Xris Macias, Manager at the Salt Lake City Public Library in Utah

We are long past the era of libraries just being a house for books; they contain STEM/Creative labs, meeting spaces and community kitchens. Today’s Library features essential resources for budding entrepreneurs, historical archives, music curation, Pride collections, information on how to register to vote and provides a sample of the things they are voting for. As an information professional, I can curate the available information to either reinforce someone’s opinion and experiences, or facilitate the exploration of new perspectives and ideas. If all librarians keep a similar code, a local library then becomes a place to foster open dialogue, promote respect for diverse viewpoints, educate about civil rights, and uphold human dignity. Values which are fundamental to any thriving democracy.

I truly believe in the essential democratic purpose of public libraries. It remains important for us to offer options to assist members of our communities to become more informed voters and civic actors. Democracies are built on the ability for citizens to educate themselves and make informed decisions. Public libraries are one of the few remaining places where information is readily available to anyone who might seek it out, making it a fundamental tenet of civil society.

Beyond libraries, looking across the globe, and even during these increasingly divided times, local democracy is finding renewed strength through community-sensitive, small-scale initiatives that uphold democratic values at the grassroots level. Subregional government entities such as city councils, regional planning commissions, and municipal cooperatives, are playing a vital role in reinforcing democratic commitments by empowering local institutions and communities. These entities act as connective tissue between communities and larger governmental frameworks, ensuring that democratic practices remain accessible, participatory, and responsive.

Entities and programs that prioritize civic engagement, from hosting town halls and candidate forums to organizing community dialogues on policy issues can provide neutral spaces for discourse and access to accurate information, and even though neutrality may be a goal, many of these structures, by their very nature, don’t discourage argument and debate. Having the freedom to inform yourself, present your point of view and question authority is essential to democracy. For these reasons, local agencies have become an essential platform for participatory democracy. Such efforts demonstrate how subregional government entities can strengthen democracy by investing in trusted, community-rooted institutions.

Dara Kossok-Spiess , Head of Digitalization and Network Policy at the German Trade Association (“Handelsverband Deutschland”) and member of the District Council in Spandau, Berlin

Democracy is often discussed in constitutional terms: elections, parliaments, courts. But locally, democracy is tangible. It is whether parents have a voice when a school is planned, whether young people can shape decisions before they can vote, and whether residents can follow political debates without sitting in city hall.

In Spandau, one of Berlin’s twelve districts and home to roughly a quarter of a million people, we have tried to expand precisely these opportunities. Local institutions are where people learn whether democracy works for them.

That matters on both sides of the Atlantic. Germany and the United States differ politically, but both face declining trust, polarization and fragmented digital public spheres. Social media can accelerate mis- and disinformation, while foreign influence campaigns exploit existing divisions. Local democracy cannot solve these problems alone. But it can create something digital politics often lacks: repeated, direct democratic experience.

Participation must be continuous, not episodic

In Spandau, we have tried to strengthen exactly that. Meetings of the district assembly are livestreamed. Our group meetings reserve time for residents. We supported the reactivation of the Mobility Council, bringing administration, politics and civil society together. We have also pushed for stronger participation in school construction and for a Youth Parliament, because democracy should not begin at eighteen. What connects these initiatives is simple: participation must be continuous, not episodic.

Political parties need to move beyond an electoral logic of democracy. Too often, engagement intensifies before elections and fades afterwards. Citizens are treated as voters to be mobilized every few years rather than as democratic actors with whom institutions remain in permanent conversation. That requires stronger ties with civil society: neighborhood initiatives, schools, youth organizations, social services and groups representing voices often missing from traditional political processes. Local government can give this engagement an institutional framework instead of leaving it dependent on temporary projects. In both Germany and the United States, public support for democracy, diversity and inclusion programs is currently being significantly reduced. This raises a crucial question for local democracy: how can municipalities and civil society sustain participation, inclusion and democratic resilience when the institutional and financial foundations supporting this work are weakened? Democracy promotion is not decorative policy for good times. Civic education, anti-discrimination work, youth participation and spaces for encounter are democratic infrastructure.

Polarization is not simply disagreement. The danger begins when groups stop encountering one another, opponents become enemies, and people lose confidence that institutions will listen. Digital media can reinforce these dynamics. Local democratic spaces can counter them through participation, accountability and dialogue. The first line of democratic defence can be a library in the United States, a community-owned energy agency in California, or a district council or youth parliament in a district of Berlin. These institutions turn democracy from an abstract political system into something people can experience as part of everyday life: locally, continuously, and together.

Alexandra McGee, VP at Marin Clean Energy in California

In 2010 there was a fight happening in the halls of Sacramento, California. The investor-owned utilities (IOUs) were funneling millions of dollars into a campaign to squash an emerging government solution to the rolling black-outs that had harmed the state a decade prior. After many years of planning and feasibility studies, Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) were finally becoming a reality for California with the incorporation of Marin Clean Energy (MCE).

This new public agency would demonstrate that you didn’t need to be a private corporate actor to help move our state toward our ambitious clean energy goals. Fast forward fifteen years and MCE is serving almost 600,000 electric accounts with 60-100% renewable energy, supporting 1.5 million+ residents in the Bay Area to clean up the carbon from their energy sources. With a local elected official representing each of the 38 member communities who have signed on to this service, MCE is proof that local governments can wield significant impact in catalyzing change even in difficult technical markets.

As the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at MCE, I’ve seen the agency support, promote, and accelerate technologies and strategies to help California meet its clean energy goals faster and more equitably. CCAs are not-for-profit public agencies governed by a Board of Directors or Council composed of elected officials representing the community voice in agency decisions. In meetings open to the public, these Boards democratically vote on agency policy, approve programs, and set generation rates for electric service. With their autonomy and public mandate, these governing bodies have the flexibility and sovereignty to set the priorities and direction of the agency to reflect community values and concerns, infusing CCAs with a unique sensitivity to local community affairs. The CCA therefore actively makes different decisions than private entities that are required to secure profits for their investors. Given the public nature of their role, they can further align CCAs with the objectives laid out by their corresponding town, city, and county governments, further integrating CCAs into the social fabric of a community.

Why is this important? In the transatlantic dialogue, we’re seeing the erosion of democratic institutions as a growing crisis across various countries and contexts. Having strong local government agencies – like those that generate electricity, those that lend books, those that represent their district – becomes an important line of defense against growing authoritarian sentiment. These agencies often provide direct service to their communities, their forums encourage active civic participation, their elected officials often serve their terms from a sense of duty and patriotism. These institutions represent the everyday practice of democracy. When they thrive, people feel their voice matters. When people feel their voice matters, they are far less likely to be seduced by anti-democratic forces. Local government is where trust in democracy is earned or lost, one lightbulb and storytime at a time.

Defending these civic institutions keeps the door locked against authoritarian creep.

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This year’s New Bridge Program Alumni conference brought together 50 Alumni from the United States and Germany in New Orleans, Louisiana. In this video, New Bridge Alumni Samantha Williams, Anoja Perinpanathan and Lange Luntao share how the program has influenced their professional lives and personal development and what insights they gained from the alumni conference specifically.

The New Bridge Program is a fully funded transatlantic fellowship program for young professionals that aims to reflect the diversity of society and enrich transatlantic relations through different perspectives and expertise.  It is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), and by the Joachim Herz Foundation.

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The fourth New Bridge Program Alumni Conference brought together fifty U.S. and German young professionals in New Orleans from November 6 to 8. In this essay, our reporting team analyzes the development of the U.S.–German relationship through the lens of the conference’s insights.

The New Bridge Program Alumni Conference in New Orleans opened with a panel conversation on US-German relations between Christopher Fettweis, Professor of Political Science at Tulane University and Markus Hatzelmann, Deputy Consul General for Germany in Houston.

The conversations that emerged from this panel crystallized a broader reality: the transatlantic relationship finds itself in an era of profound uncertainty, shaped not only by external threats but by internal pressures that challenge the self-image of both Germany and the United States as “leaders of the free world.” Beneath the surface of diplomatic continuity lies an unresolved question—whether today’s sense of crisis is a fleeting disruption or a structural reordering of global power that the West was never ideologically or strategically prepared for.

The claim that we live in a golden age of peace and security with current conflicts merely representing the last shot of the first cold war, glosses over the fundamental shift in great power competition. As noted by legal theorist Mary Dudziak, the nature of modern conflict challenges the traditional measurement of “wartime” versus “peacetime” (War Time: An Idea, its History, its Consequences).

“Soft power alone cannot anchor European security.”

The German realization that soft power alone cannot anchor European security marks a historic shift: Berlin’s renewed military investment reflects not just Russia’s aggression, but the broader foreign-policy recalibration of a U.S. increasingly preoccupied with domestic affordability, inequality, and strains on its own democratic institutions. American soft power, long buoyed by the mythology of the “American Dream,” has become entangled with political polarization and public skepticism toward global engagement. Especially as Trump sends National Guard troops in U.S. cities to symbolize his own power and keep unwelcome opinions at bay (The New York Times 2025).

