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 , Director of Strategic Initiatives 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.

Der Beitrag Local government is where trust in democracy is earned or lost erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Der Beitrag New Bridge to the US: Class of 2026 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

I arrived at the New Bridge Program carrying a familiar American question:  Is Germany prepared to assume greater responsibility for Europe’s defense?

As a U.S. Army veteran and former military and veteran liaison in the United States Senate, I have seen security policy from both the institutional and human sides. I understand why Americans expect capable allies to share the responsibility of deterrence. But after discussions in Washington, Brussels, Berlin, and Frankfurt (Oder), I returned with a more complicated and more urgent understanding of the challenge. The question is no longer simply whether Germany and Europe will spend more. It is whether those investments can be translated quickly enough into military capability, industrial readiness, technological innovation, and lasting public support.

Our conversations about Russia’s war against Ukraine and the future of transatlantic security made clear that Europe’s security environment has fundamentally changed. At NATO Headquarters, we examined how the Alliance’s strategic priorities are being put into practice and how Germany operates within a consensus-based institution of 32 sovereign democracies. In Berlin, our discussions explored how changes in U.S. foreign policy are influencing German and European calculations, as well as how industrial, energy, and innovation policy increasingly intersect with national security. These exchanges challenged me to look beyond defense spending as a percentage of gross domestic product. Spending commitments are indispensable, but budgets do not deter adversaries on their own. Deterrence requires forces that can deploy, equipment that can be sustained, supply chains that can withstand disruption, and an industrial base capable of producing at the speed and scale a crisis demands. That distinction has only become more relevant since our fellowship. NATO Allies have committed to investing 5 percent of GDP in defense and defense-related requirements by 2035. At the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Allies announced more than $50 billion in new procurements and committed to expanding collective manufacturing capacity and accelerating innovation. These are significant steps, but 2035 cannot become permission to postpone what Europe needs now. The threat is immediate. Ukraine cannot wait years for promised support, and NATO cannot afford procurement and production timelines built for a more predictable era.

Europe possesses extraordinary scientific expertise, advanced manufacturing, and a growing defense-technology sector.

The challenge is connecting those strengths to operational requirements at the speed of the threat.

Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of drones, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, resilient communications, and the rapid adaptation of civilian technology for military use. NATO must create more accessible pathways for start-ups and nontraditional suppliers, accelerate testing and procurement, and give established manufacturers the predictable, long-term demand required to expand production. Readiness five years from now will matter little if aggression succeeds in the meantime. This urgency also requires sustained financial and military support for Ukraine. That support is not charity; it is an investment in the principle that borders in Europe cannot be changed by force. If Russia is allowed to benefit from violating Ukraine’s sovereignty, the consequences will extend far beyond Ukraine. Other states will reasonably question whether international commitments can protect them, or whether only possessing their own nuclear weapons can guarantee their survival.

[related] That is a path Europe and the world must avoid. The answer is not a cascade of new national nuclear arsenals. It is credible collective defense: strong conventional capabilities, reliable alliance commitments, and unmistakable political resolve. NATO must demonstrate that no country will be permitted to redraw European borders through invasion while ensuring that deterrence prevents escalation rather than accelerates it. Our visit to Frankfurt (Oder), on Germany’s border with Poland, added another dimension to this lesson. In Washington and Brussels, security is often discussed through strategies, institutions, and spending targets. In Frankfurt (Oder), conversations about local government, journalism, business, and regional identity illustrated that alliances ultimately depend on the confidence of the communities they protect. Defense investments must therefore be accompanied by an honest public explanation of why they are necessary and how they contribute to security, economic resilience, and democratic stability.

Germany’s history understandably shapes how it approaches military power. The New Bridge Program helped me appreciate that historical restraint while recognizing that responsibility takes different forms in different eras. Today, responsibility requires Germany to help ensure that Europe can defend itself, support Ukraine, and deter further aggression. It also requires the United States to treat stronger European capacity as an investment in our shared security, not a retreat from American leadership.

The transatlantic debate has moved beyond whether Europe must do more. The task now is turning resources into readiness before the next crisis tests our promises. That will require political courage, faster institutions, sustained support for Ukraine, a revitalized defense industrial base, and an innovation ecosystem capable of moving at unprecedented speed. The future of the Alliance will be determined not by the commitments its members announce for the next decade, but by the capabilities and the resolve they build together now.

Der Beitrag Beyond Burden-Sharing: The Urgency of Transatlantic Readiness erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

By Anas El Yousfi

Spend some time in Germany and you will meet a country that is visibly and functionally multicultural. More than a quarter of Germany’s residents now have a migration background, and in 2024 the country naturalized nearly 292,000 new citizens, the most since it began keeping records. Then read the headlines from the same country: fast-track citizenship abolished, family reunification suspended for many migrants, border control turned into the government’s defining issue. I grew up multiculturally, with family from all over the world, so questions of migration and belonging have never been abstract to me. Maybe that is why, traveling through Washington, Brussels, and Berlin this spring with the Atlantik-Brücke New Bridge Program, I felt like I was watching two Germanys describe themselves at once. The society has already become something its politics has not yet agreed to be, and the space between them is where nearly every conversation we had seemed to end up.

A roundtable on migration and integration at DeZIM (German Centre for Integration and Migration Research) in Berlin gave that gap a history. We met with researchers who study integration and with a representative of the Turkish German community, whose story begins in 1961, when Turkish workers were recruited to help rebuild the postwar economy. Sixty-five years later there are fourth-generation Turkish Germans, yet for most of that time integration was treated as a test migrants had to pass rather than a process the whole society took part in. Germany did not officially describe itself as a country of immigration until this century, long after it had become one in practice.

“Which parts of the past a country chooses to remember says a great deal about who it considers its own.”

A walking tour of Berlin’s colonial history extended that theme further back in time. Germany’s memory culture is rightly admired. The Stolpersteine, small brass plaques set into the sidewalk in front of the homes of people deported and murdered by the Nazis, are impossible to walk past without pausing. But the tour also covered histories that receive far less attention, including Black Germans persecuted under Nazi rule and the colonial-era crimes Germany has only recently begun to confront. It formally acknowledged the genocide of the Herero and Nama peoples in Namibia only in 2021. Our tour ended at a subway station recently renamed for Anton Wilhelm Amo, an African-born philosopher who taught at German universities in the eighteenth century, after decades of public campaigning against the colonial-era name it replaced. Which parts of the past a country chooses to remember says a great deal about who it considers its own.

That question followed me personally as well. When I introduced myself in Germany, people would sometimes ask where I was really from. The question was never hostile, and I understood the curiosity behind it. But Turkish Germans hear the same question in their own country, in their own language, three generations in. Living in a country and being counted as fully part of it are not the same thing, and that small question marks the distance between them.

That distance is now the central fight in German politics. We took a regional train east to Frankfurt an der Oder, a small city on the Polish border, where we met local officials and journalists who described how their region is changing. Eastern Germany is where the far right performs best, often in places where relatively few migrants actually live, which suggests the anxiety has less to do with actual neighbors than with a story about national identity under threat. A panel on democracy and participation raised the other side of the same issue: whether people with migration histories can move from being the subject of policy debates to taking part in them. The far right’s answer is a permanent no. Germany’s democratic future depends on a better one.

As an American, none of this felt entirely foreign, just a bit different. The United States calls itself a nation of immigrants and debates constantly over what that means, and Germany is telling itself a more hesitant version of the same story. What I took home was less a verdict than a sense of direction. Multicultural Germany is not a proposal that can still be voted down. It already exists, at record scale. The real question is how long its politics takes to catch up with its people. I’ll be watching for Germany’s answer, because in the United States, we’re still working on our own.

Anas El Yousfi is a technologist working at the intersection of data, technology, and society. Raised Moroccan-American in New York with family across Western Europe and beyond, he grew up immersed in the questions that define the transatlantic relationship, with a deep interest in geopolitics and how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping governance and public life on both sides of the Atlantic. He’s a 2026 fellow of the New Bridge Program.

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.

Der Beitrag “Multicultural Germany is not a proposal” erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Der Beitrag New Bridge to Germany: Class of 2026 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Der Beitrag Call for Applications: New Bridge to Germany erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

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.

Der Beitrag „The New Bridge Program literally changed my life“ erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

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.

Der Beitrag Reckoning With a Restless World: Populism, Power, and the U.S.–German Alliance erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

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.

Der Beitrag The AI skills gap is here — and bridging it is a social responsibility erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

The program began in Berlin, where we first got to know each other and received an initial thematic introduction through discussions with representatives from politics, academia, and public administration. Particularly memorable was the lecture by Prof. Sebastian Jobs from the John F. Kennedy Institute at Freie Universität Berlin, who vividly traced historical trajectories of U.S. politics and society – from American exceptionalism to the role of migration in shaping the economy and national identity.

[related]In Washington, D.C., we met with stakeholders from politics, media, and civil society. Conversations at institutions such as Future Caucus, NBC News, and the State Department provided a multifaceted view of American perspectives on security, democracy, and social change.

The third part of our journey took us to Detroit, where the realities of structural transformation and social change became immediately tangible. Discussions with representatives from Ford, trade unions, local initiatives, and city government underscored how closely economic renewal and social cohesion are intertwined. Detroit thus became a powerful symbol of how societies can actively shape change.

Transatlantic cooperation in transition

The discussions in Washington, D.C. confirmed that the transatlantic partnership continues to be a high priority for the United States. Europe is seen as a key factor for stability, and Germany is expected to take on more responsibility in security policy – particularly in cyber security, defense innovation, and energy independence. This stance makes it clear that it is less about US withdrawal and more about a reorientation of the partnership on an equal footing.

This impression was also confirmed at the German Embassy in Washington, D.C., particularly with regard to the media’s perception of the supposed isolation of the US. It was noticeable on the ground that the United States continues to attach great importance to multilateral cooperation, especially on issues such as climate protection, technology policy, and global security. American foreign policy today pays greater attention to its own interests, but continues to see international cooperation as a key instrument for tackling global challenges.

“The US expects Germany to take on a stronger leadership role within Europe”

At the US State Department, Paul Stucky, German Desk Officer, elaborated on this perspective. The US expects Germany to take on a stronger leadership role within Europe, particularly in building joint security architectures, supporting Ukraine, and countering authoritarian influence from China and Russia. Germany is seen as a bridge builder whose diplomatic credibility and mediation skills are crucial. The discussions showed that transatlantic cooperation is being redefined. It is evolving from a unilateral security guarantee to shared responsibility based on common values and mutual reliability.

Detroit as a mirror of structural change

Detroit showed that economic change is always also a social process. In discussions with initiatives such as the Design Build Green Hub and activists such as Martina Guzmán Miranda, it became clear how closely issues such as urban development, social inequality, and trust are linked. Unlike Germany, where the state often organizes structural support, many U.S. cities rely on local initiatives, philanthropic engagement, and cooperation with companies.

“Electromobility is understood not only as a technological transformation, but also as a social one”

Visits to the Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center and United Auto Workers Local 600 made the profound industrial change tangible. Here, electromobility is understood not only as a technological transformation, but also as a social one. Trade unions, companies, and urban society are working together to find ways to combine innovation with social stability. This approach can also be inspiring for European regions undergoing structural change.

The conversation with Abdullah Hammoud, the first mayor of Arab descent in the US, was particularly impressive. In Dearborn, we experienced how diversity, integration, and community strength can intertwine. The city is a prime example of active representation, civic engagement, and economic resilience. These encounters showed that social progress can only succeed if political participation and economic development are considered together.

Conclusion: New answers to old questions

Our trip made it clear that the transatlantic partnership is facing a period of renewal. In Washington, it was evident that the US expects initiative from Europe, not distance. In Detroit, it became apparent that change can only succeed when community, innovation, and inclusion work together. The supposed contradictions between economic transformation and social justice or between national interest and international responsibility cannot be completely resolved, but they can be constructively renegotiated.

The insights gained on site were not always clear-cut, but they always opened our eyes to a relationship characterized by pragmatism, mutual respect, and a shared desire to shape the future. This is precisely the bridge that the New Bridge Program is building and that we would like to continue to strengthen in the future.

We would like to thank Atlantik-Brücke, in particular Laura Vogel and Muhammed Ali Sen, for the excellent organization of the program, the Joachim Herz Foundation for its support, and all those who welcomed and accompanied us so warmly in Berlin, Washington, D.C., and Detroit. We look forward to now being part of this valuable network and actively shaping the transatlantic dialogue.

Fellows Johannes Aclassato, Fatima Hussain, and Oleksii Kysliak also shared insights they gained from the program. Watch the interviews here:

New Bridge to the US is supported by the Joachim Herz Foundation.

Der Beitrag „A Reorientation of the Partnership on an Equal Footing“ erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Der Beitrag New Bridge to the US: Class of 2025 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Chantal Klein joined Atlantik-Brücke’s New Bridge Program as Assistant Program Manager in August 2025. She studied politics and law at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) and is currently completing a master’s degree in political science, governance, and participation at the FernUniversität in Hagen while working part-time. Previously, she worked at a labor law firm and in civil society organizations. She is particularly interested in equal opportunities, participation, and feminist foreign policy.

Contact:
Phone: +49 (0) 174 2688 102
E-Mail: c.klein(at)atlantik-bruecke.org

Der Beitrag A new colleague in the New Bridge Program erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

 

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.

Der Beitrag AI as a Democratizing Force? erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

By Alyssa Lukpat, Khadidah Stone and Kevin McPherson

In a time of rising geopolitical tension, the 2025 New Bridge Program gave ten emerging American leaders the chance to explore transatlantic partnerships. Over 10 days in May, the fellows visited Washington, D.C., Brussels, Berlin, and Hamburg to meet with European policy makers, civic leaders, students, and business experts. They gained a deeper understanding of how shared democratic values are tested and sustained across borders.

This year’s cohort was diverse in discipline and in identity. Representing spheres including politics, healthcare, technology, media, and sustainability, the fellows were united by a desire to build transatlantic bridges.

The Evolving Transatlantic Relationship

Multiple speakers expressed concerns over the shifting relationship between Europe and the U.S. under President Trump. They discussed how the president’s attempts to isolate the U.S. are pushing Europe to invest more in NATO, climate work and its other trading partners. This was clearest at NATO headquarters in Brussels, where the cohort met with Nina Šoljan, head of NATO affairs and security policy. She underscored how NATO’s strength lies not just in military readiness but in its ability to adapt to political uncertainty.

“It was powerful to witness the deep dedication to maintaining a peaceful and stable Europe firsthand.”

[related]“With so many military and political shifts happening in the region, it was powerful to witness firsthand the deep dedication from the staff and its members to maintaining a peaceful and stable Europe,” said fellow Eddie Taveras, a political strategist.

The group further discussed transatlantic unity at the European Parliament, where Member Michael Bloss challenged the fellows to consider what long-term collaboration between democracies requires – especially on climate, digital regulation, and migration. At the Bundestag in Berlin, Parliamentarian Metin Hakverdi emphasized the enduring importance of coalition-building and civic engagement in countering political polarization.

For many fellows, these meetings offered a striking contrast to the American legislative environment. “One of the biggest takeaways for me is the role that compromise plays in Germany’s political system,” said Mae Abdelrahman, chief of staff at a workforce development nonprofit. “Seeing how a government could be structured around collaboration and consensus gave me a new appreciation for what’s possible—even if it’s not always easy”.

Germany’s Dark Past Informs Its Future

Another cornerstone of the program was Germany’s relationship with its history. From an academic briefing at Georgetown University to poignant visits to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the German Historical Institute, and Berlin’s public memorials, the fellows saw firsthand how Germany makes an effort to remember its darker days. The country designed its democratic system to prevent authoritarianism and safeguard minority rights.

