Semiconductors, High Tech, Trade Power: The German-American Partnership Seeks New Answers

19.05.2026

Under the theme “Forging a Future-Ready Alliance,” representatives from politics, business, and research discussed the redefinition of German-American relations at the German-American Conference on May 11, 2026, in New York.

The focus was on how financial markets, technology, and supply chains are holding their own amid the geopolitical pressures of our time. Key topics included the role of global financial capital in the tension between profit, security, and political stability, as well as the booming defense sector: Where does the line between commercial technology and military power lie in the age of dual-use applications?

Other panels examined the transatlantic AI model, the future of the financial system in the digital age, the geopolitical significance of the semiconductor industry, and the new industrial policies of the major powers. The event concluded with a debate on the resilience of global supply chains.

Our sincere thanks goes to Deutsche Bank, which was an outstanding host of the conference.

As part of the conference, we also conducted a series of interviews: with Paula Cipierre, Global Head of Privacy at HCL Tech, and Mark Wehmeyer, founder and CEO of Taktile, we spoke about AI regulation in Europe and the United States.

We interviewed Metin Hakverdi, the Federal Government’s Coordinator for Transatlantic Cooperation, on the topic of security policy.

Jörg Wuttke, partner at DGA and former Chief Representative of BASF in China, argued how Europe can free itself from its dangerous dependencies.

And Dr. Sebastian Schäfer, MP (Alliance 90/The Greens), spoke with us about the energy and climate crisis, its impact on Germany, the future of German youth, and finally how the changing transatlantic relationship should be managed.