[related]These domestic currents influence the transatlantic equilibrium as much as external pressures from Moscow, Beijing, and non-state cyber actors. Ultimately, the future health of the transatlantic relationship depends less on historical sentiment and more on a clear, shared commitment to meet contemporary security challenges with commensurate resources and resolve. If the European pillar, led by Germany, fails to demonstrate equal rigor in the face of digital and analog warfare, and the U.S. continues to turn inward, the “up and down” cycle we’ve gotten used to in US-German relations risks becoming a permanent divergence.

Populism as a Stress Test, Not a Sideshow

The rise of populist movements on both sides of the Atlantic, the MAGA movement in the U.S. and the AfD in Germany, should be understood less as aberrations and more as stress tests of each country’s democratic architecture. They reflect a renegotiation of the social contract amid demographic, economic, and generational change. Populism reframes public grievances as existential threats, blurring the lines between legitimate critique and institutional delegitimization. Yet, history suggests that democratic societies tend to experience such periods as oscillations rather than endpoints. What matters is the resiliency of the institutions being tested—and here, both the U.S. and Germany possess deeper democratic guardrails than their current politics might suggest.

Still, the geopolitical implications of these internal dynamics are significant. A West struggling with its own coherence cannot project a unified model of freedom or prosperity. Nor can it rely on assumptions that shaped the post–Cold War world: that economic integration guarantees peace, that information technology inherently empowers democratic movements, or that military conflict remains confined to visible battlefields. In New Orleans, participants underscored how cyberwarfare, disinformation, and drone-based conflict have dissolved the line between war and peace—forcing both countries to rethink how power is understood, exercised, and defended.

© Zack Smith

© Zack Smith

© Zack Smith

© Zack Smith

At the Whitney Plantation

© Zack Smith

© Zack Smith

The New Alumni Council:

© Zack Smith

© Zack Smith

Local Realities as Geopolitical Mirrors

New Orleans itself, with its history of resilience, its climate vulnerability, its racial inequities, and its cultural depth, served as a grounding lens for these global questions. The city’s local challenges mirror many of the systemic tensions defining the transatlantic debate: who bears the burden of “resilience,” what inequities erode public trust, how climate injustice reshapes political identity, and how communities respond when institutions fail to protect them. Ignoring these local dynamics—whether in Louisiana or in Saxony—means misunderstanding the forces reshaping global politics. Domestic and geopolitical stability are now inseparable.

The conversations in New Orleans did not offer certainty, but they did point to an emerging hypothesis: that despite the pressures of populism, shifting power structures, and redefined security threats, the U.S.–German relationship is unlikely to fracture. Instead, it is being recalibrated—toward a more realistic, adaptive, and interdependent partnership.

Historical Reckoning as Democratic Infrastructure

This recalibration cannot be understood without acknowledging the pasts each nation struggles to fully confront. The visit to the Whitney Plantation brought into sharp relief how historical memory, or its absence, shapes democratic capacity. Many Americans learn little about the history of slavery in their own country, revealing a national reluctance to face the violence foundational to its development. Germany’s postwar approach—imperfect yet deliberate in its public reckoning—stands in contrast to the U.S., where slavery’s legacy continues to be unevenly taught, contested, and politicized.

“The reinvention of the West is inevitable.”

This divergence is more than academic. Nations that avoid continued and honest self-examination weaken the moral imagination required to sustain democratic resilience—fueling the same populist pressures that challenge both countries today. And yet, the dialogues in New Orleans demonstrated that a more transparent transatlantic partnership is possible. A relationship rooted in truth, rather than selective memory, can better navigate shifting power dynamics and rising internal fractures.

A Vision Forward

The “end of the West” is not inevitable. But the reinvention of the West is. Strengthening the U.S.–German alliance in this era of instability will require clarity, humility, and a shared commitment to historical truth as democratic infrastructure. What emerged in New Orleans is a blueprint for such renewal: a partnership anchored in realism, informed by local realities, and strengthened through collective courage to confront the past in order to imagine a more stable and just future.

This report was written by New Bridge Alumni Omaima Afzaal, Janhvi Bhojwani, Mayra Cedanor, Maggie Salas Crespo, Mario Futh, Alyssa Lukpat, Chase Phillips, Khadidah Stone, Eddie Taveras and Samantha Williams.

The New Bridge Program is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), and by the Joachim Herz Foundation.

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The skills gap has also led to an opportunity gap — an expanding gulf between the increasingly diverse range of people seeking to participate in the global economy and their ability to contribute as they build meaningful careers. This is especially true when it comes to AI skills and the economic progress they enable. As AI technologies advance by leaps and bounds, people from across geographies, generations and socioeconomic classes risk falling behind.

As participants in the Atlantik-Brücke New Bridge Program — a transatlantic fellowship for young professionals from Germany and the U.S. — Kyndryl Foundation Social Impact Director Monoswita Saha and Ciklum Senior Manager & AI expert Enver Cetin found common ground in their approach to managing these issues on both sides of the Atlantic. Here, they share their insights on the cultural and societal impact of AI and the urgency with which everyone must prepare.

AI is such a broad topic that many people often tune out. What are some core concerns or opportunities organizations must focus on?

Saha: There are so many layers to this. Kyndryl recently released a People Readiness Report revealing that 71% of global business leaders say their workforces are not ready to use AI successfully, and that only a handful of companies — about 14% — are upskilling their workforces while deploying AI for commercial use. At Kyndryl, we’re focused on helping our customers modernize their IT systems to make the most of AI. Building and providing AI skills for our customers is part of that effort. As a people-centered firm, we’re also deeply committed to skilling both our own employees and the communities in which we do business. Through the Kyndryl Foundation, we invest in and partner with nonprofits focused on training and awareness of digital skills, including AI, specifically for those who are not well represented in the industry. It’s important that the education and skilling fit the needs of the learner and the sector. These approaches can incorporate career mentoring and professional skills training alongside technical training.

“We need to understand that AI is becoming a foundational tool like computing itself.”

[related]Cetin: A working knowledge of AI and its daily impact by the general population is as important as AI skills for those professionals whose jobs are being transformed by this technology. Awareness leads to understanding, which helps assuage the fears people may have about how AI will impact their lives. We need to understand that AI is becoming a foundational tool like computing itself. So, at the very least, people need to be conversant in AI principles and operations instead of seeing it as mysterious and opaque. This is happening with certain segments of the workforce and in digital-native generations. But there are at least two compelling reasons to spread AI literacy as widely as possible: the AI skills gap is hobbling the progress we need in areas like healthcare and environmental sustainability, and people who lack opportunities to develop AI skills risk being excluded from the rapidly changing global economy.

Are there differences between American and European approaches to AI?

Saha: Enver and I participated in a Future of Work discussion hosted by Atlantik-Brücke in Berlin, where we talked about labor upskilling, cybersecurity, and AI. The event included business leaders, decision-makers as well as policymakers, and aimed to address the implications of technology and conflict in Europe. We could just as easily have held that forum in the U.S.

That said, there are differences in American and EU approaches to regulating AI. A light-touch, pro-innovation approach in the United States and a more heavy-handed regulatory approach in the EU focused on deploying safe and ethical AI. The former enables rapid deployment while the latter focuses first on getting the transparency and accountability right. Nevertheless, both stress the importance of AI skills. According to the EU’s AI Act, providers and deployers of AI systems will have to take measures to ensure a sufficient level of AI literacy for their staff as well as any other person dealing with the AI systems on their behalf. So, the EU is placing a heavy focus on employers to ensure the skills are there.

In the U.S., the Trump Administration’s “AI Action Plan” focuses on expanding AI education and retraining opportunities across the workforce. The plan emphasizes early exposure to AI in K–12, expanded coursework in higher education, and rapid retraining for mid-career workers through registered apprenticeships and workforce programs. It also directs agencies to study AI’s impact on the labor market and encourages employers to offer reimbursement for employees who pursue AI-related training and certifications. While Europe is pursuing a top-down regulatory framework that requires employers to deliver AI literacy, the U.S. is advancing an education model built on voluntary partnerships, apprenticeships, and targeted retraining to build an AI-ready workforce.

Cetin: Thoughtful business leaders and policymakers want to steer the AI ship in the right direction. They certainly want progress, efficiency and cost savings in the commercial space. But they also want effective AI governance, ensuring that humans remain in control. Right now, we’re in the middle of trying to find the right balance between innovation, safety and trust.

What critical elements are needed for a common transatlantic AI framework? 

Saha: Whatever we call out here is much easier said than done.  From my perspective there are a few governing principles to prioritize:

First, promote human oversight, transparency (including the development, implementation and disclosure of AI governance and risk management policies), and accountability. This includes regular checks for bias. Second, implement cybersecurity standards that enhance security, resilience, and privacy. This includes investing in and implementing robust security controls such as physical security measures, cybersecurity safeguards, and insider threat protections across the AI lifecycle. Third, advance skilling initiatives that enable the current and future workforce to act proactively.

“While Europe and the U.S. differ in their approaches to regulating AI, both sides see eye to eye on this issue.”