“There’s a collective intentionality to German democracy – rooted in memory, but focused on accountability.”

“It was meaningful to see all the ways Germany’s systems and customs are a response to the past,” Mae reflected. “There’s a collective intentionality to their democracy that feels different – rooted in memory, but focused on accountability.”

Jason Posley, a public-health advocate from St. Louis, said he would take these lessons back to the marginalized communities he works with. “Germany shows a lot of respect for its history, even the hard parts,” he said. “Knowing the history behind the issues we’re trying to solve helps us get to the root of the problem, not just the surface.”

Many fellows discussed their belief that Germany has overcorrected itself since the war. For example, the group had long discussions about the benefits and downsides of Germany not collecting race data from citizens, a practice that was exploited in the Holocaust.

Walking through the Berlin Wall Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag dome, the cohort witnessed how architecture and public space can become tools of civic education. These were reminders that democracy requires visibility, participation, and constant reflection.

Innovation Rooted in People

The fellows engaged deeply with German models of innovation in education, health, and climate. In Hamburg, the fellows attended a workshop to meet young professionals who entered vocational training and forgoed additional schooling. The mentoring and scholarship network Schotstek and the Joachim Herz Stiftung hosted a workshop to highlight how Germany’s dual-education system blends academic instruction with on-the-job experience. “The students shared how their training prepared them for multiple futures – not just one career path,” Mae said. “It made me think about how we can design more flexible, empowering models of education in the U.S.”

“In the U.S., we often celebrate speed of innovation, sometimes at the cost of patient trust or transparency.”

Technology and healthcare were central themes as well. At a roundtable at Microsoft Berlin and a three-hour dinner conversation with Shireen Saxena of AI healthcare company Ada Health, they shared conversations about artificial intelligence and Germany’s strict data-privacy laws. “We discussed how Germany’s strong data protection policies influence what’s possible with AI in healthcare,” noted fellow Kevin McPherson, a machine learning engineer. “In the U.S., we often celebrate speed of innovation, sometimes at the cost of patient trust or transparency. It was eye-opening to see the trade-offs more clearly.”

At Adelphi, a sustainability think tank, the group explored Germany’s clean energy transition and the role that transatlantic cooperation plays in driving innovation. They learned about how climate leaders are translating high-level policy into tangible efforts, from port logistics to carbon targets, reinforcing the notion that global problems demand shared solutions.

Lasting Impressions and Common Purpose

What set the New Bridge Program apart wasn’t just access to institutions, but the collective learning. Through shared meals, long airplane rides, and cultural immersion, the fellows found in one another wellsprings of insight, humor, and solidarity. They pushed each other to think harder, speak up, and reflect deeper.

Fellow Eddie Taveras summed it up best: “What I’ll take back with me is a deeper understanding of how history, culture, and politics shape national identity–and how that identity influences a country’s place in the world. From witnessing the commitment at NATO to engaging in tough but necessary conversations about race, equity, and partnership, I leave with a sharper lens on how transatlantic relations can evolve”.

In the end, the 2025 New Bridge cohort left Europe with more than just stamps in their passports. They gained a richer view of what democracy looks like in practice and developed a renewed sense of purpose about building transatlantic bridges that can withstand the storms ahead.

For more insights into the trip, watch these interviews with our fellows:

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.

Der Beitrag “I leave with a sharper lens on how transatlantic relations can evolve” erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Muhammed Ali Sen joined Atlantik-Brücke’s New Bridge Program as Senior Program Manager in June 2025. Born in Berlin, he holds a double master’s degree in International Relations from Columbia University in New York and the Hertie School in Berlin. Muhammed Ali has gained initial work experience at the United Nations, NATO, the European Commission, the German Foreign Office, the German Bundestag and an American company. He sees himself as a bridge builder and is committed to the consideration of diverse perspectives and the creation of inclusive decision-making processes.

Contact:
Phone: +49 (0) 162 3813 874
E-Mail: m.sen(at)atlantik-bruecke.org

Der Beitrag Strengthening the New Bridge Program erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

On the sidelines of the event, we interviewed Armand Zorn about the regulation of AI, European Social Media platforms and the fight against misinformation.

Der Beitrag AI: Consider not only the risks, but also the benefits erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

We are honored to introduce: 

Mae Abdelrahman is the Chief of Staff at The Collective Blueprint, a workforce development nonprofit with a mission to increase socioeconomic mobility by building pathways to thriving careers. In her role, she leads strategic operations to support organizational growth and systemic change. Mae began her career in education as a Teach For America corps member, earning a master’s degree in teaching while teaching in K-12 classrooms. Later, she worked in higher education as a Harvard Business School Leadership Fellow at The Juilliard School, focusing on strategy in the Offices of the President and COO. Mae also has experience in finance, having worked as an underwriter and private equity investor, where she developed her firm’s education investment thesis. Mae holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, graduating as a Baker Scholar in the top 5% of her class, and a BA in Economics modified with Arabic from Dartmouth College. As a Sudanese American, she brings a unique perspective on global education and economic systems to the New Bridge Program.

Marianne Boules is the Founder and CEO of Boules Consulting, where she empowers mission-driven organizations through strategic planning, public policy expertise, and social impact innovation. With both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Policy—graduating top of her class and earning a full graduate scholarship—Marianne has built a career helping governments, corporations, and nonprofits design impactful, sustainable solutions. Her firm has secured over $85 million in funding for clients working in economic development, climate resilience, and workforce innovation. Known for her ability to bridge the gap between public policy and private action, Marianne is deeply committed to “helping the helper.” Her work centers on creating meaningful change by aligning strategy with purpose, and she is a sought-after speaker, advocate, and collaborator in the fight for a resilient future.

Alyssa Lukpat is a breaking news reporter at The Wall Street Journal in New York. She covers the biggest stories of the day and enjoys writing about politics, elections and law. She has covered campus protests, the 2024 election and changes under the Trump administration. Originally from California, Alyssa studied journalism at Northeastern University and received a student Emmy award for her reporting in Panama. She earned a master’s degree in data journalism at Columbia Journalism School. Her first job was at The New York Times, where she spent a year reporting breaking news. She previously had stints covering metro news at The Boston Globe and The News & Observer. In her free time, she enjoys doing community theater, watching reality TV and going to spin and Pilates classes.

Kevin McPherson is a senior machine learning engineer and technology founder focused on building AI systems that promote transparency, security, and social good. He currently leads the development of AI-driven compliance tools at Schellman and co-founded Philanthrobotics, an initiative recognized in the Chronicle of Philanthropy for its role in democratizing open grants data. Kevin previously spearheaded machine learning efforts at Trustpage (acquired by Vanta), launching LLM-based products with multimillion-dollar ARR impact. He brings experience across mental health tech, public-sector research, and startup environments, with a track record that spans the NIH to Silicon Valley. A former NIH UGSP and Venture for America Fellow, Kevin is passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly at the intersection of technology, storytelling, and justice.

Sarah Nesbit is a dynamic social impact leader dedicated to advancing equity, sustainability, and community empowerment. She currently serves as a thought leader on the External Affairs team at Capital One, where she evaluates initiatives with a lens toward social responsibility. Sarah is a 2023 GreenBiz 30 Under 30 honoree, a 2024 U.S. Black Chambers Power 50 Under 40 honoree, and Co-Founder of BlackOak Collective, a growing network providing free professional development resources to a community of 500+ Black environmental professionals. Her experience spans policy analysis for elected officials in congressional leadership, political organizing, climate storytelling, and corporate philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase. She holds a BA in Political Science from the College of Charleston and a dual MM/MSc in Business Management and Global Luxury Management from NC State and the Skema Business School of Paris. Outside of work, Sarah has a strong interest in sustainable fashion and is an active eco-creative advocate for responsible innovation within the personal luxury industry. A native of Columbia, SC and rooted in her family’s Gullah-Geechee heritage, She is passionate about creating systems that center people, planet, and purpose across industries.

Jason Posley is a passionate advocate for health equity, dedicated to addressing systemic disparities and improving outcomes for underserved communities. With a Master of Health Administration (MHA) from Webster University and a Health Science degree from Maryville University, he has four years of experience working with rural and disparate populations. Jason currently serves as Project Manager of Infant/Maternal Health Initiatives for BJC Healthcare’s Community Health Improvement Team, where he focuses on integrating doulas into clinical care, developing community partnerships, and shaping hospital policies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. He also holds a Certificate in Neighborhood Leadership from MU Extension and serves as a Board Member for Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis and Gateway Equity Institute, working to advance community development and health equity on a broader scale.

Khadidah Stone is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. Her journey began at age 14 when she championed her father’s cause, unjustly sentenced to sixty years for selling marijuana. Through relentless advocacy, she secured his release in 2016, igniting a lifelong commitment to justice. Her extensive background spans nonprofit, advocacy, and political spheres, with impactful roles at the Alabama House of Representatives, Feminist Majority Foundation, Black Future’s Lab and more. Currently she is the Director of Network Capacity for a civic engagement coalition, Alabama Forward. Outside her advocacy, Khadidah enjoys reading, gardening, hosting her podcast, and cherishing moments with family and friends, embodying James Baldwin’s wisdom: “Ignorance allied with power is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.

Nabeela Syed represents Illinois’ 51st District in the State House, becoming the youngest woman elected and the first Muslim and South Asian woman in the legislature. She has championed key issues, including property tax relief, gun safety, and healthcare affordability. Nabeela passed a law to prevent price gouging of off-patent and generic drugs, ensured paid time off for organ donors, reduced barriers for mental health professionals to obtain licenses, and increased transparency from utility companies. She serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Health Care Availability & Access Committee and is serving her second term in the Illinois State House.

Eddie Taveras is a political strategist specializing in coalition-building, public engagement, strategic communications, and legislative advocacy. He employs data-driven methods, microtargeting, and geotargeting to influence decision-makers and drive policy impact. His work has secured national media placements in Bloomberg, Axios, The Wall Street Journal, Univision, POLITICO, and more. Eddie has managed multimillion-dollar voter mobilization and advocacy campaigns, helping pass four state laws and allocate $1.6 million in grants. He played a key role in NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 Transition immigration committee and serves as the executive officer and board member of the New York Immigration Coalition. With expertise in cross-sector collaboration, he has led bilingual media efforts across digital, print, and radio.

William Wilkinson is the Senior Tribal Policy & Government Relations Advisor at CK Tribal Consulting, where he advances sovereignty, equity, and strategic growth through expertise in government innovation, economic development, and intergovernmental affairs. He previously served as a political appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration at the U.S. Department of Energy, where he helped accelerate the clean energy transition, strengthen climate resilience, and drive innovation through cross-sector collaboration and policy leadership. Will’s work sits at the intersection of law, policy, and technology, with a focus on inclusive governance, regulatory reform, and systems-level change. He has been featured at Google’s Product Inclusion and Equity Summit, named a 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival Fellow, participated in the Tribal Leadership Executive Program at Harvard Business School, and is an alum of the Udall Foundation. Will holds an MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a BS in Business Administration from Haskell Indian Nations University

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.

Der Beitrag New Bridge to Germany: Class of 2025 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

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..

In September 2024, the New Bridge Program (NBP) convened ten changemakers from across the U.S. to add voices from marginalized groups to transatlantic discussions surrounding economics, migration, misinformation in the news, and security. The cohort engaged with top officials, scholars, journalists, activists, students and others actively shaping German and European politics and culture. Together, these individuals painted a comprehensive picture of how, from halls of power to city streets, Germany’s past and present inform its and the United States’ future.

The trip unfolded against a backdrop of rising nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment, highlighted by the far-right Alternative for Germany’s (AfD) ascendance in several state elections. The country simultaneously implemented stricter border controls, challenging the Schengen Agreement’s principle of open borders. Meanwhile, the looming U.S. presidential elections became a focus, with implications for trade, alliances, and energy resources.

German relations’ stateside dimensions

The ten-day journey began in Washington, D.C., with a comprehensive overview of German history and its intricate ties to the U.S. The day after an introductory happy hour with NBP alums, Georgetown Universty Professor Dr. Jeffrey Anderson identified for cohort members three critical periods (WWI, WWII, and the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall) when Germany confronted its identity, unity, and role on the global stage. A lunch discussion with Axel Dittman, Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy, illustrated Germany’s commitment to modernity. Dittman emphasized the importance of strong relationships with the U.S. and communities with fewer German touchpoints, such as the heartland and South.

At public broadcaster ARD’s D.C. studio, fellows explored the implications of local German elections on transatlantic relations. Rising nationalism in both nations is primary concern among journalists, who examined parallels in state-level dynamics. A poignant visit to the Holocaust Museum and meeting with the German Historical Institute experts facilitated difficult reflections on historical injustices. Notably, NBP fellow Ashley Hodges, a DEI leader for the Atlanta Mayor’s Office, ushered the group during a mindful debriefing as the cohort highlighted the treatment of Germany’s Jewish population and indigenous, Black, and Brown communities in the U.S.

The transatlantic relationship on the international stage

Once in Brussels, the group spoke to NATO and U.S. State Department staffers about the alliance’s role in global security. American officials honed in on the message of unity through strength, citing NATO and its 32 constituent nations’ around-the-clock efforts to maintain peace and collective defense preparations. A trip highlight for all was a private tour of NATO’s expansive campus led by Nick Nguyen, Head of the Public Disclosure Unit for NATO Archives. While the U.S. and Germany have the two largest missions to NATO, even the smallest delegation is needed for action to be taken, leading to robust debate that enables members’ lock-step decision-making.

The cohort then explored the transatlantic alliance’s political dimensions with Free Russia Foundation’s Brussels Director Roland Freudenstein, who briefed fellows on the European Union’s (EU) history and governance structures. These lessons, from an organization caught in the Ukraine-Russia conflict’s destabilizing aftershocks, prepared fellows for their subsequent visit to the European Parliament (EP). There, the cohort saw NBP fellow Chase Phillips, Executive Advsior to the Mayor of Denver, Colorado discuss the far-right, BRICS alliance and artificial intelligence in misinformation with Sergey Lagodinsky, a German EP representative with The Greens political party.

Germany’s history, economy, politics and education, front-and-center

Upon arriving in Germany, fellows took a walking tour of Berlin, with notable landmarks like the Berlin Wall, Holocaust Memorial and approximate area above Adolf Hitler’s bunker offering deeper understanding of the nation’s history. Fellows then went to Atlantik-Brücke headquarters, where sea rescuer and graphic novelist Adrian Pourvisehled an interactive session on the European migration crisis. It sparked a powerful conversation on the complexities of migration in the Mediterranean, as well as the comparison between Europe’s migration landscape and the United States’.

A briefing on Germany’s political system by Dr. Matthias Roßbach, the Head of the Representation of the State of North Rhien-Westphalia to the Federal Government, laid the foundation with an engaging conversation on the differences between German and U.S. government structures, the perceptions and limitations of local and federal laws, and the election systems of both countries. Fellows got to exchange thoughts and opinions surrounding voting structure in the both countries, as well as the misinformation landscape and varying trust in both elections system.

A trip to multinational technology giant Siemens yielded a solid understanding of Germany’s dual education system, via a presentation where fellows learned about the different educational paths German youth can take, as well the hands-on dimensions of vocational tracks. A tour of the Reichstag with Innokenty Burshteyn and Rita Lieder, a pair of NBP alums and political advisors to the FDP Parliamentary group, brought the prior talk to life through visits to different party rooms and walking the Bundestag halls. Cohort member Alex Schyllander, Senior Manager of Global Advocacy at the Human Rights Campaign, further explored these structures and navigating the anti-gender movement in conversation with Nyke Slawik, a Bundestag representative for The Greens and the legislative body’s first trans woman lawmaker.

