The Zeitgeist

American-German Institute

Building a Smarter German-American Partnership

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Episode 142: The AfD and the 2026 State Elections

    Five state elections will be held in Germany in 2026. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) enters this “super election year” in a strong position: it is the largest opposition party …

    36 min

  2. 25 FEB

    Episode 141: Germany’s Other Populist Party

    The BSW (formerly the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, now Alliance for Social Justice and Economic Reason) had early successes after its founding in 2024, winning seats in the European Parliament and …

    32 min

  3. 28 JAN

    Episode 140: The Transatlantic Relationship in a Transforming Global Trading System 

    How have increased geopolitical competition and changing trade policy objectives affected the transatlantic relationship, and what are the shared priorities for German and U.S. business? On this episode of The Zeitgeist, CEO of DHL …

    32 min

  4. 14 JAN

    Episode 139: The German-Polish Relationship amid Changing European Security Challenges

    The European security landscape is shifting. The United States is pressuring Europe to manage the defense of its region, and many NATO allies have growing doubts about the long-term reliability …

    35 min

  5. 17/12/2025

    Episode 138: The Trump Administration, the AfD, and German Foreign Policy

    Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been known for its foreign policy embrace of Russia and China, but in recent months, the party has turned its sights on building ties …

    31 min

  6. 04/12/2025

    Episode 137: Friedrich Merz: Foreign Policy Chancellor

    Chancellor Merz has received praise internationally for many German foreign policy and defense initiatives in 2025: suspending the “debt brake” to allow for more security investments, expanding the Bundeswehr, committing …

    36 min

  7. 20/11/2025

    Episode 136: The Role of Communities in Times of Crisis

    In Washington, DC, LGBTQ+ organizations enhance the city’s cultural life, provide services, and represent the community’s political interests. At a time when LGBTQ+ communities are losing protections and facing increased …

    28 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    Episode 135: Reenergizing the German Economy

    The German economy is stagnating, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised an autumn of reforms. But are the government’s policies enough to restore competitiveness? Berenberg Chief Economist Holger Schmieding joins …

    33 min
See All (100)

About

Building a Smarter German-American Partnership

Information

  • Creator
    American-German Institute
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © AGI
  • Show Website
    The Zeitgeist

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