It is critical to ensure there are no unjustified digital trade barriers and that data can flow freely between the U.S. and the EU. While Europe and the U.S. differ in their approaches to regulating AI, both sides see eye to eye on this issue, as reflected in the EU-U.S. Joint Statement on reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade signed in August 2025. This is an important first step.

Cetin: A critical component of that education and skilling must address the broader cultural influence of AI. In other words, we need to incorporate cultural sensitivity — including an understanding that cultural change takes time — into any of our approaches to training. Strategy only works when there’s culture behind it. That means tailoring programs to local contexts. This includes designing AI literacy initiatives that respect different attitudes toward technology, embedding ethics discussions that resonate with specific communities, and ensuring that materials are available in the languages people use in their daily lives and at work.

What needs to happen next?

Saha: We need more education and training — not only to meet the growing demand for a talented AI workforce, but also to welcome people with non-traditional educational backgrounds. Four-year degrees are no longer the only path; targeted credentialing and technical programs should be part of an “all of the above” strategy. In the U.S., that means scaling fast, affordable “last-mile” training tied to employer demand and investing in lifelong learning so mid-career professionals can adapt. Both government programs and private sector leadership must extend opportunities beyond degree holders.

Cetin: Building on my previous response, the next step is to translate cultural sensitivity into action. We need to move from awareness to implementation — creating cross-cultural learning environments, shared ethics labs, and exchange programs that bring European and American practitioners together to co-design responsible AI use cases. That’s how we ensure the values we talk about are actually lived in practice.

Enver Cetin is an AI Leader at Ciklum, a global Experience Engineering company helping organizations reimagine how they work through AI, data, and intelligent automation.

Monoswita Saha , a former educator, is Director of Social Impact at Kyndryl, the world’s largest technology infrastructure provider.

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In July, Atlantik-Brücke alumni hosted a webinar on the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) on both sides of the Atlantic. Rejoice Jones, founder and CEO of Vower and New Bridge Program alumna, moderated the panel, which featured fellow New Bridge alumnus Enver Cetin, Senior Manager of AI at Ciklum, and Young Leaders Alumnus Sandro Gianella, Head of Europe and Middle East Policy at OpenAI.

By Alexandra McGee, edited by Pia Kauer

During the 60-minute conversation, the panel tackled many different issues concerning AI, including coordination on a transatlantic policy on responsible AI, the need for workforce development to ensure this technology doesn’t widen the “digital divide,” as well as the power of democratizing information and ideas in a fast-paced modern world.

When asked about the impact of AI in general, our speakers cited numerous advantages like its ability to speed up learning in a dramatic fashion in any domain, such as guiding users without any formal training in software development through the process of coding. They highlighted that AI could provide access to capabilities for people who previously couldn’t afford them and pointed out how it could save users time that’s better spent on relationship building, creativity, and – importantly – even rest.

[related]Together, the panel explored the complex challenges involved in achieving unified AI governance. Although collaboration between leading AI labs and policymakers is already showing signs of alignment, geopolitical obstacles remain. The growing power of AI systems raises critical issues, particularly with regard to their potential military applications.

Ultimately, everyone wants AI systems that are safe, transparent, and beneficial

Ultimately, everyone wants AI systems that are safe, transparent, and beneficial, our panelists claimed – so why not create common safety benchmarks that allow a wide range of different applications?

The societal implication of AI was front and center of our discussion. One panelist stressed the urge for proactive policies that support people who lack digital skills. They referred to an initiative by ChatGPT that allows users to talk to the AI using a land line, which might appeal to the less tech-savy and thereby remove access barriers to the new technology. 

The panel went on to discuss the fear of job displacement caused by the rise of AI, drawing historical parallels with the Industrial Revolution, which rendered many jobs obsolete but also created countless new ones. However, they also acknowledged the stark insecurity surrounding AI’s potential impact in the coming years and the fact that no institution can anticipate the myriad possible futures and prepare society for them. Proposals such as a universal basic income were discussed, after which the audience pitched in with critical questions including about the environmental impacts of AI data warehouses and comments emphasising the importance of ensuring that communities are not left behind in this fast-paced transition.

One audience member cited an MIT study showing that frequent ChatGPT users experience a reduction in neural activity and memory decline, and voiced concerns over the regression of critical thinking capacities. Our speakers admitted that AI has the potential to turn us into ‘passive users’, but argued that it can also be used to aid critical thinking skills, for example by actively engaging with content and refining answers rather than blindly copying and pasting them. They also highlighted collaborations between AI companies and universities that address this issue.

In conclusion, the panelists all spoke with excitement about this technology being a democratizing force, creating additional access to skills for folks who might otherwise be left out of the digital transition to the Age of Ideas. 

 About the panelists:

Rejoice Jones is the Founder and CEO of Vower. As an entrepreneur with over 9 years of experience in building strategic partnerships to train underrepresented youth with the job skills necessary to work for tech companies on either side of the Atlantic, she is determined to understand if technology and culture can be the solution to institutional voids in the urban community. She took part in the New Bridge fellowship as part of the second US cohort in 2022.

 Enver Cetin is a Senior Manager of AI at Ciklum where he deploys the latest technologies, including Generative AI. He leads strategic implementations, driving innovation and transforming business processes with AI solutions. He took part in the New Bridge fellowship as part of the second German cohort in 2024. 

 Sandro Gianella leads OpenAI’s Policy & Partnerships team across Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. He’s previously built the EMEA Public Policy function at Stripe, worked on technology regulation at Google and the G7/G20 process as a lead analyst for the G20 Research Group and the Heinrich Böll Foundation. He was a Young Leaders Fellow in 2016. 

 Alexandra McGee is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Marin Clean Energy (MCE). She was part of the sixth US cohort of the New Bridge Program 2023 and is the Chair of Marketing and Communications for the NBP Alumni Council.

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On January 20, 2025, the new administration issued a flurry of executive orders. Among them, Unleashing American Energy put an immediate pause on funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA).  I had recently secured a Department of Energy (DOE) grant with IRA funds to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at locations identified as critical by our residents living in underserved and Disadvantaged Communities (DAC). Given the grant’s emphasis on including diverse voices in transportation planning, I received the following message:

Recipients and subrecipients [of DOE funding] must cease any activities, including contracted activities, and stop incurring costs associated with DEI… Costs incurred after the date of this letter will not be reimbursed.

[related]That week, we had a number of focus group sessions scheduled to identify what clean transportation solutions would work for our neighborhoods. We were put in the position of deciding whether we’d cancel those sessions or pay for the cost of holding them ourselves. Given the preparation we’d done and the commitments we’d made to the community, we decided to eat the cost and hold them anyway.

“The flurry of orders is creating a sense of uncertainty and instability.”

Unfortunately, these sorts of decisions are being held everywhere. During the Biden administration, many of us were tasked with securing as much federal funding as we could in order to advance renewable energy and community commitments. With the federal funding freeze, all of that work is now possibly all for naught. Even beyond specific grants, the flurry of orders is creating a sense of uncertainty and instability. This translates into a chilling effect on projects. California remains committed to our ambitious climate goals, but if our state faces a deficit due to the withholding of federal funding, many of the state budget allocations designed for such projects are unexpectedly in jeopardy.

This particular DOE grant was later granted permission to move forward, only to be paused again later. This choppy stop-and-go movement is not only frustrating for staff but it actually increases costs and timelines as staff navigate these confusing and sometimes contradictory directions. While we remain committed to building a sustainable future, the road ahead just got much more difficult.

Alexandra McGee is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at MCE, California’s first Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. As an Atlantik-Brücke New Bridge fellow, she speaks on the importance of democratizing the just transition to a clean energy economy and the strength of local efforts to combat our shared global concerns. 

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The New Bridge Program is more than just an opportunity; it’s a transformative journey that reshapes how young professionals view the connections between Germany and the United States. As a fully funded fellowship, the program creates a space for emerging leaders to engage with history, culture, and critical conversations around global challenges.

This video was created to offer a glimpse into the New Bridge Fellowship by following our most recent American cohort. Comprising 10 fellows from different states and diverse career backgrounds—including journalists, elected officials, and activists—this cohort exemplifies the program’s mission to amplify underrepresented voices in transatlantic relations.

For many participants, like Darrin Camilleri, who shares his experience in the video, the program offers a deeply transformative educational journey. As they walk through Berlin, history comes to life—moving beyond the pages of textbooks. Iconic landmarks like Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, and the German Parliament offer a tangible connection to the shared histories of the transatlantic community. Fellows don’t merely visit these sites—they engage in meaningful conversations with high-ranking officials and parliamentarians, enriching their understanding of both historical events and modern-day politics.

Yet, the New Bridge Program isn’t just about looking back; it’s about forging a future together. As Alex Schyllander reflects in the video, the program offers more than learning from speakers and mentors—it’s a unique opportunity to learn and grow alongside peers. The bonds formed here promise to extend beyond borders and endure well into the future. These lifelong connections are a testament to the program’s ability to inspire collaboration and understanding across continents.

In their travels, fellows explored shared challenges and discovered that differences, although present, are not insurmountable. By collaborating and exchanging perspectives, they strengthen the ties that unite the transatlantic community in addressing today’s global challenges.