The chance to dine with Fridays for Future activists Helena Marschall and Zahra Pischnamazzadeh illuminated climate issues in Germany and how movement-building compared to the United States. While in Germany, the cohort also got to taste popular local and regional delicacies such as currywurst and döner — both of which, like Tex-Mex food or pizza in the U.S., show how immigrants and their descendants contribute to national identity.

From East German streets to the global stage

The program’s last two days put everything the cohort learned beforehand into sharp relief. First, cohort members visited Leipzig, the largest city in Saxony, where recent state elections gave AfD over 30% of vote.

The day’s programming started at the esteemed St. Thomas School. A mix of students and educators at one of the world’s oldest schools, including members of its acclaimed boys’ choir, gave the group a fuller picture of Germany’s multi-tiered educational system. This included a tour of the school’s facilities, a student’s presentation on the German educational structure and coffee chats with several teachers and pupils. In turn, NBP fellows Maggie Salas Crespo, a co-managing partner of NReal Media Strategies and former Deputy Secretary of State for Southern Nevada, and Chase Phillips taught students about U.S. electoral processes. Building off their expertise in local government in Nevada and Denver, Colorado, respectively, the pair engaged students in discussions about the recent elections and the coming U.S. one.

These topics also grounded visits to the Amadeu Antonio Stiftung and University of Leipzig, where experts like Debunk program leaders Marie Künne (an NBP alumna) and Benjamin Winkler  and Dr. Rebecca Patesdiscussed the AfD’s roots in post-unification issues and current misinformation campaigns.

Leipzig’s history and present grew sharper with NBP alum and doctoral student Mario Futh’s tour of historic sites (including where the Monday demonstrations helped bring the German Democratic Republic to an end), along with his and Stiftung Bürger für Bürger  staffer Walter Grunt’s explanation of how local activists and communities of color organize to resist the far-right’s embedded place in German politics.

Bringing it (to the president’s) home

The cohort’s final day in Berlin more fully illustrated the transatlantic exchange as it stands today. Members returned to Atlantik-Brücke for a final debrief led by cohort member and Venture Café Miami director Alejandra Silva. Later, Bronx native Dr. Nakeema Stefflbauer took cohort members through a conversation on her multifaceted approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Berlin’s tech sector, from training migrant women in technical skills to teaching DEI at local meetups. She also discussed Americans of color’s positionality in Germany, where Black Americans may be seen as American first and accorded privileges African migrants don’t get.

After a conversation with Atlantik-Brücke CEO Julia Friedlander, cohort members attended a panel and conversations around identity, transatlantic relations and DEI. Together, these conversations brought the nuanced and often difficult but also joyous aspects of community-making among marginalized peoples in Germany and the US into the spotlight.

The conversations carried all the way to the fellows’ capstone event in a center of cultural power: the Schloss Bellevue and adjoining Bundespräsidialamt, where fellows discussed the myriad of topics they learned about the prior week with Ministerial Director Dr. Oliver Schmolke of the Office of the Federal President. This conversation’s textures of critique and hope also pervaded German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s Bürgerfest’s speech.Touching on recent events like a suspected attempted attack on the Israeli consulate in Munich, Steinmeier made a passionate plea for what joyous gatherings can do for a population.

At this time, we need light-hearted, happy moments from which we can draw strength. … And we need inspiring encounters that encourage us to stand up for a more just and peaceful future.

“At this time, we need light-hearted, happy moments from which we can draw strength. And we need inspiring encounters that encourage us to stand up for a more just and peaceful future.” Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender said in a printed program note that evoked the themes of his speech. The cohort’s experiences leading up to this grand evening on the castle grounds, with guests of honor President William and First Lady Rachel Ruto of Kenya, frequently contrasted with the Bürgerfest’s dream-like atmosphere. And that’s symbolic of the New Bridge experience at large: a crash course in what two complex nations with inextricable histories can learn from one another.

As Germany and the US each wrestle with these inseparable pasts that enabled present political, civil, economic, and military crises, they both must look to their present realities — of real equity, critical reflection and the hope for a better future — to ensure pressing questions about transatlantic relations gets answered.

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.

Der Beitrag New Bridge to Germany: Collaborative solutions in need erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

We are honored to introduce: 

Janhvi Bhojwani is an Emmy-award winning reporter for NBC News based in Washington, D.C., focusing on the social newsgathering and verification space. She is from the U.S. territory of Guam and Jakarta, Indonesia. Janhvi completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Georgetown University, studying the intersection of culture and politics and how technology has changed how society communicates and receives information. In between college and graduate school, she conducted a field study in Indonesia through a Fulbright-Hays scholarship on social media and misinformation.

Darrin Quiroz Camilleri is currently in his first term serving in the Michigan State Senate following three successful terms in the State House of Representatives. He is also the Assistant Majority Leader, Chairman of the PreK-12 School Aid Budget, and serves on committees that encompass Elections, Energy, Transportation, Labor, and more. His district spans seventeen communities across Downriver and Western Wayne County, including Trenton, where he currently lives with his wife, Lama. As the son of an immigrant from Malta and a Latina, he became Michigan’s youngest Latino and first-ever Maltese-American state legislator. As the son and grandson of union auto workers, he has also been steadfast in his pursuit of opportunity for all communities in Michigan. As a first-generation college graduate and a former teacher, he is currently the youngest member of the Michigan State Senate.

Alan Y.C. Cheng is Venture Partner at Farron, Augustine & Alexander LLC, a private investment group focused on early-stage technology companies. Alan also serves as a U.S. Naval Reserve Officer in the U.S. Seventh Fleet. Before venture investing, Alan was Co-Founder and CEO at House Doctor, a telemedicine software company bringing medical doctors online for remote medical consultations over smartphones. Prior to technology entrepreneurship, he worked at Morgan Stanley in investment banking and at J.P. Morgan in private banking. Alan holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, and a JD from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Ashley Hodges is a dedicated, budding EDI practitioner who grounds their work in Black and Queer Studies. Throughout her career, Ashley has worked in academia, philanthropy, consulting, and now government. Currently, Ashley serves as a Project Manager in the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In this role, they are dedicated to fostering diverse and inclusive environments and advancing equity in Atlanta and beyond. Ashley works to build a world where everyone can thrive. She does so by prioritizing the voices of those most impacted, building relationships, and listening to those who inspire them. Inspired by Toni Morrison’s words, they are reminded to “make a difference about something other than yourselves.” Ashley received her degree in African American Studies from Princeton University.

Chase Phillips is from Denver, Colorado, and currently serves as the Executive Advisor to the Mayor of Denver. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in political science. With several years of team management experience, Chase has successfully managed a multimillion-dollar milling budget for a local asphalt company and overseen $30 million in annual accounts receivable as a credit manager. Chase is also in the process of opening a dive bar in downtown Denver, capitalizing on the area’s revitalization. His goal is to leverage the dive bar into a hospitality group, with future plans to provide affordable housing to his community. Additionally, Chase is planning to run for State House Representative in 2026, aiming to make a positive impact on climate sustainability, affordability, and safety.

Sameer Rao is a Baltimore-based journalist whose work primarily focuses on technology, entrepreneurship, arts, culture, and racial and social justice issues. He currently works as an editor for Technical.ly, where he principally oversees coverage of Baltimore and D.C. He was previously a legal industry and access to justice reporter for Law360 and spent several years as an arts and culture reporter for such outlets as The Baltimore Sun and Colorlines. Sameer is a member of the Asian American Journalists Association, for which he previously served on various regional and national boards. Outside of journalism, he is a musician who put out an EP in 2017 with his now-defunct, Philadelphia-based rock band Taxes.

Maggie Salas Crespo is Co-Managing Partner and Director of Policy, Advocacy and Strategic Engagement at NReal Media Strategies, a leading multicultural PR, Government Affairs, Communications, and Marketing firm in Nevada. Maggie has spent over a decade working in Nevada’s public and private sectors in leadership roles across outreach, policy, and communications. Most recently, she served as Deputy Secretary of State for Southern Nevada. Prior to that, she served as the Political Director for Governor Steve Sisolak, the Senior Advisor for the Nevada Governor’s Office for New Americans, and the Outreach Coordinator for the Office of the Governor. Maggie graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology, Women’s Studies and a minor in Ethnic Studies. She also received a postgraduate degree from El Colegio de la Frontera Norte in International Migration Studies.

Alex Schyllander (they/them) is the Senior Manager of Global Advocacy at the Human Rights Campaign where they are responsible for projects and initiatives and administrative matters related to HRC’s global partnership and international advocacy efforts. Prior to joining HRC, Alex worked as the Communications and Program Manager of the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN), where they worked to mentor, inspire, and train the next generation of diverse and talented women and LGBTQ+ public policy decision-makers. Alex has years of experience working and interning in social justice organizations. Alex holds a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from the George Washington University. Alex was born and raised in Michigan and lives in Washington, D.C., with their dog Honey.

Alejandra Silva, Director of Venture Café Miami, is a formidable leader with a career trajectory spanning hospitality, entrepreneurship, and innovation. A founder and seasoned professional, Alejandra brings incisive insights to Miami’s innovation ecosystem. Her expertise in hospitality management and digital marketing, coupled with her entrepreneurial acumen, enables her to dissect and address the complex challenges facing innovators and entrepreneurs. At the helm of Venture Café Miami, Alejandra functions as a catalyst for transformative change, strategically connecting stakeholders, disseminating critical knowledge, and galvanizing others into action. Her leadership, honed by diverse industry exposure, positions her as a dominant force in Miami’s entrepreneurial landscape and a master connector and accelerator of the Venture Café global network in other cities around the globe, cultivating an environment that breeds innovation and fosters the evolution of groundbreaking ideas.

Samantha E. Williams serves as a Local Government and Community Relations Executive at Ameren Missouri, advocating for community needs and guiding local governments in their energy transition. She earned a B.A. in Political Science from UMSL and an M.A. from Webster University. With a decade of strategic experience, she crafted legislative platforms for Illinois and Missouri State Senate leaders and supervised the federal rollout of the 2020 Census for a ranking Member of Congress. Recently, she represented Missouri’s community interests at a White House infrastructure roundtable under the Biden-Harris Administration. A dedicated community leader, she mentors students through the Regional Business Council, promotes diversity in politics via the National Women’s Political Caucus, and advocates for peacekeeping as Board Director of the United Nations Association-USA’s St. Louis chapter.

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.

Der Beitrag New Bridge to Germany: Class of 2024 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Verfasst von Rita Lieder, Azadê Peşmen, Yen Dieu Pham

Am sechsten Juni begann die Reise der zweiten deutschen Kohorte des New Bridge Programms. Gleich zu Beginn wurde eines schnell klar: Es ist eine Gruppe neun diverser Menschen, aus verschiedenen Berufsfeldern, mit unterschiedlichen Perspektiven.

Beim ersten offiziellen Programmpunkt konnten sich die Fellows mit einigen der Vertreter*innen der Organisationen austauschen, die das Programm unterstützen, wie das Auswärtige Amt, die Neuen Deutschen Medienmacher*innen, die Deutschlandstiftung Integration und Schotstek sowie mit Alumni aus der ersten Kohorte. Der erste inhaltliche Termin unserer Reise fand am nächsten Tag im Auswärtigen Amt statt, in einem Raum, der nach einer bedeutenden Diplomatin benannt wurde: Elinor von Puttkammer. Dort nahm sich Staatsminister Dr. Tobias Lindner Zeit, um zu erklären, wie wichtig die transatlantischen Beziehungen für die Sicherheit Europas und vor allem für die Sicherheit Deutschlands sind. Er gab uns den Rat mit auf den Weg, unser eigenes Bild der USA, das wir bereits haben, kritisch zu hinterfragen. Bei der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Außenpolitik (DGAP) hat uns Dr. Dominik Tolksdorf mit all dem Wissen ausgestattet, das wir für die Reise in die USA brauchen: das politische System der USA, der Unterschied zwischen federal und state politics und nicht zuletzt das Thema, in dessen Schatten die komplette Reise steht: die Präsidentschaftswahl im November.

Wir diskutierten über unterschiedliche Wählergruppen, die relevanten Wahlkampfthemen und welche Positionen die beiden Kandidaten vertreten. Es deutete sich an, was sich auf der Reise, aber auch in dem darauffolgenden Termin bestätigte: Die US-amerikanische Gesellschaft ist tief gespalten. Und diese Polarisierung ist dem System inhärent, wie uns Theresa “Tsesa” Monaghan, Beraterin von Michael Link, dem Koordinator für transatlantische Zusammenarbeit, und Ana Ramic, Vice President und Chief of Staff der American Academy in Berlin, erklärten. Sie kennen sowohl die deutsche als auch die US-amerikanische Gesellschaft sehr gut und haben uns nähergebracht, worin die kulturellen Unterschiede beider Länder liegen. Der Journalist Martin Klingst, der seit vielen Jahren aus und über die USA berichtet, war ebenfalls Teil der Gesprächsrunde. Er hat uns auf etwas aufmerksam gemacht, das wir mit den Stationen Washington D.C., Atlanta und Montgomery wenige Tage später selbst erleben würden: Es gibt nicht ein Amerika, sondern mehrere Amerikas.

Der Beitrag Continuing to Build Bridges erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

We are honored to introduce: 

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 from FOM Munich and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from DHBW Heidenheim, Enver combines deep technical expertise with a profound understanding of digital transformation’s societal impacts.

Loubna Doudouh is a passionate advocate for empowerment and inclusivity and currently serves as the Executive Director of Muslimisches Jugendwerk (“Muslim youth organization”). In this role, she oversees educational initiatives and intercultural and interreligious dialogues. Loubna started her leadership journey at Teach First Germany, where she delved deep into the structures of Germany’s educational landscape and witnessed the systemic injustices and structural discrimination of students first-hand. With a passion for videography, Loubna also amplifies the voices of marginalized individuals through film, shedding light on narratives that challenge societal norms. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations.

Mario Futh is currently pursuing his PhD in Political Science at Leipzig University, researching conservative and right-wing parties in East German election campaigns. His research focuses on the areas of gender, migration, and homeland and uses discourse and situational analysis. Mario’s life has been a journey of self-improvement, from working-class roots to earning a doctoral degree at the end of 2024. From 2008 until 2012, he worked as a nurse and then decided to realize his dream of studying. Mario earned his bachelor’s degree in social sciences and philosophy and his master’s in political science. After graduation, he worked as a researcher on a project on identity, German communities, and the logics of exclusion which informed his doctoral research interest.

Maycaa Hannon is shaping the sustainable energy landscape of the future. As a policy and regulations manager, she passionately advocates for regulatory frameworks that support the development of large-scale hydrogen supply chains. She obtained a master’s degree in economics and politics, during which she discovered her passion for foreign trade promotion. Maycaa turned her interest into action, working for both the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the private sector, promoting German companies and enabling their export to foreign markets. She has worked in multiple cities, including Berlin, Cairo, and Abu Dhabi. As Co-founder of the SWANS Initiative, she strongly believes in the power of a diverse society. SWANS is an award-winning NGO that has championed over 1,000 young women facing intersectional discrimination and promotes their adequate representation in the academic workforce.

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.

