified document that seeks to assess the key factors that shape the strategic environment for the …

Mar 28, 202445 min
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