Are you interested in becoming a fellow? Find more information on the requirements of participation here.

New Bridge to Germany is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), and by the Joachim Herz Foundation.

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Here is what they learned.

In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges businesses and leaders face today?

Enver Cetin: In my opinion, businesses and leaders today face several significant challenges that are reshaping the corporate landscape. One of the most pressing is the rapid technological advancement occurring across industries. The pace of innovation, especially in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. Companies often struggle to keep up with these developments, as new technologies can quickly render existing business models obsolete. This relentless progression requires organizations to be agile and forward-thinking to remain competitive.

Another critical challenge is the talent shortage and skills gap. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals in tech fields. However, the supply of qualified talent is not keeping pace with this demand, making it difficult for businesses to adopt new technologies effectively. This shortage hampers innovation and can stall digital transformation initiatives, as organizations lack the necessary expertise to implement and manage advanced technological solutions.

The changing workforce dynamics also present significant challenges. The rise of remote work, the gig economy, and the expectations of younger generations for flexibility and purpose in their careers require leaders to rethink traditional management practices. Millennials and Generation Z employees often prioritize work-life balance, meaningful work, and alignment with their personal values. Leaders must adapt by creating more flexible work environments, fostering inclusive cultures, and offering opportunities for professional growth to attract and retain top talent.

Lastly, global economic uncertainty poses a formidable challenge. Geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and fluctuating markets create an unpredictable environment that complicates strategic planning and investment decisions. Factors such as international trade policies, currency volatility, and shifting alliances can have immediate and significant impacts on global supply chains and market access. Businesses must navigate these uncertainties while remaining resilient and adaptable to sudden changes in the economic landscape.

Nicole Jackson Mansch: As part of the New Bridge Program in Berlin, we heard from workforce leaders and subject matter experts who detailed several key challenges that may yield long-term impacts on the German economy. An aging workforce, attracting and retaining skilled labor, and meeting growing demands for remote work environments amongst Gen Z employees all pose important questions for businesses, companies, and major employers in the future.

In the U.S., President-Elect Donald Trump may issue regulations that remove essential protections for American workers. Moving forward, this presents a number of challenges for many vulnerable and marginalized populations, such as low-paid salaried workers. For example, the Trump Administration may rescind an overtime pay rule issued by the U.S. Department of Labor that broadened the population of workers who received additional pay for hours worked beyond their standard 40-hour work week. A report published by the Economic Policy Institute, an American research organization and thinktank, found that adjustments made to the overtime rule in the U.S. during Trump’s first term resulted in roughly 8.2 million workers losing access to overtime pay. A number of other worker protections in the U.S. may be at risk during a Trump presidency, threatening the safety and security of workers across the country.

Joseph Langner: The most pressing issues I currently see for leaders on both sides of the Atlantic are rapid technological change, demographic shifts, and conflicts between short and long-term objectives.

Regarding technological change, leaders need to be okay with and ready for the fact that development “plateaus” are effectively gone. There is no longer a “state-of-the-art,” but rather a “change-of-the-art.” Having to constantly adapt to these changes requires even more clarity in one’s mission and a moral compass to guide through difficult challenges.

Demographic shifts, especially given an aging population in Germany, will ask leaders to put a lot more responsibility into the hands of a much younger and smaller workforce. According to a recently released study by the German Ministry of Economics (BMWK), over the next ten years, the workforce will face a net (!) decline of roughly 400.000 people. Beyond finding short-term solutions to these issues, we will need to find long-term structural levers such as an increase in female and migrant labor market participation and increases in productivity – again through embracing technological changes.

Monoswita Saha: Technology is front and center – whether that is cybersecurity, AI, data management, or basic digital skills. Technology is a means of competition at small, medium and large scale, from local to global. How to best keep up, modernize, and stay competitive while keeping an eye towards sustainable practices is a challenge. In my view, cultivating and engaging a diverse talent pipeline to grapple with and solve these challenges is equally important. The extent to which there is equal access and opportunity in these fields impacts the overall economic resiliency and stability of communities and countries. Perhaps this is two sides of the same coin.

If you could give one piece of advice to leaders on how to “futureproof,” what would it be?

Enver Cetin: My one piece of advice to leaders on how to futureproof their organizations is to embrace adaptability as a core principle. In a world where change is constant, the ability to adjust swiftly to new technologies, market shifts, and evolving customer preferences is essential for sustained success. Embracing adaptability means fostering a culture that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and openness to change at all levels of the organization. Leaders should empower employees to experiment with new ideas without fear of failure, as this can lead to breakthroughs and improvements. Investing in employee development is crucial; by providing opportunities for upskilling and reskilling, organizations ensure their workforce remains competent in the latest technologies and methodologies. Staying informed about industry trends and being willing to challenge traditional ways of doing business can help organizations anticipate changes rather than simply react to them. By making adaptability a fundamental part of the company’s ethos, leaders can better navigate uncertainties, seize new opportunities, and maintain a competitive edge in an ever-evolving landscape. This proactive approach enables organizations to not only survive but thrive amid the complexities of the modern business environment.

[related]Nicole Jackson Mansch: To futureproof their workforce, leaders should invest in creating good, high-quality jobs for their employees. In the U.S., this means these jobs provide retirement benefits, offer health insurance coverage, provide sick leave and paid family leave, and allow workers the right to organize and engage in collective bargaining to improve their protections and get their fair share of earnings. Adhering to the above good job principles makes companies an employer of choice and give these organizations a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining the talent they need to continue innovating.

Joseph Langner: Organizations and leadership need to embrace constant change, not constants.

Monoswita Saha: Future proofing is about people proofing. The challenges will not solve themselves. Do we have and are we curating the skills and solutions-oriented mindsets to meet the future challenges head on? Are leaders investing in inclusive and diverse talent pipelines in the core areas for their businesses, organizations, and institutions? I put an emphasis on “inclusive and diverse” because without this attention, the future proofing is only for the benefit of the select already privileged few in the global scheme of things.

How do the challenges and solutions surrounding the future of work differ between the U.S. and Germany, and what best practices or lessons can both sides learn from each other? 

Enver Cetin: The United States and Germany face different challenges and have developed distinct approaches to the future of work due to their unique cultural, economic, and regulatory environments. In the U.S., the labor market is characterized by its flexibility, which fosters innovation and entrepreneurship but can also lead to less job security and benefits for workers. The American approach often emphasizes individualism and a free-market economy, resulting in rapid technological adoption but also a widening skills gap. The education system sometimes struggles to keep pace with industry needs. Germany, on the other hand, has a more regulated labor market with strong worker protections, offering greater job security and comprehensive benefits. The German vocational training system, known as the dual education system, effectively integrates classroom learning with on-the-job training, producing a skilled workforce aligned with industry needs. However, this system can also lead to rigidity, making it more challenging for businesses to adapt quickly to technological changes and market demands. German companies may be more cautious in adopting new technologies due to a cultural preference for thoroughness and risk aversion. Both countries have valuable lessons to offer each other. The U.S. could benefit from Germany’s emphasis on vocational training and workforce development, helping to bridge the skills gap by preparing students with practical, job-ready skills. Adopting some of Germany’s worker protection policies could improve job satisfaction and productivity in the U.S., leading to a more committed and stable workforce. Conversely, Germany could learn from the U.S. culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Embracing a more agile approach to business could help German companies adapt more rapidly to technological advancements and global market shifts. Encouraging a calculated risk-taking mindset might stimulate innovation and competitiveness. Additionally, adopting flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible hours, could enhance work-life balance and attract a broader talent pool.

Nicole Jackson Mansch: Germany’s aging workforce serves as one key distinguishing factor from the U.S. To attract talent, Germany has instituted a number of unique visas and partnerships with other countries to encourage skilled labor, such as in nursing, tech and engineering, to settle and work in the country. On the other hand, in the U.S., many universities serve as innovation hubs, spurring the development of new ideas and providing international students with unique skillsets the chance to create creative business concepts. Germany provides a strong social safety net for Germans – including paid parental leave after the birth of a child. The U.S. has not yet instituted federal paid parental leave, despite the work of prominent advocates like Melinda French Gates, American philanthropist and former Microsoft manager.

Joseph Langner: Germany and Europe will likely take a much longer time to implement technological advances than the U.S. However, this also provides more time to reflect on societal impacts of these changes, e.g., AI in the workplace. Smart regulation (both in organizations and legally) is a potential European differentiator while the U.S. will likely continue to drive major innovation (with relatively much less regulation). As both our governments are currently in a transition phase, it is up to leaders in other sectors to set impulses and push new solutions without waiting for public forward guidance.

Monoswita Saha: Germany is ahead of the game in its approach to labor laws and its apprenticeship models. Though one can make the argument that too strict labor laws stifles innovation and investment, there is a tangible benefit to social stability from these protections. The apprenticeship model is one that I believe the U.S. should implement at a higher and more expansive rate – and with that, also address the stigma that is attached to candidates who do not have the traditional four-year college or university degree. These degrees have always been and are increasingly cost-prohibitive for many. On the U.S. side, this is a country that rewards risks – or at least that is how I have found it through personal experience. It is possible for entrepreneurs to try and fail and try and fail until they fine tune a model that works. It is a blend of mindset and financial structures. It is by no means perfect. Failure does not need to ruin a career or the family savings plan for life.  There is such a thing as American optimism, and for me, a solutions-oriented approach is half the battle.