Rita Lieder serves as a policy advisor for internal and legal affairs for a parliamentary group in the German Bundestag. She also works as an attorney in court-appointed cases for migration and criminal law. Rita was born in Kherson, Ukraine, and grew up in Kyiv. She came to Germany when she was 15 years old to attend a boarding school in Bavaria. Rita quickly became fond of the German language and decided to stay. She studied law at Humboldt University in Berlin, specializing in criminal law, and passed her bar exam in 2023. Being interested in theater, she also founded a drama club during her time in university. While living and working in London last year, she acted in a Richard III production in a local theater.

Anoja Perinpanathan is a German-Tamil professional with five years of experience in international development cooperation. Currently, Anoja works at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education. Previously, Anoja worked for the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) in Lebanon and the National Commission of UNESCO for Uruguay. Anoja’s technical expertise lies in migration, employment promotion, and social cohesion in fragile contexts, complemented by experience in management and strategy consulting, organizational development, and change management. Anoja completed her studies at University College Maastricht (UCM) in Liberal Arts and Sciences in the Netherlands, during which she spent a semester abroad at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador.

Azadê Peşmen (they/them) is the co-founder of Qzeng Productions and an award-winning host and podcast producer. They were live on air in 2010 at the Argentinian community radio “Radio Gráfica” on the rap program Rimas Rebeldes and have not left the mic since. Azadê has been trained at the public radio broadcaster Deutschlandfunk, reporting on security politics and covering investigative stories from Brazil, Turkey, and Iraq. They host podcasts, with narratives like “Deso- der Rapper der zum IS ging” (Deso- the rapper who joined ISIS) and daily shows like “Was jetzt?” (What now?). They also facilitate workshops and moderate events for companies and cultural institutions. Furthermore, they love to pass on knowledge to upcoming podcasters, like they did for Spotify’s Sound Up cohort of 2022.

Dr. Yen Dieu Pham has been a sustainability manager in the real estate department at Union Investment since 2023. She graduated with a master’s degree in architecture in 2017 and then embarked on a multifaceted journey. She worked as an architect and UX designer while also completing a PhD in computer science. Her research focused on sustainable software design. Yen Dieu is the daughter of a single mother who came to Germany as a former Vietnamese guest worker. She now lives with her family in Hamburg.

New Bridge to the U.S. is supported by the Joachim Herz Foundation and the Halle Foundation.

Der Beitrag New Bridge to the U.S.: Class of 2024 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..

Als erste Kohorte des New Bridge Program to the US besuchten zehn Fellows Ende September 2023 Berlin, Washington, D.C., und El Paso, Texas. In mehr als zwanzig Programmpunkten und mit weit mehr als dreißig Speaker:innen, galt es, Eindrücke zu gewinnen von den USA, als Land voller Vielfalt, Widersprüchen sowie aktuellen politischen Herausforderungen und Chancen, historischen Kontinuitäten und Brüchen.

Für die Fellows begann das New Bridge Abenteuer mitten im lebendigen Berlin, bei einem abendlichen Empfang, um in entspannter Atmosphäre die Förder:innen und Unterstützer:innen des Programms sowie sich untereinander kennenzulernen. Unter anderem konnten wir uns mit Verteter:innen der Joachim Hertz Stiftung, von ArbeiterKind.de, Netzwerk Chancen und dem Außenministerium austauschen. Nicht zuletzt war dies auch die erste Gelegenheit, die Mitreisenden der nächsten neun Tage kennenzulernen. Glücklicherweise stellte sich schnell heraus, dass hinter den beeindruckenden Lebensläufen der Teilnehmenden spannende und freundliche Menschen steckten, die allesamt voller froher Erwartung und Aufregung auf die kommenden Tage blickten. Eins war uns allen nämlich längst klar: Die bevorstehende Reise wird intensiv, lehrreich und fordernd.

Learning from the Past – Wissen, wo man herkommt

Bei der Reise geht es um ein besseres – vielmehr vielfältiges – Verständnis der Geschichte der USA und welche Bedeutung der transatlantische Dialog für Deutschland hat. Prof. Dr. Christian Lammert vom John-F.-Kennedy-Institut der Freien Universität Berlin übernahm die Mammutaufgabe, an nur einem Vormittag die Wissensgrundlagen hierfür bei den Teilnehmenden zu legen und aufzufrischen. Themen wie struktureller Rassismus in den USA, dessen historische Kontinuitäten und den parlamentarischen Widrigkeiten im Umgang damit, spielten eine große Rolle in diesem ersten Blick auf die USA und deren nationales Selbstverständnis. Zur komplexen Geschichte der USA gehört jedoch auch die Historie der indigenen Bevölkerung sowie die Bürgerbewegung, die der erste Schritt zur Demokratisierung des Landes war. Vor allem auch der Verweis darauf, dass strukturelle Diskriminierung immer noch Lebensrealität vieler US-Bürger:innen sei, sollte uns auf die aktuellen gesellschaftlichen Herausforderungen des Landes vorbereiten. Tatsächlich sollten uns all diese Themen im sorgfältig vorbereiteten Programm in den nächsten Tagen mal deutlicher, mal subtiler begegnen.

[related] Der Beginn unserer Auseinandersetzung mit den Vereinigten Staaten vor Ort war ein stiller. Das erst 2016 eröffnete Museum of African American History & Culture bietet auf einem insgesamt fünf Hektar großen Areal einen eindrucksvollen Resonanzraum für Schwarze Geschichte, Schwarze Gegenwart und Zukunft. In kleinen Gruppen oder individuell versuchten wir, in zweieinhalb Stunden aufzusaugen, so viel wir konnten. Das erste gemeinsame Reflektieren in der Gruppe, das sogenannte Debrief, fand in der vom deutsch-amerikanischen Architekten Ludwig Mies van der Rohe entworfenen Martin Luther-King-Bibliothek statt. In der Auseinandersetzung mit der Geschichte des Rassismus in den USA wurde uns Fellows deutlich, dass die Frage danach, wie mit diesem historischen Erbe in der Gegenwart umgegangen wird, zentral für das Verständnis aktueller gesellschaftlicher Verhältnisse ist. Auch konnten wir an erinnerungspolitische Diskurse in Deutschland anknüpfen und feststellen, dass auf beiden Seiten des Atlantiks Kontinuitäten von Diskriminierung und Ausgrenzung fortwirken. Der Museumsbesuch machte deutlich: Wenn man sich auf eine tiefe Auseinandersetzung mit der gewaltvollen Geschichte der USA einlässt, dann muss auch auf die Lückenhaftigkeit von aktueller Erinnerungskultur kritisch hingewiesen werden. “Geschichte wird von denen erzählt, die an der Macht sind”, hatte Christian Lammert in seiner Einführungsveranstaltung schon festgehalten.

In einem Workshop an der prestige- und geschichtsträchtigen Howard University ging die Auseinandersetzung mit Vergangenheit und Gegenwart von Rassismus und struktureller Diskriminierung in den USA und in Deutschland noch weiter. Zusammen mit US- amerikanischen Alumni des Programms, sowie geleitet von einem der deutschen Fellows und Professor Justin Hansford von der Howard University, diskutierten wir, wie Anerkennung, Rechte und Reparationen für marginalisierte Personen in beiden Gesellschaften gehandhabt werden und welche Fragen sich aus dem Ist-Zustand für uns persönlich, aber auch für die Gesellschaften und den transatlantischen Dialog ergeben.

Narrating the Now – Gegenwart gestalten

In den politisch tief gespaltenen und gleichzeitig enorm diversen USA ist die Debatte rund um Minderheiten und ihre Eingliederung (oder Ausgliederung) in der Gesellschaft für uns allgegenwärtig. In Washington treffen wir Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, die El Paso vertritt. Sie ist selbst in der Grenzregion aufgewachsen und hat miterlebt, welche Herausforderungen, insbesondere die verschärfte Grenzpolitik der letzten Jahre, für das „Borderland” mit sich gebracht hat. Escobar setzt sich deshalb für die Reformation des Migrationsrechts ein und will Menschen auch über das Asylrecht hinaus rechtlich die Möglichkeit einräumen, über sichere Wege in die USA zu migrieren. Im Gespräch mit der Kongressabgeordneten wurde deutlich, dass nicht nur Migration, sondern auch regressive und autoritäre Politiken als Reaktion darauf, globale Phänomene sind, die uns sowohl in Europa als auch den USA beschäftigen.

County Judge von El Paso, Ricardo Samaniego, sowie Mauricio Ibarra Ponce de León, mexikanischer Generalkonsul in El Paso, wohnen in der texanischen Stadt. Sie setzen sich nach eigenen Angaben mit aller Macht für einen humanitären Umgang mit Migrant:innen ein. Auch lokale NGOs wie das Hope Border Institute oder das Abara House, deren beeindruckende Mitarbeiter:innen wir kennenlernen durften, setzen sich für die Einhaltung der Menschenrechte von Migrant:innen ein. Stolz berichteten uns diese vom starken Zusammenhalt der Community in El Paso und einer Stadt, die von Weltoffenheit und dem Besten vieler Kulturen lebt. Die Bewohner:innen von El Paso sind selbst zu einem großen Teil sogenannte Hispanics und hätten großes Verständnis für die vielfältigen Gründe von Migration. Gleichzeitig gehe El Paso der Platz aus, so die Vertreter der Stadt. Deshalb müssten sich Geflüchtete im Spätsommer bei knapp 40 Grad Celsius in Parks aufhalten, umringt von Polizist:innen. Wie es mit ihnen weitergeht? Unklar.

Diese Unklarheit nutzen das polarisierte Mediensystem aber auch reaktionäre politische Agitator:innen aus. Bei einem Besuch bei MSNBC zeigt sich, dass die Fernsehsender der USA ähnliche Schwierigkeiten haben wie ihre Pendants in Deutschland: Ein alterndes Publikum. Die US-amerikanische Antwort ist ein Nachrichtenprogramm, das auf deutsche Betrachtende in Teilen wirken könnte wie Vorabend-Shows. Eine gute Prise Unterhaltung, die richtigen Narrative und charismatische Anchors (Moderator:innen) ergänzen langjährige Erfahrung und das Beharren auf journalistische Standards. An diesen hält MSNBC so fest, dass sie in die steinernen Säulen des Newsrooms eingelassen sind. Wer einmal Talk Radio gehört hat, weiß auch warum. Wir hören mit eigenen Ohren, wie leicht es ist, mit Fake News in Berührung zu kommen. Von Geschichtsrevisionismus direkt übergegangen zum nächsten Werbespot. Was auf uns verstörend wirkt, scheint in diesem Radiosender ein legitimes Mittel, um Hass zu schüren. El Paso wurde 2019 trauriger Tatort eines rassistischen Shootings in einem Supermarkt. Die Schulen in Texas reagieren auf die steigende Gefahr durch Waffengewalt mit verpflichtend verschlossenen Türen. Nur ein Haupteingang ist geöffnet, Flure und Klassenzimmer können nach dem Gong nicht mehr ohne Schlüssel betreten werden. Das erklären uns Lehrkräfte der Bowie High School in einem der ärmsten Schulbezirke des Landes. 99% der Schüler:innen sind Hispanics. Ein großer Teil von ihnen lernt Englisch erst hier. Vom Schulhof ist der Grenzzaun nur wenige Meter entfernt und stets in Sichtweite. Die Herausforderungen für das öffentliche Bildungssystem in Texas erinnern uns an Probleme, die wir in anderer Dimension auch in Deutschland kennen.

What’s your Theory of Change? – Zukunft fördern

Die USA sind ein gespaltenes Land – so ein mittlerweile gängiges Bild und Narrativ auch in deutschen Medien. Was wir auf unserer Reise erlebt haben, hat uns gezeigt: Ja, es läuft ein tiefer, jahrhundertelang alter Riss durch die Gesellschaft der USA. Die rassistische Vergangenheit prägt das Land auch heute noch. Gleichzeitig haben uns der Besuch beim Millenial Action Project oder auch der Besuch in der Bowie High School jedoch auch eine ganz andere Seite der USA gezeigt: Engagierte Menschen und Demokrat:innen, die sich für eine Gesellschaft der Vielen einsetzen, die von Pluralismus und Diversität lebt. Was wir mitnehmen von dieser Reise ist also viel mehr als Eindrücke von Spaltung und Polarisierung. Vor allem sind es Eindrücke von einer Komplexität, die in wenigen Tagen kaum zu (be-)greifen ist. Eine Komplexität, die gewaltvolle einerseits und unglaublich starke und progressive Aspekte andererseits umfasst. Die älteste Demokratie der Welt, wie wir sie aus den Geschichtsbüchern kannten, hat viele Gesichter bekommen, die herausfordern und inspirieren.

Was bleibt, sind erste Ideen, Gedanken und Vorstellungen über die USA. Viel mehr, als dass wir uns ein Bild über die USA gebildet hätten, haben sich aus der Reise vor allem auch viele Fragen in Reflektion auf Deutschland und Europa ergeben. Globale Gemeinsamkeiten sowie Unterschiede aufgrund von Historie und Demografie wurden deutlich. Aktuelle Herausforderungen transatlantischer Beziehungen liegen neben Aspekten einer gemeinsamen Sicherheitsbeziehung und dem Umgang mit der Klimakrise, vor allem auch in der Gestaltung demokratischer multilateraler Verhältnisse. Deutlich wurde auch, dass die Bedrohung der nationalen Demokratien durch autoritäre Bewegungen eben kein rein nationales Problem ist. Lücken in der Erinnerungskultur sowie rassistische Grenzpolitiken und ein polarisiertes Mediensystem sind Themen, die wir für den transatlantischen Dialog als drängend mitnehmen.

Was auch bleibt, ist eine große Dankbarkeit für die bewegenden Begegnungen und Eindrücke, die wir als Gruppe auf dieser Reise erleben durften. Mit Inspiration, Neugierde und Vorfreude schauen wir darauf, wo die Reise für uns nun als Alumni des New Bridge Programs hingehen wird.

Das NEW BRIDGE PROGRAM wird durch das Transatlantik-Programm der Bundesrepublik Deutschland aus Mitteln des European Recovery Program (ERP) des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Klima- schutz (BMWK) sowie aus Mitteln des Auswärtigen Amts (AA) und der Joachim Herz Stiftung gefördert. 

Der Beitrag What’s Your Theory of Change? 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..

Earlier this month, as the German parliament wrapped up its final week in session and students kicked off their summer breaks, a curious group of young, diverse American leaders made its way from Washington, D.C. to Brussels and to Berlin, on a mission to learn all they could about US-European relations and infuse their diverse voices and perspectives into the transatlantic dialogue.

[related]These leaders made up the 7th cohort of Atlantik-Brücke’s innovative New Bridge Program. The program allows emerging leaders from historically underrepresented communities to learn and engage in conversations about transatlantic relations over the course of a 10-day program. Fellows from a variety of personal and professional backgrounds dove into a wide range of topics spanning historical and contemporary political and social issues involving the U.S. and Europe. Our 11-person cohort included elected officials, public servants, private sector representatives, and media professionals from across the nation, including Hawaii, Virginia, Texas, D.C., New York, Georgia, Washington, and more.

The fellows met for the first time in Washington, D.C. Here, we received a crash course on the history of Germany and the European Union at Georgetown University, visited the ARD news studio to discuss our views on current events as well as German perceptions of Americans, and ended the first leg of our trip with a visit to the Holocaust Memorial Museum and the German Historical Institute, where we reflected on the lasting legacy of WWII and the importance of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance of people from all backgrounds.

After a seven-hour flight across the Atlantic, we landed in Brussels and immediately started exploring some of the city’s cultural sites, while indulging in Belgium’s signature chocolate and waffles. The next day, we visited the European Parliament and discussed how the EU government works, meeting with representatives from the office of Member of the European Parliament David McAllister.

