The Zeitgeist American-German Institute

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 forced Germany’s government and public to think urgently about the threats to their security. Dr. Christian Mölling joins The Zeitgeist to discuss how politicians and the public have evolved from a peace-focused society to one that understands the need for strong defense. What must Germany do, and how quickly, to be ready for today’s threats? Can it move beyond responding to crises pragmatically to having a strategic vision for its and Europe’s security?



Fragile Sicherheit by Christian Mölling



Host

Jeff Rathke, President, AGI

Guests

Christian Mölling, Research Director, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)

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 as well as the role of the existing global economic order. It could also raise new questions about Germany’s economic Zeitewende and its position within the EU. European economics editor at The Economist Christian Odendahl joins The Zeitgeist to discuss what is at stake for the German and European economies in 2024.



Host

Jeff Rathke, President, AGI

Guests

Christian Odendahl, European Economics Editor, The Economist

Peter Rashish, Vice President and Director, Geoeconomics Program, AGI

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 United States and help U.S. authorities plan for future developments. The next edition will be released early in 2025.  National Intelligence Officer for Europe Dr. Phyllis Berry joins The Zeitgeist to discuss what factors will impact the future of Europe and transatlantic relations: Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the ability of Europe to return to economic growth, and growing political fragmentation.



Host

Jeff Rathke, President, AGI

Guest

Phyllis Berry, National Intelligence Officer for Europe, National Intelligence Council

German Ambassador to the United States Andreas Michaelis joins The Zeitgeist podcast to discuss the state of the German-American relationship, how Germany is working with its key partners in Europe such as France, and how the U.S. elections are affecting the transatlantic relationship. Ambassador Michaelis has been serving in Washington since August 2023, and during this period Germany has become the leading military supporter of Ukraine in Europe and second only to the United States. He describes the strength of the transatlantic relationship, especially as Germany and the United States work to support Ukraine against Russian aggression and the two countries work to align their policies on China.



Host

Jeff Rathke, President, AGI

Guest

Andreas Michaelis, German Ambassador to the United States

Max Raabe & the Palast Orchester have been playing the music of and inspired by the 1920s and 30s for almost forty years, to enormous success in Germany and internationally. As the group prepares to kick off a U.S. tour in March, Max Raabe joins The Zeitgeist to discuss how the music of Weimar Germany resonates with audiences today, the stories behind the composers, and how the music connects to German history.



Max Raabe & Palast Orchester Tour Dates

Listen Max Raabe & Palast Orchester on Spotify

Listen to Max Raabe & Palast Orchester on YouTube



Host

Jeff Rathke, President, AGI

Guests

Eric Langenbacher, AGI Senior Fellow; Director, Society, Culture & Politics Program

Max Raabe, Max Raabe & Palast Orchester

2024 will be a year of crisis and change—the Russian aggression against Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and Africa; the continuing effects of climate change; and the biggest election year in history. Mathew Burrows and Julian Mueller-Kaler of the Stimson Center’s Strategic Foresight Hub join the podcast to discuss the greatest risks to the transatlantic partnership this year: the impacts of presidential candidate (and potential winner) Donald Trump’s “anti-globalist” agenda, a potential stalemate in Ukraine, increasing cooperation between China and Russia, and European instability and internal divisions. And more importantly, how can the United States and Europe act now to ensure their security and interests in a destabilizing global order?



Articles mentioned in this episode:

Top Ten Global Risks for 2024

A Second Trump Term: Opportunities and Risks

The Unpredictable But Entirely Possible Events That Could Throw 2024 Into Turmoil



Host

Jeff Rathke, President, AGI

Guests

Mathew Burrows, Program Lead, Strategic Foresight Hub, Stimson Center

Julian Mueller-Kaler, Director, Strategic Foresight Hub, Stimson Center