Our Experts:

Enver Cetin is a Senior Manager of AI at Ciklum, based in Munich, Germany, where he excels in deploying the latest technologies, including Generative AI. An expert in this cutting-edge field, Enver leads strategic implementations, driving innovation and transforming business processes with AI solutions. Previously, he headed the Process and Digital Excellence team at a logistics company, where he crafted a digital excellence roadmap that significantly reduced administrative times and improved operations through strategic integration of automation and data analysis. With a Master’s in Business Consulting & Digital Management and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Enver combines deep technical expertise with a profound understanding of digital transformation’s societal impacts. Outside of work, Enver is an avid traveler and tech enthusiast. When not pioneering AI solutions, you can find him exploring new cultures, running marathons, or engaging in political and economic exchanges. His curiosity and love for learning drive his innovative spirit in both life and work.

Nicole Jackson currently serves as White House Liaison at the U.S. Department of Labor as part of the Biden-Harris Administration. Prior to joining the Department, Nicole was the Deputy Associate Director of Policy at the White House in the Office of Dr. Jill Biden. Before joining the Biden-Harris Administration, Nicole worked in Mayor Mike Duggan’s Office of Workforce Development in Detroit, Michigan. While there, she led a temporary work experience program for returning citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also held roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and she previously interned at the White House Domestic Policy Council during the Obama Administration. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Stanford University and received her M.S. in Community Health and Prevention Research (CHPR) from the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Joseph Langner is a Co-Managing Director at JoinPolitics, a non-partisan, non-profit incubator for political talents in Germany. Joseph’s work focuses on developing new approaches to political entrepreneurship, innovation, and funding to promote and strengthen democracy in Germany and Europe. Joseph is a member of the Grantmaking Council of Multitudes Foundation, an advisor to the 2hearts Community, and a supporter of the Afro-Diasporic Academics Network (ADAN e.V.). Previously, he worked as a consultant to European institutions as a Project Manager and Chief of Staff in the Public Sector & Digital Practices at Oliver Wyman. Joseph studied Business Administration, Philosophy, and Economics at the University of Mannheim and the WASEDA Business School in Tokyo. He is a scholar of the Deutschlandstiftung Integration and a former national board member of AIESEC in Germany.

Monoswita Saha is a driven leader who is committed to fostering ecosystems for equity. Monoswita is the CSR Global Employee Engagement Leader and Advisor to the Kyndryl Foundation for Kyndryl, the world’s largest provider of IT infrastructure services. Monoswita drives a global engagement strategy that harnesses Kyndryl’s expertise and values to drive enduring impact. Additionally, Monoswita plays a pivotal role in launching the Kyndryl Foundation within two years of Kyndryl becoming a public company, a milestone moment for the company. Previously, Monoswita led the global implementation and network engagement strategy for Pathways and Technology (P-TECH), IBM’s marquee Corporate Social Responsibility program that aims to create an alternative pathway for young people in low-income communities to find meaningful employment in STEM careers. Monoswita drove innovation, communications, thought leadership, and foundational learning for a network that spanned over 25 countries. Monoswita holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and English from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree in public administration from the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs.

A huge thank you to the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) for making this alumni engagement opportunity possible.

Der Beitrag The Future of Work: Challenges and the Way Forward erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Video Credits: David Rosario Dro Photo & Video – Lead Photographer & Lead Videographer

At the end of October, we had the pleasure of bringing together over 50 New Bridge alumni from across Germany and the U.S. in vibrant Miami to deepen our transatlantic bonds and explore solutions to today’s global challenges. This is their report.

By Silas Burris, Omaima Afzaal, Raze Baziani, Innokenty Burshteyn, and Nicholas Courtney

Day 1: New Bridge Program Arrives in Miami

In true Miami fashion, our first evening began at a vibrant bar by the harbor, with the shimmering city skyline in the backdrop. After dozens of warm greetings and introductions, New Bridge alumni listened to opening remarks from German Consul General Christofer Burger. His speech emphasized the importance of community, thanking us for our role as ambassadors of German-American friendship. “You are actually doing my job,” he said, acknowledging our commitment as a bridge between cultures and urging us to carry these values back to our communities. “We need you to share this message—that we’re stronger together and that together, we can be a force for good.”

Anoja Perinpanathan, from the newest German cohort, shared her experience:

“It feels like our fellowship just ended, yet here we are together again in Miami. I’m thrilled to meet everyone, especially during this exciting time leading up to the U.S. elections—it’s such a unique chance to connect with American fellows.”

The evening continued with stimulating perspectives from special guests, including representatives from Germany’s Federal Foreign Office and one of our panelists for the next day, Evelyn Pérez-Verdía. It was a successful start and sparked inspiration for the days to come.

Day 2: Transatlantic Dialogue and Exploration

Saturday morning’s program began with a land acknowledgement from New Bridge alumna Cheyenne Kippenberger—a citizen of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Chilean American advocate for Indigenous people, and a former Miss Indian World. Cheyenne grounded us with her words as she recognized the original stewards of what is now Florida and educated the group about the unique aspects of tribal governments.

It wouldn’t be a New Bridge event without addressing the biggest topic on many of our minds: the upcoming U.S. presidential elections. New Bridge alumni Joseph Langner and Steven Sainz moderated a discussion on the global implications and key issues shaping the election, featuring four experts on local and international politics. Moises Benhabib, Senior Director at Juvare Federal and Defense and Board Member at Miami’s World Affairs Council, weighed in on how a potential Harris presidency would reinvigorate the U.S.A.’s participation in international alliances such as the Paris Agreement and UNRWA, while a Trump presidency would place much greater focus on implementing trade tariffs. Dr. Markus Thiel, a professor of political and international relations at Florida International University, remarked that Europe will face challenges regardless of the result and will likely face pressure to provide more of their own security funding for NATO. The speakers frequently brought up the issue of disinformation and the risk it poses to democracy. Evelyn Pérez-Verdía, Founder of We Are Más, underscored that threat, characterizing disinformation as “digital, global, and borderless,” while Hon. Anna Hochkammer, a councilmember of the Village of Pinecrest, Florida, emphasized that disinformation affects constituents at even the most local levels—and that micro issues are often what voters care about the most. New Bridge alumni brought critical questions from both sides of the Atlantic for the panel and expressed appreciation for the professional, fact-based dialogue the panelists brought forth.

The alumni body continued to engage in transatlantic discussions regarding four critical global issues: security, trade, climate, and technology. These were moderated by New Bridge alumni and included subject matter experts who both challenged and engaged critical discussion across two consecutive panel sessions.

• The “Trade and Investment” panel was moderated by Khalid Sarsour and Maycaa Hannon, with guest speaker Tobias Borawski, Managing Director of ASTARAS and Florida Chapter Director of the German American Chambers of Commerce. The panel provided an overview of the global trading system and how the U.S. and Germany are experimenting with new ways of trade in response to growing populism, and our economic impact on one another. Borawski then provided an on-the-ground perspective on how new trade policies are shaping business in both countries.
• The “Security: Russia and Ukraine” panel was moderated by Azadê Peşmen and Rita Lieder and featured international relations experts Michael Szanto and Dr. Dina Moulioukova, who helped dissect the intricacies of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Russian identity. The panel explored the geopolitical chessboard, shedding light on the strategic implications of Russia’s nuclear arsenal and its potential to dominate the escalation game.
• The “Climate Corporation: Energy and Sustainability” panel featured University of Miami School of Law, Climate & Environmental law Fellow, Renee Valerie Fajardo, and was moderated by New Bridge alumni Carlos Carrillo and Samantha E. Williams. Discussions varied from global mechanisms of accountability to framing energy independence as a form of security: using the German-Russian relationship as an example of what occurs when a country becomes too energy-dependent on another.
• The “Tech and Innovation” panel delved into the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence featuring the founder of Hummingbirds AI and the Miami AI Club, Nima Schei, MD. The conversation was moderated by Monoswita Saha and Enver Cetin. The discussion began with an introduction to AI learning and its applications and then shifted to a critical analysis of AI’s potential benefits and risks, with a special emphasis on the ethical implications of its ongoing development.

After soaking up the morning’s thought-provoking panels, we had lunch together before boarding the bus for a lively, captivating tour of Miami. In addition to pointing out iconic architecture and sharing anecdotes about famous residents, the tour delved into the innovative solutions Miami employs to navigate its unique geography, ensuring seamless connectivity across waterways and resilience in the face of its tropical climate. The tour concluded with a spontaneous celebration of Rejoice Jones‘s birthday, as the second level of the bus turned into a stage for an impromptu karaoke session.