The day ended with a tour of and briefings at the 41-hectare NATO headquarters on the outskirts of Brussels, where we heard about how the alliance works and monitors major conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine. The visit to NATO was one of the cohort’s most memorable experiences, as access to this space is usually limited to high-level government and defense professionals. Fellow Jordan Cohen, a policy analyst at the CATO Institute, shared the following reflection: “Seeing NATO was an unforgettable experience. The building and surrounding campus were beautiful and unlike anything that I’ve ever seen. Nonetheless, my biggest takeaway is that opinions within NATO are not monolithic, and there is open disagreement about the important issues for transatlantic security.”

After a busy two days in Brussels, we hit the skies again en route to Berlin. Once we arrived in Berlin, we learned about the city’s history, including seeing remnants of Nazi Germany and the Berlin Wall. Our time in the city included visits to the State of Rhineland-Palatinate’s Berlin mission to learn about Germany’s political system; the U.S. Embassy, where we learned about the U.S. priorities in its relationship with Germany; and a tour of the historic Reichstag Dome, the meeting place of the German parliament.

Several fellows were especially struck by how much Europe prioritizes compromise and solution-based policy in its governance, particularly in contrast to the polarization of politics in the U.S. Fellow Bao-Tram Do, CEO of the Center for Women & Democracy, shared: “I deeply appreciated Germany’s democratic values of collaboration across party lines, transparency to foster trust in government, and promotion of gender equality in positions of power. I was also surprised in our conversations that women’s representation across different fields such as government and the private sector were many times 50%. Germany demonstrates that gender parity in government and the workforce is possible and provides a model for the U.S. to draw valuable insights.”

We also heard from entrepreneur Hans Raffauf who has founded several technology companies in Germany. He shared with us the journey of the German education and apprentice system as well as the struggles of securing venture funding for entrepreneurs. He also spoke about the gender-based difficulties for female founders who only make up a very small percentage of the entrepreneur population in Germany.

While in Germany, we also took a day trip to Hamburg. We traveled by train and experienced Germany’s interrail system firsthand before arriving at sessions to learn more about the country’s education system and apprenticeships, labor and social affairs programs, and the country’s colonial past. During a walking tour through Hamburg, we saw how the effects of colonialism continue to reverberate through contemporary German society. Fellow Nicole Jackson Mansch, Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Labor, shared: “During our session with the Human Resources Department at Hapag-Lloyd [in Hamburg], I learned that expecting mothers get 6 weeks of paid maternity leave before giving birth, in addition to 8 weeks after the birth of their child. I would love for the U.S. to adopt similar, if not better, protections for pregnant women. Sometimes, women in the U.S. decide to take unpaid leave in order to spend key moments bonding with and caring for their newborn child after giving birth. Our conversation with Hapag-Lloyd staff illustrated that the U.S. still has room to improve its protections for pregnant women and new mothers.”

Our fellowship ended back in Berlin, where we learned about social issues in Germany, including a conversation with Armand Zorn, a Member of the German Bundestag, who discussed his background, journey, and election as one of the few Black elected officials, and Angelo Camufingo, a social justice consultant and DEI expert who spoke to us about the history of racial issues in Germany and the various ways to teach racial justice through a spectrum of lenses.

The night ended with a dinner at FREA Lab, a zero-emission Michelin Star restaurant, joined by youth activists from Fridays for Futures, who spoke about the climate crisis and the steps they would like to see Germany and the EU take to ensure a more environmentally friendly future.

Impact on Fellows

“The New Bridge Program was a phenomenal experience,” shared fellow Abdullah Hammoud, who serves as the current Mayor of the City of Dearborn, MI. “It provided me a window into the importance of German-American partnerships, as well as an opportunity to bring my learnings home.”

The New Bridge experience was impactful and eye-opening for each of the fellows. As we forged personal connections with each other, we also grew in our understanding of international and transatlantic relations. Reflecting on our time with the program, the recurring theme that comes to mind is “similarity despite differences.” When we arrived and met each member of the cohort, our backgrounds and perspectives seemed so different and unique. Yet, as we got to know each other and dove deeper into our personal experiences, hopes, and fears, we learned how similar each of us are and what connects us. As young leaders, we feel proud of our past accomplishments, but we are also restless and ambitious, wondering what our futures will hold and whether we are making the right choices.

We also saw many similarities between the U.S. and German social and political systems. Both countries have strong democratic systems with intense party politics. Both countries have inequities which current social systems struggle to adequately address. While the German education system is lauded internationally for its apprenticeship system, which features strong connections between academic instruction and applied skills in the workplace, it is also criticized for tracking individuals into career paths that sometimes limit socioeconomic mobility. The U.S. education system is a similar paradox of opportunity and limitation.

Finally, we saw similarity in how diverse groups are treated in each country. Germany’s history of antisemitism has undeniable parallels to America’s history of anti-Black racism and discrimination. It was striking to see the many ways that the U.S. and Germany are similar and the direct ways in which our economies, politics, and culture are intertwined.

Throughout the trip, the importance of the relationship between the EU and the U.S. became increasingly clear. In our global society, it’s important that countries listen and learn from one another on world issues including climate, diversity, economics, politics, and more to create a brighter future for us all.

The program truly is a “New Bridge” in each of us understanding the history, culture, and logistics of Germany, Belgium, and the United States but taking that newfound dialogue and learning opportunity and using it to build new bridges and forge new transatlantic relationships that will carry an impact far beyond this program. Not only can we take best practices with us, in our opportunities within the United States to create new ideas and improve existing processes, we also can now pick up the phone and have true, invaluable connections that are just as invested in progress and innovation – between our countries.

“I think we can all agree on the fact that good transatlantic relations are important and will remain important, as we can only develop an understanding of the other side’s perspective if we keep in touch and talk to one another,” said Ulrich Mueller, member of the Executive Board of the Joachim Herz Stiftung, at one of our events in Hamburg. “Particularly in times of multiple crises, ongoing dialogue between partners is essential to maintaining the mutual understanding we all value.” We agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment and feel energized by the possibilities for continued engagement with Germany and the transatlantic community.

Thank you to Atlantik-Brücke and its partners for making this incredible journey of growth and discovery possible. Without the program, many of us would not have had the opportunity to learn about or meaningfully engage in the transatlantic dialogue.

Der Beitrag Building Bridges through Transatlantic Dialogue erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

“Intercultural dialogue is the best guarantee of a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.” — Robert Alan, American writer, artist and social activist

With this quote in mind and an excessive amount of luggage, the sixth New Bridge cohort left Washington, D.C., eager to begin an unimaginable adventure: one that sparked meaningful conversations, broadened perspectives, and gifted us all with a sense of empowerment – and a deepened awareness on the impact and importance of intercultural communications between the U.S. and Europe. 

The programming intentionally and strategically provided us a crash course in transatlantic relations in 10 days, covering diversity and anti-discrimination in Germany, education, Germany’s political system, migration, climate change, the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and even conversations with the U.S. Ambassador to NATO. 

The cohort met in person for the first time at a welcome dinner in Washington, D.C., where we grew excited for what lay ahead. We kicked off programming with an introduction to transatlantic relations at Georgetown University that helped prepare us for an engaging conversation and lunch roundtable with Dr. Emily Haber, German Ambassador to the U.S., where we discussed transatlantic relations and global challenges. We ended the D.C. arm of the trip with tours of the ARD news studio and U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. 

[columns]

[column]

[/column]

[column]

[/column]

[/columns]

Several hours later, we arrived in Berlin, where we were quickly immersed in the culture via a guided walking tour to learn about the rich history of the country. The tour provided invaluable context to the various conversations and lectures we had in Germany. 

We participated in briefings around the dual education system and the political system. We heard from speakers including Angelo Camufingo, who spoke on diversity and anti-discrimination in Europe. We discussed climate change and the environment with two fearless young advocates from Fridays for Future over dinner. We visited the U.S. Embassy and the German Bundestag, and we even took a train trip to Hamburg to see the German apprentice system in action on a harbor cruise.

[columns]

[column]

[/column]
[column]

[/column]

[/columns]
Our learning journey didn’t stop there! We hopped on another plane and arrived in Brussels, where the first stop was a tour of the European Parliament. There, we engaged in an encouraging conversation with Dr. Sergey Lagodinsky, member of the European Parliament, Alliance 90/The Greens. 

[columns]

[column]

[/column]

[column]

[/column]

[/columns]
The Brussels trip ended with an insightful guided tour through NATO headquarters and an invigorating discussion on transatlantic security and defense hosted by Ambassador Julianne Smith, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO.

The diversity of professional backgrounds, cultures, and racial identities made our cohort unique and enabled dynamic conversations that guided our overall experience. Below are some reflections from the cohort’s journalist team: 

What have you learned about transatlantic relations?

• • LaGloria Wheatfall, Washington, DC – Entering a conversation to listen instead of responding is key to all effective communication; but approaching intercultural conversations listening and with an open mind and the ability to hear other cultural perspectives will broaden your understanding and strengthen your tolerance to shape solutions that can impact the world. 
  • Cameo King, Detroit, MI – Transatlantic relations is one of the most vital components in creating a sustainable future in a quickly growing global economy. While many may view the relationship between countries, nations, and cultures as high level and intangible, it very much touches the daily interactions of everyday citizens through climate change, domestic terrorism, economic stability, and renewable energy needs to name a few. Understanding the interconnectedness of European countries, first to one another and then to the US is critical in ensuring there is an equitable, thriving, and sustainable future for global social systems, economy, and environment.  
  • Julian Pecora, Huntington, WV – I learned a year’s worth of transatlantic relations in ten days. After the fellowship, I am able to comprehend the importance of German-American relations and its strategic importance for national defense and economic relations. 

What have you learned about Germany, Europe, and perhaps the U.S. during the program? What are some of our similarities or differences? What surprised you?

• • LaGloria –  I was mind-blown that Germany does not have a Census collecting racial data. I think the cohort consensus was surprised at how Americans are super data driven and are comfortable with being tracked demographically in every area of our lives. It’s our norm. And we get uncomfortable and almost have a disbelief in any system that doesn’t do the same.
  • Cameo – One of the most intriguing components and differences between Germany and the US is the heightened awareness Germans have of US politics and its impact on the world. This characteristic is also a consistent thread when it comes to neighboring countries, especially as Germany is basically a landlocked nation, unlike the U.S. However, one of the most surprising aspects I learned about Germany is the deep cultural influence and future impact the Allied Nations would have on the future economy, structure, and ultimately the way of life of Germans.
  • Julian – I learned that Germany is a very efficient country and the most influential leader in Europe. Germany acknowledges its past, but is forward-thinking and a leader in the European community.  I was surprised at how informed Germans were on United States elections and policies. 

What do you take back with you (for yourself, your work, or your community)?

• • LaGloria – Working in the global DEI and social impact space, I will ensure that I speak up on intercultural systems that we may not consider when implementing DEI strategy and efforts, so that inclusivity isn’t limited to just the US but widened to shift the world view. 
  • Cameo – The question that I continued to ruminate on in every conversation and experience, was  how does this impact the community I am connected to? As the founder of a movement that centers the Black experience through sisterhood and self-actualization, oftentimes the voices of minoritized groups are left out of conversations that shape communities, the world, and our everyday lives. My goal is to be intentional about creating pathways for Black women and girls to be a part of conversations around transatlantic relations that value, affirm, and use their intellect, experience, and influence as the standard and not the exception. 
  • Julian – I am returning the network and the knowledge I learned about transatlantic relations to Appalachia. The relationships I have made will pay dividends for my community in the future.  

What is your hope for the NEW BRIDGE PROGRAM in the future? Any final thoughts you want to leave us with?

• • LaGloria – I hope that we can use this network of people who had the opportunity to participate in this once in a lifetime experience, to convene and continue conversations that will effectively change the transatlantic relations game for the good of humanity. 
  • Cameo – New Bridge is an intense intro, dare I say grad level, course into transatlantic relations. It is intended to provide the breadth and depth of German history in a short ten day time span from ensuring there are multiple cultural perspectives from varied sectors to including the lives of everyday German citizens. Because of the intensity and the substance of New Bridge I would hope there is an opportunity in the coming months or year to debrief collectively and share how the program has impacted our world view, career path, and everyday choices. New Bridge by far creates a strong foundation for creation of bridges in relationships, businesses, and economies across the Atlantic. 
  • Julian – I hope the New Bridge Program continues growing and developing strong relationships between the young professional community in the USA and Germany.      

Der Beitrag Building Bridges and Bonds to Make Cross-Cultural Impact 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..

Melissa Hellmann: “We started our trip with a dinner reception at the home of Michael Werz in D.C., a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress. The group learned that, in Germany, diversity looks and is discussed very differently than in the U.S., where the discourse usually focuses on race and ethnicity.

During a tour of DC’s ZDF Studio – a German public-service television broadcaster – it was surprising for us to discover that each German household must pay a monthly fee to fund public television and radio stations, instead of the broadcasting stations being funded through pledge drives and underwriting from foundations or businesses, like they are in the US.

During a tour of the Holocaust Museum, we were astonished to learn that the German population was less than 1% Jewish when Adolf Hitler was elected as chancellor in 1933. Some of the rhetoric and tactics used against Jewish people in Germany reminded me of those used to marginalize and murder Black, Indigenous, and people of color throughout U.S. history.

In Berlin, New Bridge fellow Malik Brown, the City of Atlanta’s Director of LGBTQ Affairs, taught us the vast differences between Germany and the U.S.’s political systems. A fact that stood out to many of us was that, while the U.S. has a two-party system, Germany has multiple parties. A single party has not won the majority vote in nearly 70 years, so several parties build coalitions that allow them to work together.

[related]On one of our final days in Germany, we had a lively discussion on diversity and anti-discrimination in Germany and Europe with nonprofit xart splitta Director Juliana Kolberg during lunch. Due to its Nazi history, Germany doesn’t collect racial and ethnic census data. While data can help provide services to communities in the U.S., it is important to keep in mind that its collection and interpretation includes racial bias.

Germany’s labor bargaining system is more robust than the U.S.’s, the cohort learned at the Volkswagen Factory in Wolfsburg on our final full day from Vito Garippo, officer in the General Secretariat of the Global Works Council. It was remarkable to the cohort that, unlike in the U.S., Germany uses sectoral bargaining, which enables everyone in a sector to get union pay regardless of whether they’re in the union or not.

I’m taking back a newfound interest in EU-U.S. relations. My international interests have primarily revolved around Asia, but now I see the global ties in social inequities and solutions to these challenges. For myself, I was reminded of the power of narrative and to seek out more diverse storytelling around queerness. As a journalist, I was inspired to further collaborate with other communities so they can tell their own stories instead of using my platform to highlight their voices.”

Omaima Afzaal: “Through this program, I gained invaluable insights about the political and economic systems of the EU and Germany, and also of the deep-rooted, complex histories that have informed those structures. After speaking with high-level EU and German policymakers, journalists, and thought leaders, I leave the program with a greater understanding of the issues shaping people’s lifestyles, cultures, and concerns in the region, from the energy crisis to climate change. As someone who advises multinational companies as they communicate pressing global issues to their stakeholders, I look forward to utilizing my newfound familiarity and longstanding interest in US-EU relations to provide valuable insights to my clients.

Transatlantic relations matter because our regions have a vast trove of experiences, histories, and cultures through which we can learn from each other. Now more than ever, the world is faced with significant global challenges, from climate change to inequality and pandemics which supersede borders and affect us all. To stand a chance at resolving these issues, diplomacy and international collaboration is key. The US and Europe have a unique, historic relationship, and it’s critical to maintain that partnership.