Day 3: Everything Alumni

[related]The final day of the reunion opened with an icebreaker led by Esra Güner and Alexandra McGee, who blasted popular American and German songs, pausing at intervals for rapid personal questions, and then resuming the DJ-ing again. In these thirty minutes, we laughed, danced, and got to know people we had not yet spoken to at the reunion.

The New Bridge Alumni Council, chaired by Whitney Terrill, presented the Council Activity Report to us, followed by presentations from Julian Pecora and Prof. Dr. Narku Laing who provided overviews of the German-American Conference in Washington, DC, and the Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics in New York City, respectively.

 The final farewell remarks were given by New Bridge Program’s Assistant Program Manager, Hamda Yusef, who shared the joy of being a part of this unique and wonderfully diverse group of leaders around the world. During these final moments Hamda also presented the Program’s first Outstanding Alumni Awards to Rejoice Jones, Alexandra McGee, and Jeff Aguy.

The three days of the reunion flew by but left us invigorated with new perspectives, meaningful connections, and excitement for all the New Bridge opportunities to come.

The NEW BRIDGE PROGRAM is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), and by the Joachim Herz Foundation.

Der Beitrag New Bridge Program: Alumni Unite in Miami! erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

The 2024 Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics, held for the first time in the U.S. and on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City, gathered political and financial leaders alongside private sector executives. This year’s event, hosted by the Atlantic Council and Atlantik-Brücke, focused on three critical sectors – finance, technology, and energy – facilitating high-level dialogue aimed at fostering multilateral solutions and enhancing transatlantic cooperation. A select group of German and American New Bridge alumni attended, sharing their key observations and highlights.

AI Governance: A Transatlantic Imperative

One theme of the forum was the need for a cohesive approach to AI governance between Germany and the United States. The rapid evolution of AI offers significant opportunities but also raises concerns regarding safety, trust, and ethical use.

“Our view is that safety enables trust, which enables adoption, which enables innovation.” Elizabeth Kelly, Director, U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute

A standout session featured Elizabeth Kelly from the U.S. AI Safety Institute, who emphasized the foundational role of safety in AI development. In her statements, she highlighted the cascading effect that safety measures have on the entire AI ecosystem. Without robust safety protocols, public trust in AI systems could erode, leading to resistance against adoption and stifling innovation. This is particularly relevant in the transatlantic context, where differing regulatory landscapes could lead to fragmented approaches to AI safety and governance.

The issue of misinformation also emerged as a significant concern. With AI’s potential to both inform and mislead, especially in democratic processes like elections, the need for proactive governance and regulation becomes even more urgent. According to recent statistics, 78% of American adults expect abuses of AI systems that will affect the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. This high percentage reflects widespread public concerns about the potential for AI to undermine democratic processes by spreading misinformation or manipulating voter perceptions. The concern is not unfounded; AI-generated content, such as deepfakes and sophisticated language models, can be highly complex and difficult to distinguish from authentic information, making it a powerful tool for those wishing to influence election outcomes illicitly. This underscores the urgency for regulatory action and responsible governance.

The insights from Elizabeth Kelly and the optimism tempered with caution expressed by Adena Friedman, CEO of Nasdaq, highlight the importance of addressing these challenges proactively. The transatlantic relationship between Germany and the U.S. is pivotal in this endeavor. By aligning regulatory approaches, enhancing safety protocols, clearly defining the responsibilities of technology companies, and taking decisive actions to mitigate risks, both nations can lead the way in shaping an AI environment that upholds democratic values and benefits society as a whole—especially during times when the integrity of elections is at stake.

“My favorite part of the Transatlantic Forum was the in-depth discussions on AI governance and the crucial need for aligning regulatory efforts between Germany and the U.S. to promote ethical AI development. Additionally, engaging with leaders focused on integrating technology into real-world solutions, ensuring that innovations effectively address practical challenges, was truly inspiring.” Enver Cetin, New Bridge Alumnus

Navigating Financial Complexity in a Transatlantic Context

The spotlight conversation with Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman on “Navigating Financial Complexity: Public-Private Collaboration and Technological Innovation” was particularly engaging and insightful. Ms. Friedman’s insights offered valuable takeaways for transatlantic leaders, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and strategic action to foster innovation, economic growth, and financial stability. Her insights provided a valuable framework for understanding the interconnectedness of geopolitics, financial markets, and technology. For both Europe and the U.S., key takeaways include the potential for strategically investing public retirement funds, facilitating startup investment, leveraging public procurement to support startups, and drawing inspiration from successful models like the Nordic approach to strengthen capital markets. Furthermore, embracing technology is crucial for simplifying complexities, enhancing transparency, and safeguarding the integrity of the financial system.

The session underscored the need for strategic public-private collaboration, with insights into how pension funds could be leveraged for greater returns and economic growth, as seen in the Nordic model. Furthermore, facilitating easier access for financial institutions to invest in startups is crucial for fostering innovation and driving economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and providing incentives for early-stage investment can create a more fertile ground for startups to thrive, generating new jobs, and contributing to economic competitiveness. More opportunities for both Europe and the U.S. lie in the potential for public procurement to play a more active role in supporting startups. By partially awarding public contracts to startups, governments can provide them with a crucial early revenue stream, facilitating faster access to markets and accelerating their growth trajectory. By leveraging technology, Europe and the U.S. can enhance financial market resilience, security, and trust.

The Global Energy Transition

The panel “Vulnerabilities and Opportunities in the Electric Vehicles Supply Chain”, featuring distinguished guests Sarah Bauerle Danzman, Associate Professor of International Studies, Indiana University; Anahita Thoms, Partner, Baker McKenzie; Chris Smith, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Ford Motor Company, offered valuable insights into the ongoing energy transition debate. The panel highlighted the competitive challenges posed by China’s production overcapacity and also underscored the importance of coordinated energy policy between the U.S. and Europe to address climate challenges and ensure stable supply chains.

Traditional narratives of U.S.-EU diplomacy often emphasize economic partnerships and mutual defense alliances. Climate change will exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and lend to the instability of all these systems. Therefore, a coordinated energy policy will become central to enhance bilateral relations while also addressing global climate challenges. Moving toward this coordinated policy is immensely difficult, especially considering how supply chains for popular technical solutions are wrapped around the globe.

One of the key topics discussed at the Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics was the global electric vehicle (EV) market. Ambassador of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of China Nicholas Burns highlighted that China’s EV production currently exceeds domestic demand by 2-3 times, resulting in significant overcapacity. Since 2017, China’s EV exports have grown dramatically, increasing by 13,300% to $42 billion in 2023, with the country now accounting for nearly 70% of global EV production. These vehicles are sold at competitive prices in global markets, prompting several countries to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs to protect their domestic automotive industries.

In response to concerns over potential dumping, China is contesting the European Union’s tariffs at the World Trade Organization and has initiated anti-dumping investigations on Canada’s canola oil. Some observers have drawn parallels between China’s government subsidies and similar measures in the U.S., such as the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. This situation has highlighted potential policy differences on both sides, fueling rising political tensions with broader geopolitical implications.

“Listening to the ambassador on US-China relations was reassuring about America’s future, but it also shows that China will continue to be the West’s largest strategic competitor.” Ambassador Cameron Munter, CEO & President, EastWest Institute

To conclude the Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics on a festive note, Atlantik-Brücke, in collaboration with the Siemens Arts Program, hosted a special concert at New York’s renowned Carnegie Hall to celebrate German-American friendship. The evening featured performances by American and German artists, including the Orchestra of St. Luke’s (OSL) from New York, clarinetist Anthony McGill, cellist Daniel Müller-Schott, and rising cellist Charlotte Melkonian, all under the baton of conductor Prof. Dr. Stephan Frucht. The program included works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, David Popper, and Friedrich Gulda.

After the Forum: A New Bridge Day

On the New Bridge exclusive day of programming, the lunch discussion with the founder and creator of New York’s first German Döner Kebab restaurant, Erkan Emre, provided a compelling narrative of his journey as a German immigrant finding entrepreneurial success in the United States.

The founder’s story fueled a meaningful discussion on the perception of the U.S. as a land of opportunity for immigrants. The conversation drew on personal experiences, data, and comparisons between U.S. and German economic systems, highlighting both opportunities and challenges for immigrants. While the opportunities described by Emre resonated with the group, alumni also expressed concerns about the challenges immigrants encounter, particularly regarding their initial status upon arriving in a new country. The conversation also explored broader issues, including the experiences of first and second-generation immigrants, fostering a rich dialogue on transatlantic economic and social dynamics.

The programming also included a historical walking tour of New York’s Chinatown, an insightful meeting with Lucas Theo Rehaag at the German American Chamber of Commerce in New York, and a discussion on cultural diplomacy with the Executive Director of the Goethe Institute New York, Dr. Jörg Schuhmacher.

All in all, the insights gathered from the discussions, panels, and conversations in New York will serve as a foundation for shaping future policies and strategies that influence international cooperation and development. The New Bridge Program alumni departed with a strengthened commitment to foster a resilient and dynamic transatlantic partnership. Equipped with fresh perspectives and a shared vision, they are poised to advocate for collaboration, innovation, and stability in the face of emerging challenges.