The demographic and cultural landscape of the US and Europe are changing, with new generations from diverse backgrounds redefining and adding on to what it means to be a part of Europe and the United States.  As our countries evolve, the transatlantic relationship must evolve, too. To ensure that it continues to grow stronger and remain relevant, it is crucial to represent diverse voices in key discussions and negotiations. This helps bring important, and often overlooked, perspectives from marginalized communities to the forefront.

Over the course of our program, our cohort served as a live example of the value of diverse perspectives. We had the privilege of speaking with German politicians, taking an inside look at how the government operates, and learning about the issues at the top of German voters’ minds, namely the Russia-Ukraine war and the resulting energy crisis. In turn, our group asked challenging, critical questions about migration, healthcare access, and what it means to be German in an ever-evolving social and political environment. By delving into sensitive issues that were close to us, the hope is our cohort was able to set a baseline for leaders to continue to think more deeply about these matters, and the real people and communities they impact.”

Cheyenne Kippenberger: “I am happy to come back with an expanded perspective of transatlantic relations, nation-to-nation relationship-building, policy-strategizing, immigration and asylum, climate change, global energy transitions, diversity, identity, nationalism, and even culture. I am so grateful to Atlantik-Brücke and the New Bridge Program for the opportunity to share my experiences as a Latina and an Indigenous woman but to also be exposed to so many different backgrounds, viewpoints, histories, and cultural differences in Belgium and Germany. I bring back a new lens of my own. I intend to continue tackling the issues important to me and my community. With me, I carry a newfound understanding of relations and community.

Balance is crucial to the order of all living things and a collective future. I now see that there is also a balance to transatlantic relations that is crucial to society’s collective future and the order of global interactions. These relations serve important purposes including creating policies and strategies for education, healthcare, energy, climate change, environmental protection, immigration, and even political conflict. Within this collective future, there needs to be space for diverse perspectives and experiences to not only be heard but respected and valued. A path of progression and inclusivity is one still being paved. Each paver represents different communities, different perspectives, and leading to a better world.

To empower young people is to build a stronger, collective future. My hope is that the New Bridge Program will continue to provide spaces and opportunities for diverse perspectives to be shared and heard but also celebrated. I believe in the contribution this program provides to the collective success of the globe by centering the importance of transatlantic relations and its connection to us all.”

Der Beitrag “A live example of the value of diverse perspectives” erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

The fellows of Atlantik-Brücke’s New Bridge Program add new ideas and viewpoints to the transatlantic debate. In this video, Catt Phan, a communications manager from Fountain Valley, California, shares her experience as a Vietnamese immigrant, talks about what she hopes to take away from the New Bridge Program, and elaborates on how traveling abroad has changed her perception of herself as an American. Coming to Europe has been enlightening she says: “Even when I am challenging the status quo in America and pushing for more social change, I am also humbled by the idea that I am a representative of the United States.”

With its New Bridge Program, Atlantik-Brücke seeks to garner interest in Europe among more Americans, spark new ideas and continue to build a strong transatlantic community. The driven young Americans that visit Europe on an intensive 10-day study program are raising important questions, enriching the dialogue and advocating change, while getting a chance to immerse themselves in Germany’s and Europe’s social, foreign policy, business and cultural debates.

Der Beitrag “In Europe, I’m automatically the American. That switch has been really enlightening.” erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

This July, Atlantik-Brücke’s, New Bridge Program, brought together a group of eleven, diverse young professionals to engage on transatlantic relations through an interdisciplinary exchange. This cohort was made up of a range of voices that are often underrepresented within the transatlantic conversation, and by inviting us to participate in the fellowship, the New Bridge Program offered us the opportunity to challenge the ways in which we viewed our roles within this greater relationship between the United States and our European allies across the Atlantic Ocean.

Beginning in Washington DC, our cohort came together for the first time, and we embarked on a series of activities to prime us for the conversations and opportunities we’d be a part of over the following days. We participated in a briefing on European-American relations, a luncheon on the importance of diversity in transatlantic relations at the German Embassy, a discussion on U.S. news from the perspective of German journalists working in DC, and a tour of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum with historians from the German Historical Institute.

In reflecting on the fellowship, we asked a few members of our cohort why they thought they were nominated for the fellowship and why they ended up applying for the opportunity. Below are insights from LeRoy, Mohammad, and Purvi:

[toggle title=”Why do you think you were nominated for this fellowship?“]

LeRoy Cavazos-Reyna | Mission, Texas | Vice President of Government and International Affairs for the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC)

“Throughout my professional career, I have been dedicated to expanding diplomatic, cultural, and commercial synergies between the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Israel. The New Bridge Program allowed me the opportunity to further evolve my professional identity on the European stage by teaching me and exposing me to other countries, governments, and policy issues in the EU and Germany. Those who nominated me for this fellowship have seen firsthand my passion for creating solutions and ensuring economic opportunity through diplomatic discourse.  I firmly believe that we must bring people up to stand beside us, not behind us. Together we can sustain solutions to drive our respective missions forward and by standing together, redefine how powerful collective diplomacy can be — not just for the US, but for our global partners alike.”

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”Why did you end up applying for the fellowship?“]

Mohammad Alhassani | Brooklyn, NYC | Analyst at NYC Mayor’s Office of Management & Budget

“I truly believe that our strength in the United States comes from our diversity, and the New Bridge Program seems to understand this concept while actively working to introduce a high-level of diversity into spaces that tend to lack them; I wanted to support this initiative and do my part in providing a voice for those who are normally left out of the conversation.”

Purvi Patel | Chicago, Illinois | Director for Campus & Civic Engagement at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics

“I applied for this fellowship because transatlantic exchange and dialogue are a new paradigm for me. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about politics, public service, and civic engagement domestically, but I haven’t had a chance to exercise the muscle of thinking about it globally with respect to United States’ relationships to Germany, the EU, and Europe overall.”

[/toggle]

Following a successful few days of briefings in DC, we journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean to Belgium, where our European adventure began. In our visit to Brussels, we had the opportunity to learn intricately about the roles of the EU and NATO with regards to transatlantic policy, strategy, and exchange.

Our visit to NATO Headquarters prompted a lot of reflection from our cohort, and our experience together changed how many of us viewed Europe, as well as the nature of transatlantic relationships and conversations at large. Below are a few insights from Chamisa and Xris:

[toggle title=”How did this fellowship change your views on Europe?“]

Chamisa Edmo | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Developer and Data Scientist

“After this trip, I’ve realized that although we often feel like we’re in separate bubbles as nations, that is far from the truth. Transatlantic relations are strong and are foundational to creating a cohesive approach to diplomatic relations across our world. From the global stage, our voices and perspectives are all needed to create a just and secure future where we’re all included and heard.”

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”What does transatlantic exchange mean to you?“]

Xris Macias | Salt Lake City, Utah | COO for FutureINDesign (FIND)

“Transatlantic exchange is international collaboration among nations separated by a literal ocean. It is incredibly important to not only learn from each other, but also to see the direct impact that unity amongst nations can have for the betterment of society, especially in times of global crisis, as we are seeing today.”

[/toggle]

After two busy and productive days in Brussels, we left for Germany, where we visited Berlin and Hamburg to close out the fellowship.

In Berlin, we had the opportunity to engage with lawmakers, diplomats, economists, scientists, and activists. In our conversations, we covered topics like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the ever-present threat of climate change, the effectiveness of sanctions to Germany’s dual-education system, as well as gaining a better understanding of the experiences of marginalized groups across Europe.

In Hamburg, we had the chance to meet with German Azubis to learn about their experiences, visit Airbus and enjoy an impressive and detailed factory tour, and to indulge in “Kaffee und Kuchen” with the Joachim Herz Stiftung.

As the trip was coming to a close, we felt that it was important to make the space for some reflections. Below are a few insights from Shandiin, Ashley, Rejoice, and Steven:

[toggle title=”What is the one thing that you learned or experienced that you didn’t expect?“]

Shandiin Herrera | Monument Valley, Utah | Co-founder of the Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund and Director of the Tse Bii Ndzisgaii Community Center

“I was really amazed by the diversity within our cohort, and how close we were able to become in such a short amount of time. I feel that our group was an interesting and accurate portrayal of the diversity that exists within America, and I was really pleased to be a part of this group and to go through this experience together, and to holistically learn how we can take what we gained from each of our own experiences to uplift each other and support each other back in our own communities across the country. I’m really thankful for the opportunity and really amazed by all of my colleagues and new friends that I made on this trip.”

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”Knowing all that you know now, what is the one piece of advice this fellowship has taught you?“]

Ashley Caradine | Memphis, Tennessee | Inaugural Director of Multicultural Services at Carson-Newman

“Don’t put governmental service in a box. There are many different ways you can serve your country while using your expertise to do it.”

Rejoice Jones | Atlanta, Georgia | CEO of Vower

“One piece of advice that the fellowship has taught me is that, “you don’t know everything.” Life, when it’s more connected with others, more open to different ideas -– that is the pinnacle of life. When we get a chance to hold our ideals, based on our life experiences and the experiences, thoughts, and opinions of others, and respect both, grow from both, be edified from both -– I realized that there is so much to learn, and that life is about continuing to grow through our interactions and our service for others.”

Steven Sainz | Camden, Georgia | U.S State Legislator for Georgia’s 180th House District

“Find comfort in being uncomfortable. When that occurs in a safe environment with people you trust and appreciate, it means that you’re growing.”

[/toggle]

With meaningful reflections shared, we wanted to look forward and highlight how a few of our fellows were thinking about their experiences on the New Bridge Program, and how they could meaningfully contribute to the ever-changing, vast transatlantic conversations for the time to come. Below are a few insights from Eitan and Catt:

[toggle title=”Do you have any long-term objectives that include the New Bridge Program and/or Atlantik-Brücke beyond attending the fellowship?“]

Eitan Barokas | New Jersey | Artist

“While the New Bridge Program is focused on many important topics like Foreign and Security Policy, the Economy and Finance, Digitization, Society, as well as Climate and Energy, I want to open up the program to include the Arts and Culture, too. In the immediate future, I hope to facilitate programming in the Arts that can be included for forthcoming cohorts, and in time, I want to pilot an Artist Residency Program to exist under the New Bridge Program umbrella; I want to provide actionable ideas surrounding the Arts that can be included within the program scope that will promote transatlantic exchange in new and meaningful ways.”

Catt Phan | Orange County, California | Senior Communications and Training Manager at Cause Communications

“This experience was so life-changing! Coming home I feel refreshed, reenergized, and ready to continue transatlantic conversations. I want to be a strong pillar of support as an alumnus and a thought partner for future conversations on how to further invest in diverse voices. For minority communities to realize their full potential and to foster robust participation in this increasingly globalized world, these communities would have to cultivate leaders who could advocate and speak on their behalf. Representation is a stepping-stone, but it is the door that allows people to step from impossible to possible— I hope to do whatever I can to keep that door open.”

[/toggle]

Thank you to Atlantik-Brücke and the New Bridge Program for the life-changing opportunity.

Der Beitrag “Our Strength Comes from our Diversity” erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

[toggle title=”Introduction to Transatlantic Relations”]

(by Frank Bi, Director of Tools and Technology, Star Tribune, Minneapolis)

As expected of a transatlantic study program, the airport served as the backdrop that bookended our experiences through the New Bridge Program. Our cohort of nine met at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C. Longer introductions yet to be, we were off to the races and shuttled to our first event as soon as all our checked luggage was collected off the airport conveyor belt.

The swift transition from a long flight to the home of Atlantik-Brücke board member Michael Werz set expectations with the cadence of what we could anticipate for the next 10 days. Over a lovely dinner in the backyard, Werz imparted upon us the significance of our trip – not only were we traveling to Europe at a historic time, but we were also going to meet with leaders who have dedicated their careers to nurturing transatlantic relations and preserving democracy. He helped us understand that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has massive implications for all of Europe and the world. We spent the remainder of the evening getting to know each other and other guests, including program alumni and German officials who happened to be in Washington for the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

The next morning, the tempo picked up again as we “fit a semester’s worth of transatlantic relations” into three hours, thanks to an energetic seminar from Dr. Joyce Marie Mushaben, adjunct professor at the BMW Center for German and European Studies at Georgetown University. The seminar broadened our historical perspective and prepared us to get the most out of our time in Europe.

A lunch reception at The Army and Navy Club also helped to prepare us for the journey ahead. Hosted by Dr. Jan Grünhage, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy in Washington D.C., we mingled with German natives working at the embassy as well as with representatives from the New Bridge Program’s partner organizations.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”Media Tour”]

(by Frank Bi, Director of Tools and Technology, Star Tribune, Minneapolis)

The program afforded us opportunities to see German media at work from two perspectives – how German media covers the U.S. for the audience at home and how German media covers Germany for non-German audiences.

At ARD in Washington D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood, we toured the D.C. Bureau of Germany’s public-service broadcast network. A studio tour provided the intricacies of television and radio journalism, and a Q&A with journalists and other staff at ARD gave us insight into how they approach their work in a foreign country while reporting to an audience at home.

In Berlin, we visited the headquarters of state-owned international broadcaster Deutsche Welle and met with veteran journalist and presenter Pia Castro and colleagues. Along with questions surrounding the process of reporting in Germany and the work that Deutsche Welle does abroad to broadcast German and global issues through a German perspective, Castro also gave us leadership advice and talked about being a Latina, originally from Argentina, in Germany.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”Learning about the Holocaust”]

(by Alyssa Llamas, Policy Director, Wynne Health Group)

Before departing for Europe, we visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, a sobering experience that deepened our understanding of the dark, yet important, history of Germany and the legacy of the Holocaust. We wandered through the exhibits, each with an identification card describing the experience of a person who lived in Europe during the Holocaust, following along what happened to them during the rise of the Nazi party in Germany and the start of World War II (1933 to 1939), during the war years and in concentration camps (1940 to 1945), and their ultimate fate (1945). The following quotation by Martin Niemöller, a Lutheran pastor who spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps, resonated with many of us:

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.”

At the German Historical Institute Washington (GHI), one of the fellows, Marifer, facilitated a debrief of our museum visit, where we further discussed the danger of complicity – not only during the Holocaust but also at present, particularly in regard to public policies and sentiments that continue to harm historically marginalized communities in the United States. We also met with two historians at the GHI, Dr. Axel Jansen and Dr. Richard Wetzell, and engaged in a lively discussion on how learning about historical events can help us better understand and respond to current issues. A major takeaway from the Holocaust exhibition was seeing how the gradual turn of events, starting with the boycott of Jewish-owned businesses and antisemitic propaganda, resulted in the systematic mass murder of European Jews and other groups, including people with disabilities, Sinti and Roma, and gay men. The Holocaust was not an overnight phenomenon; rather, it was a culmination of rising anti-Semitism over multiple years. On that point, Dr. Wetzell encouraged us to “watch for the beginning,” because major atrocities often have humble beginnings; it is incumbent upon us to watch for, and act upon, these foreboding signs.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”European Union 101″]

(by Alyssa Llamas, Policy Director, Wynne Health Group)

Besides our knowledge of the euro and the relatively seamless ability to travel from one country in the European Union (EU) to another, many of us were generally unfamiliar with the EU. Roland Freudenstein, Vice President and Head of GLOBSEC Brussels, educated us on the “founding fathers” as well as the principles and treaties of the EU that serve as its basis for economic and political integration. We also learned about the institutions of the EU and their distinct roles in policymaking. The voting system of the Council of the European Union, which requires a qualified majority for most issues and unanimity on sensitive matters, such as foreign and security policy, was particularly eye-opening. The discussion with Roland left us with a more curious perspective on how different democracies operate and, of course, a greater appreciation for the euro.

After our EU 101 session, we toured the European Parliament in Brussels, an exciting first for the New Bridge Program. Before entering the building, we all observed the blue and yellow of Ukraine’s flag fluttering alongside the flag of the EU and its 27 member countries – a symbol of EU solidarity with Ukraine. We had a Q&A session with Tim Peter, a staffer of Bernd Lange, Member of the European Parliament and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats. He explained the intricacies of the European Parliament. On our way out, we stopped by the European Parliament Plenary, where the 705 Members of the European Parliament debate and vote on legislative proposals. The large booth for interpreters reminded us of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the EU, which makes all materials available in its 24 official languages. With language access critical to engaging in the democratic process, we were impressed and inspired by the EU’s prioritization of translation services.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”Conflict in Ukraine and NATO’s Role”]

(by Alyssa Llamas, Policy Director, Wynne Health Group)

The conflict in Ukraine was top of mind and a part of nearly all of our conversations with the people we met throughout the trip. Ahead of our visit to NATO Headquarters (HQ), one of the fellows, Chris, briefed us on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, including the events leading up to the attack, more recent developments, and NATO’s involvement. The opportunity to go to NATO HQ, the central nervous system of the Alliance, at this moment in time, was not lost on any of us.

Nick Nguyen of the NATO Archives Unit toured us around Headquarters and briefed us on its history. We learned that the building was designed to resemble interlaced fingers as a symbol of NATO’s unity and cooperation. Among the many historical documents and photos, we viewed Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, providing the principle of collective defense, which invoked greater significance for us amid the Russia-Ukraine war. We also walked through the atrium of NATO HQ, a magnificent space where we could see offices, the North Atlantic Council meeting room, and the special entrance for and office of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Our group met with three experts from the Joint Intelligence & Security Division at NATO HQ – Agnieszka Blümel, Senior Analyst; Lt. Col. Jesus Reyes (US Army), Head of Middle East Branch; and Edward Wrong, Senior Analyst. We appreciated their open and candid responses to our many questions. They talked about their day-to-day activities as well as their process for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence. With the seemingly infinite amount of information received on a daily basis, they focus their assessment, or “running estimate,” on “reducing uncertainty,” explained Lt. Col. Reyes.

Unable to resist a unique photo opportunity, we all grabbed a snapshot striking our best power pose at the former desk of the NATO Secretary General. Like any delegation visiting NATO HQ, we also took photos with the flags of NATO and its 30 member countries and the NATO Star sculpture.

Our time in Brussels concluded with a dinner discussion on transatlantic security and defense with Ambassador Julianne Smith, United States Permanent Representative to NATO, at her official residence, Truman Hall. We were joined by Richard Holtzapple, Deputy Chief of Mission; Sergeant Derek Landers, U.S. Military Delegation Representative; and Jesse Shaw, Assistant Information Officer. Over an exquisite three-course meal, we discussed the role of NATO in Ukraine from an American perspective and the importance of mentorship and diversity in the workplace. Ambassador Smith talked about the personal impact of being mentored by Madeleine Albright, the first woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State, as well as her experience as a woman in national security, a field mostly dominated by men. Whether any of us will pivot towards a career in the U.S. Foreign Service remains to be seen. However, the surreal experience of dining with Ambassador Smith and other American diplomats certainly opened our minds to the possibilities of a career in foreign policy, not just for us but also for our communities at home.

In Berlin, we met with Ambassador Boris Ruge, Vice Chairman of the Munich Security Conference and former Deputy Chief of Mission at the Germany Embassy in Washington, D.C. He explained the Russia-Ukraine war from a German perspective and how Germany’s history has influenced its foreign policy. We also discussed the Munich Security Conference and its increasingly comprehensive view of security issues, such as the connection between food security and political stability, as well as the implications of COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”Climate Change”]

(by Frank Bi, Director of Tools and Technology, Star Tribune, Minneapolis)

Climate change was a central theme of the program, and our range of speakers offered various perspectives on this global issue. From representatives at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin to young activists, we received a holistic view on the impacts of climate change through a German lens, including implications of the Russia-Ukraine war.

At the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, we heard from Dr. Martina Kohl who explained how they are getting young Germans and Americans to adopt new perspectives on the environment by encouraging habits to combat climate change and to further understand the issue. We were also given a perspective on Germany’s dependence on energy sources, from nuclear energy at home, to gas from Russia, and what the future holds for the country. The visit to the U.S. Embassy was capped off by a meeting with Dr. Amy Gutmann, U.S. Ambassador to Germany, who answered our many questions and offered her leadership advice to the cohort.

Over a dinner of schnitzel, we further discussed climate change with activists Helena Marschall and Henrike Cremer of Fridays for Future. In this conversation, we heard first-hand the challenges they faced along with the strategies they developed to overcome them. The conversation also led us towards a deeper discussion of how our different cultures act in the face of the biggest issue of our time. Their commitment and their work to spread awareness about climate change and the environment at their young age was inspiring for all of us.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”Germany’s Political System”]

(by Alyssa Llamas, Policy Director, Wynne Health Group)

As we walked through Berlin, Alina, project manager of the New Bridge Program, pointed out that each of Germany’s 16 states had a representation in the city. In our meeting with Dr. Matthias Roßbach, Head of Coordination of Federal and European Policy and International Affairs at the Berlin Representation of the State Chancellery of North-Rhine Westphalia, we learned that the physical presence of Germany’s states in Berlin and their proximity to federal offices illustrate Germany’s political system. Dr. Roßbach explained “cooperative federalism” in Germany, which entails state governments, represented in the Bundesrat, actively participating in the federal legislative process. This concept was quite intriguing, especially in contrast to the federalist system in the United States.

The modern architecture in the government district of Berlin was impressive. The relative newness of the German Chancellery and Reichstag Parliament building reminded us that German reunification happened just over 30 years ago. We learned that the buildings’ glass facades are intended to symbolize political transparency, a cornerstone of postwar Germany. We toured the German Bundestag and climbed the glass dome of the Reichstag, which offered a stunning 360-degree view of Berlin. From the glass dome, we looked into the plenary hall below, another symbol of the German government’s openness to citizens.

Our group met with two members of the German Parliament and the Alliance 90/The Greens party – Tessa Ganserer and Omid Nouripour. In a pre-meeting briefing, fellows Anthony and Anna shared highlights of their careers and achievements. Ms. Ganserer, one of the first two openly transgender people to be elected to the German Parliament, has been a vocal advocate for transgender and LGBTQ rights. She shared her campaign experience, including running under her deadname (or birth name) in protest of the longstanding German law requiring a person to obtain a medical certificate in order to legally change their name and gender identity. Mr. Nouripour, who fled from Iran to Germany with his family at the age of 13, leads the Alliance 90/The Green Party. We talked to Mr. Nouripour about different issues within the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, including migration policies for Ukrainian refugees versus Syrian refugees and energy policies related to Germany’s current reliance on Russian gas.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”Germany’s Dual Education System”]

(by Frank Bi, Director of Tools and Technology, Star Tribune, Minneapolis)

Thanks to a thorough briefing on Germany’s dual education system by fellow Jeff, we were prepared to visit Aurubis, Europe’s largest copper producer and recycler. Headquartered in Hamburg, we met young Germans who were enlisted in a vocational apprenticeship at Aurubis as an alternative to a full-time academic education. The young apprentices told us about their mix of on-the-job training and time in the classroom. For apprentices at Aurubis, this also meant time abroad at a university in the United States.

From Aurubis, we headed to an apartment above the Hamburg State Opera for a lunch hosted by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. Sabine Kunst, Chairwoman of the Joachim Herz Foundation. There, we also met Darion Akins, U.S. Consul General for Northern Germany, who gave advice on leadership and consulted with members of our cohort on starting careers in the U.S. Foreign Service.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”Dinner Discussion on Diversity and Anti-Discrimination in Germany and Europe”]

(by Frank Bi, Director of Tools and Technology, Star Tribune, Minneapolis)

Diversity in Germany was markedly different than our view of diversity in the United States, something we noticed early in the program. We learned that the Federal Statistical Office – Germany’s version of the U.S. Census Bureau – only differentiates between Germans and foreigners in its survey because of Germany’s history of using this data for evil. Another perspective that stood out was how the German Chancellor is most frequently gendered as a woman because of young Germans who have only ever known Angela Merkel as chancellor.

From an American perspective, it also stood out how German birthright citizenship is not as clear as it is in the United States. A child born in Germany is only granted citizenship under certain conditions. This, along with learning about historical migration from Syria, Turkey – and most recently Ukraine – helped us understand what it means to be German in Germany.

We met with Ouassima Laabich-Mansour, PhD Candidate at the Free University of Berlin, and Project Manager at Superrr Lab at LAWRENCE in Berlin Mitte, a Middle Eastern restaurant with a workforce composed mostly of employees with refugee background. Laabich-Mansour was also one of the few people of color that our cohort met in Europe. In a private dining room (that doubles as a gallery showcasing contemporary art illustrating migration and globalization), we chatted with Laabich-Mansour about a whole range of topics. She shared her lived experience in Germany – such as being a student in the dual education system, interacting with law enforcement, and working in the community.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”Exploring Brussels, Berlin, and Hamburg”]

The packed schedule of the New Bridge Program included dedicated time to explore Brussels, Berlin, and Hamburg. Chelsea, one of the fellows, led our tour through Brussels, which entailed enjoying local delicacies, such as Belgian fries, waffles, and beer, and buying lots of chocolate to bring home. Many of us also sprang at the opportunity to eat moules-frittes (steamed mussels with fries and mayonnaise), the national dish of Belgium. We visited several landmarks, including La Grand-Place, a large square with buildings mostly from the 17^th century, and Palais Royal de Bruxelles, the royal palace of the King and Queen of Belgium.

Hannah, our American tour guide who fell in love with Berlin, walked us through the city, recounting major historical events at different stops along the way. We gazed at Brandenburg Gate, reflected at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, “jumped over” where the Berlin Wall once stood, and stared into the eyes of Checkpoint Charlie at the former border crossing between East and West Germany. Our food adventure continued with Berlin specialties – currywurst and döner kebab – as well as delicious Georgian and Sudanese cuisine, highlighting the cultural diversity of Berlin. We also rode the U-Bahn (or perhaps, it was the S-Bahn) to further soak in the sights and culture of Berlin.

By high-speed train, clocking over 200 km/h, we traveled from Berlin to Hamburg, a major port city in northern Germany. In addition to visiting the Aurubis Factory, we toured the streets of Hamburg, a bustling city juxtaposed with architectural marvels from different eras. We also learned about Hamburg’s colonial history. Before our ride back, we grabbed Franzbrötchen (a sweet cinnamon pastry from Hamburg), pretzels, and other snacks for the train.

On our walk from the train station to the COVID-19 testing site (for U.S. entry requirements), we saw signs directing Ukrainian refugees to the welcome center, a white tent decorated with Ukrainian flags – another reminder of the war, its devasting impact on Ukrainians, and German solidarity with Ukraine. As for getting tested for COVID-19 (at a hotel for free), the easy process available 24/7 entailed scanning a QR code, registering, getting our nose swabbed, and receiving our results by email within 15 minutes. Fortunately, we all tested negative.

[/toggle]

Der Beitrag „A semester’s worth of transatlantic relations in one week“ erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

New Bridge is an exclusive study program with a focus on young American professionals underrepresented in the transatlantic community. The New Bridge fellows reflect the diversity of American society. The interactive map below illustrates where program participants are from. Clicking on the individual states on the map provides an overview of the profiles from that state, and another click on the respective photos provides information about the individual New Bridge Fellows at the time of their program participation.

[map]

Der Beitrag The New Bridge Fellows erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

[toggle title=”November 11, 2021″]

On November 11, the group members arrived in Washington, D. C., full of anticipation and excitement. They had never met one another; some had never even left the country. First thing on the agenda, after being picked up from the airport and checking into the hotel, was a reception at the home of Atlantik-Brücke board member Dr. Michael Werz. He made everyone feel welcome and at ease (of course, the Peruvian snacks and the New Mexican sparkling wine helped as well). An alumnus from the previous cohort, Mario Enriquez, who was also invited, shared his experiences and perspectives with the group and got everyone even more excited. They knew they were about to embark on the trip of a lifetime.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”November 12, 2021″]

(by Silas Burris, Ph.D., social/behavioral research scientist)

Friday, November 12, was the first full day of programming. As a group, we had only just started to get to know one another. We were still learning what it meant to be part of the New Bridge. However, the events on this Friday set the tone for the busy week to come.

Our day began with a review of the week’s itinerary at The Gathering Spot. As a cohort, we realized most of us had professional interests in diversity, equity, and inclusion issues but were fairly uninformed about how these topics apply to Germany. During this breakfast session, we were given some, perhaps shocking, insights into how Germany differs from the U. S., which began to alter how we would approach the upcoming week. Immediately I had questions, and others in the group were asking them as well: What do you mean Germany cannot legally collect demographic data on race? How is the population estimated? How are social policies communicated? What does it mean to a country when it doesn’t have birthright citizenship? In this first discussion it became clear that this was about to be a week of discussions and learning none of us could have dreamed of.

With our eyes more open than before, we began with our roundtable on diversity in transatlantic relations. This was the first instance where we began to realize just how impressive and full of high-ranking officials this week’s meetings would be. We met with Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy, Spencer Boyer, Georgetown University Professor of International Affairs and Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, Charles Kupchan, and the Communications and Special Projects Director in the Office of Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Elizabeth Lopez-Sandoval. Over this first lunch, on our first full day, our cohort was given unfiltered access to these individuals. We were free to ask for their insights, learned relevant historical and political background on the U. S.-German transatlantic relationship, and heard what experts in this field believe to be are the most pressing questions. There was so much to absorb during this short meeting, but it left a lasting impression on us. We were here to learn about something important and complicated. We were here to ask questions. We were here to think about how the present can shape the future.

Following the lunch discussion, our cohort was taken to the State Department to continue our discussions and to meet with a Germany Desk Officer and Public Diplomacy Officer for the UK, Ireland, and Germany. Here, we also met an alumnus of Atlantik-Brücke’s Young Leader’s Program and were given a special audience to learn more about how defense perspectives can have an impact on the value of transatlantic relations. Once again, I found my mind and outlook expanding faster than I could have anticipated. We were left with heartfelt advice from our speakers: As authentic representatives of the United States, be yourselves. You are ambassadors. Creating and maintaining these people-to-people ties is important to transatlantic relations. So be true to yourself.

You are ambassadors. Creating and maintaining people-to-people ties is important to transatlantic relations.

Our next stop on the itinerary was a discussion on U. S. news reporting from a German perspective, hosted by Claudia Buckenmaier and Torsten Teichmann at the ARD Studio Washington. From the moment I saw this on our program, I knew this was a conversation I was looking forward to. Claudia and Torsten were very gracious in giving us a private tour of the studio and helping us to understand the similarities and differences in German and U. S. media structures and oversight agencies, as well as pointing out the real danger of the lines between journalism and entertainment becoming blurred. I struggled to imagine the burden any news media has in attempting to provide fair and balanced coverage in 100 seconds to their audience. Claudia and Torsten’s commitment to honest and fair coverage was refreshing and a reminder of what journalism is meant to be.