“That’s why international convenings like the Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics are so important. These shared spaces allow for us to meet new partners in high places, share innovative novel solutions, strengthen ties that keep the peace within our societies, and advance peaceful statecraft and cultural diplomacy in the years to come.” Alexandra McGee, New Bridge Alumna

This alumni engagement opportunity was funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (AA).

Der Beitrag A New Bridge Perspective on the Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

With generous support fom the German Federal Foreign Office, Atlantik-Brücke was able to fund the participation of eight New Bridge alumni – six from the United States and two from Germany – in this year’s German-American Conference in Washington, D.C., on April 15 and 16. Organized by Atlantik-Brücke and the American Council on Germany, the conference focused on “The New Realities for Democracy and Transatlantic Relations in an Election Year Unlike Any Other.” This report reflects the unique experience of our New Bridge alumni.

In the historic corridors of the 2024 German-American Conference, a gathering defined by its focus on democracy’s present challenges and future sustainability, the conference entailed a series of pivotal discussions that spanned the breadth of the transatlantic geopolitical spectrum. Addressing the seismic shifts in political landscapes both in the United States and Europe, the conference sought to unravel the intricate tapestry of political, economic, and security challenges that define the contemporary global order. With a clear-eyed view towards the upcoming pivotal elections and their far-reaching implications, the sessions were designed to foster a deeper understanding and strategize responses that would strengthen the transatlantic alliance in times of profound change and uncertainty.

Global Elections and Where the Transatlantic World Fits in

The 2024 German-American Conference opened with a resounding call to action, setting the stage for discussions on the pressing challenges facing democracy in the transatlantic world. Participants focused on the significance of the “biggest election year in history,” recognizing the urgency of safeguarding democratic values amidst global political turmoil.

A Fireside Chat featuring Senator Christopher Murphy and Sigmar Gabriel, Chairman of Atlantik-Brücke, kicked off the conference. Their dialogue delved into the fundamental principles underpinning the transatlantic partnership and the vital role played by both nations in promoting democracy globally.

“Trust in democratic institutions is so essential and fundamental. I’m confident that the commitment to freedom and democracy is still deeply entrenched in our societies on both sides of the Atlantic; much more entrenched than the divisions that we have to come to believe are insurmountable. Polls in both the U.S. and Europe should clearly, with the overwhelming majorities, agree that the right to vote lies at the core of the country’s identity. It lies at the core of the transatlantic partnership.” Sigmar Gabriel, Chairman, Atlantik-Brücke

Subsequently, Matt Cunningham, Executive Vice President of Edelman Data & Intelligence, provided an insightful session on the state of trust within the transatlantic relationship, presenting survey results that depicted a concerning decline in trust among Germans about the partnership’s value. This session underscored the urgency of addressing key challenges and rebuilding confidence.

The role of the media in shaping global elections and perceptions of the transatlantic world was explored through a panel discussion with three media leaders: Allison Meakem, Associate Editor at Foreign Policy, Ines Pohl, Washington DC Bureau Chief at Deutsche Welle, and Dr. Majid Sattar, Washington Correspondent for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Their perspectives highlighted how the media landscape influences public discourse and political narratives, stressing the interconnectedness of information dissemination and democratic processes.

“What is the biggest motivator when voting during this American election cycle: hate, fear, or sanity?” Ines Pohl, Washington DC Bureau Chief at Deutsche Welle

As the day concluded, it became clear that the stakes are high in the upcoming elections across Europe and the United States, with complex drivers of political and social divisions demanding urgent attention. Participants left with a renewed commitment to confront these challenges by fostering dialogue and collaboration.

Elections in the U.S. and in Europe

The morning of Day Two at the 2024 German-American Conference provided a profound examination of the forthcoming elections in the U.S. and Europe, underscoring their significant international repercussions. The discussions were sparked by Ambassador John Emerson, who set the stage by articulating the changes in global dynamics post-Trump presidency, especially how these changes impact strategies around major conflicts such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This year’s election in the U.S., potentially seeing the return of Trump, could pivot the U.S. back towards isolationism, which might lessen pressure on adversaries like Russia and reshape U.S. commitments to international alliances.

The session titled “Political Polarization: What’s at Stake When the U.S. Votes?” delved deeper into the ramifications of the U.S. presidential election, with panelists – Julia Ioffe, Founding Partner and Washington Correspondent of Puck Media, Matt Gorman, Vice President of Targeted Victory, and Jamieson Greer, Partner at Kind & Spalding – arguing that, while American voters often focus on domestic issues such as the economy, immigration, and cultural values, their choices have far-reaching consequences on international relations. These include NATO’s future, the architecture of global trade, and the general stability of international diplomacy. Discussions highlighted the nuanced ways in which internal U.S. policies on tariffs and trade agreements, particularly with countries like France, are scrutinized abroad and can lead to shifts in global economic policies.

Subsequently, the focus shifted to Europe in “What to Watch When Europe Votes?” which explored the likely electoral gains of right-wing populism in European Parliament elections. Dr. Phyllis Berry, National Intelligence Officer for Europe at the National Intelligence Council, Christian Gaebel, Head of Agricultural and Support Policy at the Deutscher Bauernverband, Dr. Andrew Moravcsik, Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton, and Julian Mueller-Kaler, Chief of Staff and Director of the Strategic Foresight Hub at the Stimson Center highlighted the growing disillusionment with traditional centrist politics, exacerbated by migration, economic instability, and cultural conflicts. This session examined how a shift to the right might affect Europe’s approach to international policy, including its agricultural policies and stance on geopolitical conflicts such as the Ukraine crisis. The insights offered a comprehensive look at how voter sentiment, driven by internal social and economic factors, is set to reshape Europe’s influence on the world stage.

“I wonder whether the differentiation between left and right is still an adequate term of what we are trying to describe. The Economist after the election of Donald Trump coined a new term of “drawbridge up” or “drawbridge down,” of those in favor of globalization and those against it, those thar have seen the benefits of a more integrated economy on a global scale and those that have not.” Julian Mueller-Kaler, Chief of Staff and Director Strategic Foresight Hub, Stimson Center

 Transatlantic Stability and Security

The second half of Day Two shifted the conference’s focus towards broader economic and security challenges impacting the transatlantic relationship. The panel on global economic futures – comprising of Dr. Andreas Dombret, Global Senior Advisor at Oliver Wyman, Claudia Donzelmann, Global Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs of Allianz SE, Dr. Christof Ehrhart, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications and Governmental Affairs at Robert Bosch GmbH, Dr. John Lipsky, Senior Fellows at the Foreign Policy Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and Dr. Inu Manak, Fellows for Trade Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations – tackled the pressing issue of how recent pivotal events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, have reshaped the distribution of economic power and resources globally. The dialogue was framed around the concept that economic growth needs to be sustainable and equitable to prevent societal conflicts over shrinking resources. Panelists debated the effectiveness of current global economic structures like the G20, criticizing its lack of legitimacy and adequacy in addressing contemporary challenges. There was a consensus on the need for a new, more inclusive decision-making body that could better represent the interests of a multipolar world.

“With one third of global GDP, the transatlantic relationship is incredibly essential for the global economy and for economic stability for the entire world; what we decide to work on together and what we decide not to work on together also effects the entire world.” Dr. Inu Manak, Fellow for Trade Policy, Council on Foreign Relations

The discussion then turned to the security landscape, particularly the prolonged conflict in Gaza and its implications for regional stability and included experts Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Dr. Charles Kupchan, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, and Dr. Norbert Röttgen, Member of the German Bundestag. Some expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis and the cycle of retaliation between Israel and Hamas. The American perspective cautioned against repeating the mistakes of past U.S. foreign policy decisions post-9/11, advocating for a balanced approach that emphasizes humanitarian aid alongside robust security measures to ensure Israel’s security and address the root causes of terrorism.

The last session – with Deborah Düring, Member of the German Bundestag, Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director of the McCain Institute, and Ambassador Jovita Neliupšienė, EU Ambassador to the U.S. – focused on Eastern Europe’s warnings about Russian intentions, which had long been overlooked but have now proven prescient with the ongoing war in Ukraine. This discussion underscored the strategic necessity of supporting Ukraine not only militarily but also through a reaffirmation of Western values and commitment to democratic governance and regional security. Panelists highlighted the critical role of the West in shaping the outcome of this conflict and the broader implications for global security architectures.

A New Bridge Perspective on the Conference

As the conference drew to a close, the New Bridge perspective offered a refreshing and innovative approach to the issues discussed over the two days, highlighting the critical need for engagement across generations and sectors to address shared challenges and strengthen transatlantic relations. The sessions had collectively underscored the urgency and complexity of addressing the multifaceted challenges that lie at the heart of the transatlantic relationship. From the electoral nuances that could redefine international alignments to the economic and security strategies critical for stability, the discussions highlighted the need for a proactive and nuanced approach to diplomacy and international cooperation and highlighted the interconnected nature of these challenges and the importance of a multisectoral approach to addressing them. New Bridge alumni brought unique insights from their varied backgrounds, emphasizing solutions that engage non-traditional stakeholders and utilize digital platforms to reach younger demographics, who are increasingly disillusioned with traditional politics.

The insights garnered from these sessions are set to inform policies and strategies that will not only navigate but also shape the future of global interactions. As New Bridge alumni left the conference halls, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer vision of the roles they must play in a rapidly evolving world stage, reflecting a shared commitment to a robust and enduring transatlantic alliance.

Der Beitrag The German-American Conference in Washington, D.C.: An In-Depth Analysis from a New Bridge Perspective erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

This fall, Atlantik-Brücke’s New Bridge alumni had the chance to come together for the second annual New Bridge Alumni Reunion in sunny Los Angeles. Almost 60 alumni from seven American as well as one German cohort joined in discussions on “Global Challenges and Local Solutions” and left the weekend with a renewed commitment to transatlantic relations and the New Bridge Program itself.

The program was kicked off with a welcome reception at the rooftop of a local brewery that set the stage for old friends and fellows to reconnect and building new connections across cohorts. The group was joined by transatlantic experts who provided another layer of insight and expertise to the gathering: Professor Abraham Lowenthal, President Emeritus of the Pacific Council on International Policy and Founding Director of Inter-American Dialogue, journalists from ARD Los Angeles, including Katharina Wilhelm and Andreas Hain, Dr. Oliver Hartmann, Director of the Thomas Mann House, and John Harpole, Consultant at Spencer Stuart and Atlantik-Brücke Young Leader alumnus from 1999.

[related]The second day started with further introductions. An icebreaker led by New Bridge alumni led the group through a series of activities that encouraged connection across cohorts. The group reflected on similarities and other unique ties to create cohesion and greater camaraderie within this big group of different people. Afterwards, Ambassador Nina Hachigian, Special Representative for City & State Diplomacy for the U.S. Department of State joined the group for a keynote on “Global Challenges and Local Solutions”, moderated by an alumnus. The conversation offered a thorough introduction to subnational diplomacy. Ambassador  Hachigian also shared reflections from a decades-long career in national security, diplomacy, and public service while also highlighting narratives about creating roadmaps in new positions in diplomacy and building international relationships amidst a challenging political climate. Additionally, alumni had an opportunity to ask about career advice and about how to create global ties at the municipal level.

A lunch discussion with Andrea Sasse, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany to Los Angeles, instead focused on “Local Decisions, Global Impact”, highlighting the upcoming U.S. general election and its implications for Germany and the transatlantic relationship. In the very lively discussion afterwards, Consul Sasse shared how deeply she cared about the individual upholding democratic principles: “You don’t have to fight for democracy on a global stage. It’s more about standing up when you know something is wrong.” Having taken part in a fellowship herself, Consul General Sasse emphasized the lifelong impact, friendships, and resources a participation like this can have on one’s life and urged the New Bridge alumni to stay connected and engaged.

Devon Adams #NBP5

“It’s always good to bring people together who can share different perspectives and experiences. I appreciate how civil the fellows are in sharing differing opinions. We may not always agree and sometimes our views are challenged, but we always learn from each other.”

During the afternoon programming, the group was honored to have local activists, community leaders, and change makers join to lead different roundtables on the topics of gender equity and LGBTQIA+ rights, migration, and climate justice and environmental action. The conference room buzzed with enthusiasm as everyone had the opportunity to share various viewpoints and ideas. Alumni from the field took the lead in preparing and moderating these different sessions. In the session on gender equity and LGBTQIA+ rights, alumni discussed disparities that stem from data collection challenges and potential solutions with Tony Hoang, Executive Director at Equity California, Matthew Inouye, Manager of Policy and Community Engagement at The TransLatin@ Coalition, and Holly Millburn-Smith, Co-Executive Director at City Hub and Network for Gender Equity. On migration a discussion was facilitated with Zack Mohamed, Deportation Defense Organizer at the Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project and Anthony Ng, Program Officer at the Weingart Foundation, who spoke about the services and resources their organizations provide to immigrants in Los Angeles, a “sanctuary city.” During the conversation on climate and environment, Molly Kawahata, Founder of Systemic Impact Strategies & Former White House Climate Advisor, Justin Marquez, Senior Partnerships Manager at Elemental Excelerator, and Alvaro Sanchez, Vice President of Policy at The Greenlining Institute conveyed the importance of partnerships and messaging to institute systemic solutions to the climate crisis.

Brianna Dimas #NBP7

“It was nice to get outside of our main industries and see how we can work together to solve big global problems. I therefore really enjoyed the three sessions on migration, LGBTQIA+, and climate issues.”

These in-depth conversations emphasized the need for great leaders who inspire change and help set the stage for innovative solutions. Thus, the reunion also provided a platform for the group to exchange ideas about leadership, one’s own journey, lessons learned, and ideas for the future as part of the next part of the programming. Alumni shared their definitions of leadership, identified leaders they admire, offered tips on setting boundaries, and discussed leadership development opportunities. They recognized the strength of being a part of the New Bridge network and how their participation has an everlasting impact on their journey.

The last part of the program on this day brought the Alumni a little bit closer to the stars – as a visit to Los Angeles would not be complete without experiencing a bit of Hollywood! Accompanied by excellent tour guides, the group explored the Warner Brothers Studios. The tour included a stroll down streets lined with building facades featured in countless movies and TV shows; a behind-the-scenes look into the making of CW’s “All American” and impromptu photo shoots on the sets of Friends, Gilmore Girls, and The Big Bang Theory. An overall fun experience even for alumni who had never heard of Stars Hollow before.

A new Alumni Council being elected in December 2023

The last day of the conference was concluded with discussions on ways for alumni to stay involved with the program and have a further impact on the transatlantic dialogue. Various ideas were brought forward as taking part in upcoming events, connecting with our partners, supporting New Bridge programming, taking up speaking engagements as well as facilitating industry-based networking. Last year’s elected Alumni Council proudly presented an overview of activities and accomplishments of 2023, such as the launch of the Alumni Spotlight Initiative or the New Bridge Buddy Program.  With a new council being elected in December 2023, the group is excited to see new ideas implemented and to further engage with each other.

After three days of forging new connections and reviving old ones, debating a range of topics, and engaging in meaningful conversations, alumni had a hard time to part their ways. However, they left with a renewed sense of inspiration and excitement for a new year of New Bridge.

The NEW BRIDGE PROGRAM is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), and by the Federal Foreign Office (AA) and the Joachim Herz Foundation.

Der Beitrag Meet-Up in Los Angeles: New Bridge Alumni Reunion 2023 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Der Beitrag New Publication: Current Study on the State of Transatlantic Relations erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

After everyone arrived in Atlanta, the conference kicked off with a welcome party hosted by Dr. Henneke Lütgerath, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Joachim Herz Foundation. Our group was joined by Meredith Steinmetz-Rodriguez, Global Engagement Manager for the City of Atlanta at the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs. Their speeches served as reminders that the transatlantic partnership provides a strong foundation and that this bond will only continue to grow stronger through the inclusion of diverse voices. The local distillery serving delicious food and drinks was the perfect place to enjoy the evening in good company.

[related]The second day started off with a round of introductions. During a “speed dating” game, the New Bridge Fellows had the chance to get to know each other while sharing their passions and talking about their proudest accomplishments. Many of them bonded over the impact that the New Bridge Program still has on their lives and careers. Afterwards, Marshall Tucker, Professional Coach and Career Strategist, led the New Bridgers through a professional development workshop on career advancement. During group discussions, the Fellows shared their personal experiences, talked about struggles with “imposter syndrome” and exchanged ideas on the most effective ways to market one’s own brand.

Paige Alexander, CEO of the Carter Center, introduced the fellows to the different projects and initiatives led by the Carter Center. Moderated by Michael Werz, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, the group debated the responsibility and potential that institutions like the Carter Center have in addressing global conflicts and enhancing freedom and democracy worldwide.

Afterwards, the group hopped on a shuttle to the Mercedes-Benz-Stadium (home stadium of the Atlanta Falcons), where they enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour. During a scavenger hunt, the Fellows not only channeled their competitive energies, but also learned that the stadium is on target to become the most sustainable sports venue in the world.

The last evening of the conference was celebrated with a transatlantic Alumni reception, hosted by Dr. Eike Jordan, Chairman of the Halle Foundation at The Halle Estate. The group was accompanied by Joseph Bankoff, Chair of The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech, Matthias Hoffmann, the President & CEO at the German-American Chamber of Commerce South, State Representative Angelika Kausche and many more. The guests of honor and the Alumni exchanged ideas on the future of transatlantic relations and international collaboration.

On the final conference day, each cohort presented different Alumni engagement strategies designed to successfully implement an active Alumni network. The meeting underscored the Alumni’s motivation and dedication to continue their involvement with the Atlantik-Brücke network.

The New Bridge Alumni Conference marked the one-year anniversary of the New Bridge Program and five groups of Fellows who successfully completed the program from Washington to Berlin and Brussels. It gave us a chance to bring the Alumni together and strategize on optimizing the program’s impact in the future.

Der Beitrag New Bridge Alumni Convene in Atlanta erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..