The conclusion of our very full day was at the home of Ricklef Beutin, Deputy Chief of Mission for the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. Here, our cohort was welcomed as guests of honor into a beautiful home, with hors d’oeuvres and champagne, and a dinner reception. Once again, I found myself rather shocked to be receiving unfiltered access to high-ranking officials and employees working at the Embassy, Germans living in the U.S., and others who would happily engage us in any conversational topic. My takeaway from the many conversations I had that evening was that there is still so much for Germans and Americans to learn from one another and that this is a good thing. It means that we can all continue to grow and perhaps even grow closer together.

This first day set the tone of the program. Looking back, I can see that our cohort was being welcomed every single moment as a special group of individuals, who were on the verge of an incredible learning experience. This group of diverse, impressive young leaders that made up our cohort was being brought into this program to learn, yes, but also to contribute to the dialogue. The events of this first, full day certainly prepared me to better understand what I was getting myself into. It was exciting to begin anticipating just how much more I was going to learn and have my perspective expanded. Each day of the New Bridge Program did just that.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”November 13, 2021″]

The morning of November 13 started with a walking tour through Washington, D. C. It wasn’t your standard walking tour, however. It was a tour tracing German history in the U. S. capital. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on the group’s side, so afterwards, they used the free time to dry off, warm up, and get ready for a long overnight flight to the other side of the Atlantic. After a lovely dinner, they grabbed their suitcases and were on their way to the airport.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”November 14, 2021″]

After arriving in Berlin in the afternoon of November 14, the group’s introduction to German culture began with a trip to a local “Döner-Bude.” They learned that the Turkish-German delicacy is the most famous fast-food item in the country, with döner meat consumption equaling a staggering 600 tons each day. And for good reason: it is delicious! And many in the group did not leave it at just that one döner during the trip.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”November 15, 2021″]

The first full day in Berlin started with a historic walking tour of the German capital – its attractions, stories of past wars, division, and reunification. The tour provided the group with a better understanding of Germany’s history and the people’s mindset that is often closely intertwined with the country’s past and laid the groundwork for the week to come.

The next stop transported the group from Germany’s past to its future. Dr. Julian Jaursch welcomed them to Stiftung Neue Verantwortung, a think tank working on current political and societal challenges posed by new technologies. At the center of the discussion was the debate over platform regulation, especially in a European context.

Staying on the topic of current debates, they then visited N26, a bank that was founded as a financial technology startup, and discussed financial technology and innovation with the bank’s chairman of the supervisory board, Dr. Jan Boehm.

From there, they took the shuttle to the German Bundestag, where Jürgen Trittin himself, a Member of the German Parliament and a politician of the Alliance 90/The Greens, took the time to take them on a tour. Not only was he able to shed light on German politics, but he also turned out to be an arts connoisseur who knew all the artwork within Parliament that was worth seeing.

Afterwards, they remained in the Bundestag to meet with Cem Özdemir, another Member of the German Parliament and a politician of the Alliance 90/The Greens. He was directly involved in the coalition negotiations to form a new government at the time, and still, he took his time to answer every question, which was appreciated tremendously.

The day ended with a dinner discussion on Germany’s remembrance culture with Prof. Dr. Susan Neiman, Director of the Einstein Forum, and a lot was learned about how Germans and Americans deal with their respective pasts and what they can learn from one another.

The first full day in Berlin was incredibly impactful and gave everyone a taste of what was to come.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”November 16, 2021″]

(by Roby Mercharles, VP of Partnerships, The American Dream Fund & Marketplace)

Socio-Political Reform in Germany; A Contemporary Lens on Historical Issues

Vergangenheitsbewältigung

German people of diverse backgrounds continue to reflect on Germany’s National-Socialist past as well as the country’s division after World War II until 1990. The healing process has given rise to a culture of remembrance (Vergangenheitsbewältigung) which manifests as social solidarity and an increased respect for diversity. My time in the German capital allowed me to explore German society from both a historical and contemporary lens. Through my interactions with German locals and political leaders alike, I gained a greater understanding of how a once divided nation is making its recovery through the development of its economy, the remodeling of its educational systems and the influence of social movements.

Through my interactions with German locals and political leaders alike, I gained a greater understanding of how a once divided nation is making its recovery.

Economic Development 

Prof. Dr. Michael Hüther, Director of the German Economic Institute and Vice Chairman of the Board of Atlantik-Brücke – Social Market Economy

Globalization has long been the driving force behind the growth of Germany’s GDP. Since the end of World War II, Germany has built its financial and institutional infrastructure to support the development of the manufacturing industry. According to Dr. Michael Hüther, manufacturing makes up nearly a quarter of the German economy, about twice the share that manufacturing has in the U. S. economy. Throughout the discussions, I also learned that the German economy can be categorized as a highly developed social market economy. Since its implementation, the social market economy has proven its ability to adapt to changing cultural contexts and societal demands.

Dr. Matthias Roßbach, Head of “Coordination of Federal and European Policy and International Affairs” at the State Chancellery of North-Rhine Westphalia, Berlin Representation – Briefing on Germany’s Political System

North Rhine-Westphalia is a testimony to Germany’s financial and institutional success. The state was created after World War II by merging land formerly owned by Prussia. According to Dr. Matthias Roßbach, Westphalia or as originally known, “The Land of Coal and Steel,” has held strong as Germany’s powerhouse, with the largest economy among its counterparts by GDP.

Education System

Breakfast Roundtable on “Diversity & Intersectionality” 

Our breakfast roundtable discussion on Tuesday morning centered around diversity and intersectionality in the EU. We were joined by experts who helped us navigate the many facets of institutionalism in Germany. While the panelists shared similar perspectives on many issues, niche topics like the privatization of educational institutions in Germany saw varying outlooks. Eduardo, himself a Hertie School student, argued that private institutions only cater to certain socioeconomic demographics, resulting in the wealthy getting wealthier and disincentivizing progress in disadvantaged communities. The German government is internationally renowned for its policy of offering eligible citizens free university education. While the shift to the dependence on government funding was the result of abandoning tuition, which increased enrollment numbers, it has also meant a 10 percent decline in spending per student in the last few years. The OECD reported that the discrepancy in student spending is about $16,895 per year, compared to $27,924 in the United States. Considering the relatively low funding, German universities are seldom near the top of international rankings. While this has some implications, the provision of free education resources in Germany promotes inclusivity and addresses the opportunity gap between diverse demographic groups.

Social Activism 

Discussion on Stakeholder Capitalism with Ruby Au, Head of Ecosia North America

Since its reunification, Germany has put heavy focus on social equality through employee participation and codetermination. These changes have caused some companies to switch to the stakeholder capitalism business model which differs from capitalism in that it attempts to create long-term value not only for shareholders but also for customers, suppliers, employees, communities, and other stakeholders. While the importance of profits and returns is maintained, many corporations have recognized that they will only thrive in the long term if they focus on green growth and climate-neutral production. As a supporter of stakeholder capitalism, Ruby Au believes that serving the interests of all stakeholders, as opposed to only shareholders, is essential to the long-term success of Ecosia.

Fridays for Future

Dinner on Climate & Environment with Friday for Future Activists

German students have long been pioneers in driving societal changes in German culture. One example was the student movement in the 1960s. Among many concerns, protesters in Germany strongly opposed the way Germany was handling its Nazi history. The attempted assassination of student activist Rudi Dutschke is regarded as the formal beginning of the German student movement. Dutschke had previously been labeled an “enemy of the people” in the Axel Springer-owned tabloid newspaper, Bild-Zeitung. Protests were later held outside the Springer offices in response to the shooting. The German student movement would create long lasting changes in German culture and serves as an example of Germany’s response to social activism. The German student movement has since inspired many other students to raise their concerns about systemic issues within Germany. One that is currently making headlines is a youth-led movement that began in August 2018, after 15-year-old Greta Thunberg and other young activists sat in front of the Swedish Parliament every school day for three weeks, to protest the lack of action on the climate crisis. Since its inception, Fridays for Future has garnered international attention and has enlisted the help of over 14,000,000 people in 7,500 cities. For dinner, we were joined by two student activists from the organization to discuss their vision for the future and how we can collaborate to bring it about. Besides investing their valuable school time to organize protests, the students reassured us that they’re also taking small steps daily to create a healthier environment. I was particularly impressed by how the student activists carried their missions throughout all facets of their lives. By adopting environmentally friendly products and habits, we can all do our part to create a better future.

I’ve been able to develop a clearer understanding of how Germans navigate economic development, educational innovations, and social activism.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines progress as “the advancement or development toward a better, more complete, or more modern condition.” As it refers to the development of modern-day societies, progress is made slowly and can take many shapes, but, little by little, a little becomes a lot. In German society, progress has been an active theme for over two decades since the fall of the Berlin Wall. My time in Berlin gave me clarity on topics concerning the social structure of Germany. Through my discussions with subject matter experts, I’ve been able to develop a clearer understanding of how Germans navigate economic development, educational innovations, and social activism.

U.S. Chargé d’Affairs Clark Price welcomed the group to the U.S. Embassy. Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office Michelle Müntefering invited the New Bridge fellows to the at the Federal Foreign Office. Both diplomats took time to discuss foreign affairs with the group.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”November 17, 2021″]

The train ride from Berlin to Wolfsburg in the early morning of November 17 was a highlight already. Many in the group marveled at the efficiency and modernity of the public transportation system in Germany.

Upon arrival in Wolfsburg, they were welcomed at the world-renowned Volkswagen AG. There, the group first discussed German work life, the social partnership model, and the DEI efforts at the company and were then taken on a factory tour. They saw VWs being manufactured, from initially making the body to its completion as a fully-functioning car – it was fascinating! Afterwards, they were invited to lunch at the Autostadt and were able to dive into conversations with VW employees, including an American intern who also shared her personal experiences as an American living and working in Germany.

After another comfortable train ride, the group returned to Berlin and were able to visit the Federal Chancellery. They were welcomed by Deputy Head of the Security Division, Ludwig Blaurock, who not only answered their questions on security and defense matters, but also took them on a brief tour around the Chancellery. It was an unparalleled experience!

In the evening, some of the group made their way to a local Christmas market. There, they indulged in some typical German food (like Currywurst), drank Glühwein, and enjoyed each other’s company. It was a great conclusion to an exciting day.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”November 18, 2021″]

(by D’Seanté Parks, Founder, 1000 MORE)

Munich Security Conference and Discussion on Foreign and Security Policy with Ambassador Boris Ruge

Ambassador Ruge, Vice Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, engaged in a discussion with our group on how the Munich Security Conference interacts with diverse groups in various nations. We discussed how they are engaging with Americans who are aligned with former President Trump. They currently don’t work with external consultants, but have an in-house communications team. In the nations they work in, they are interested in expanding their presence with small offices. They don’t endorse candidates but hope that more diverse candidates will be elected to the foreign relations offices they work with. They are investing in partnerships with governors to strengthen bipartisan relationships. That was a trend that we heard throughout the trip. Diplomacy with America doesn’t only happen at the federal level, foreign governments are working with governors and mayors as well. This helps create stability as the United States transitions through varying presidential administrations.

Diplomacy with America doesn’t only happen at the federal level, foreign governments are working with governors and mayors as well.

Discussion on Refugee Experiences with Salma Jreige, Projektleitung, “Multaka: Treffpunkt Museum – Geflüchtete als Guides in Berliner Museen”

Salma discussed her experience coming to and living in Germany and the work that she does with the Multaka Project. Multaka means meeting point. Fifty percent of newcomers to Germany in 2015 and 2016 were from Syria. The group started with 19 guides giving tours at four museums. The objects in the museums served as bridges. All guides had migration experiences (forced and not). They connected the stories of the objects to their own experiences. The tour guides are authorities on their culture, so they were exercising agency. The program served as a way for communities to get into the culture sphere. Tour guides have diverse backgrounds in the work that they do (law, politics, architecture), so they give very different tours with different perspectives. The tours are free of charge.

We had a great conversation about the use of language and the way we can reframe stories. For example, Salma pointed out that Germany is a country with a history of migration itself, especially when people had to leave in the 19th century due to failed revolutions and economic factors.

Furthermore, beyond reframing stories, we also talked about critically thinking about the way we use words, terms, and labels. For example, “refugee” and “integration” are words the group doesn’t use anymore because integration like assimilation should be a two-way street. Only non-white migrants are asked to integrate or assimilate. Salma noted that Americans often move to Germany to work in start-ups and aren’t made to take German language classes or asked to speak German.

Lastly, on the word “refugee”: instead of saying “refugee,” years ago the group started to say “people who have fled.” However, they stopped using that term because it wasn’t true for all the people in the program. They started using “newcomers,” but now, many of them aren’t so new, as they have been in Germany for years. Now they try to stay away from labels. They say, “people with experience migrating.” “Refugee” is just a type of visa or legal status.

WELT Newsroom and Discussion with Dr. Jan Philipp Burgard, Editor-in-Chief

This was one of my favorite meetings! I work at the intersection of media and politics in America, so all the stops on our trip involving media were especially exciting to me. The first media stop was in D. C. at one of the German public broadcasting station’s foreign offices in the United States. There, I learned something that expanded my perspective of the role of media in society: Germany has a democratically elected body that oversees all public media. This gives the public a certain control over information that America doesn’t have.

WELT is not a public broadcasting station, it’s private, but they technically have to compete with the public stations that answer to the public oversight board. The WELT newsroom is state of the art. We got to see a live broadcast of the evening news – and accidentally were in the studio when the anchor went live!

There is a monitor front and center that displays the viewership in real time, which raised a discussion about how much the outlet values viewership when deciding what news to broadcast. In America, we see a trend of news outlets covering what gets them more ratings, regardless of whether it is responsible journalism. I would love to further explore the trends in Germany, especially since they have a larger public broadcasting presence with a democratically elected oversight board.

Jan Philipp Burgard was great! He has been to lots of American cities throughout his impressive journalistic career. He was very interested in where we were from and the work we were doing. I look forward to keeping in touch with him and all the other wonderful people who were gracious enough to meet with us throughout our trip.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”November 19, 2021″]

(by Anand Raghuraman, Vice President, The Asia Group)

After one week in Germany, the New Bridge Fellows traveled to Belgium on Friday, November 19, navigating early flights and strict COVID testing requirements upon entry into Brussels. For many of us, this was a clear reminder of COVID-19’s presence even in a post-vaccine world. In fact, our visit came as Belgium faced a new surge that would mark the early days of the Omicron variant. Rising caseloads understandably resulted in meeting cancellations during the program’s first day in Belgium, but our group still had great opportunities to engage leading think tank experts and political advisors to European MPs through briefings and a lively lunch discussion.

We first met Mr. Roland Freudenstein, Vice President and Head of GLOBSEC Brussels, who introduced our group to the history of the European Union and the process that led the continent’s leading lights to pursue shared sovereignty. Tracing the arc and origins of the European Coal and Steel Commission and the European Community, Mr. Freudenstein explained how the searing experience of World Wars I and II shaped the thinking of Europe’s post-war leaders. In Germany and France, leaders such as Robert Schuman, Jean Monet, and Konrad Adenauer were willing to take bold measures to resolve longstanding political grievances between their two countries. Frankly, I came away struck by the political courage of these leaders, who were willing to pursue transformational statesmanship rather than repeat the mistakes of the past.

With this historical framing in place, the group moved to a fantastic Belgian restaurant for a lunch discussion on modern EU politics with Mr. Freudenstein and two policy advisors to European MPs. The discussion was spirited and far-ranging. We covered topics from the future of European security, emerging tensions with Russia, transatlantic relations under the Trump administration, and the state of U. S. politics heading into 2022, with several members of our group sharing their perspectives. However, the highlight of this discussion, for me, was hearing and debating ideas related to the migrant crisis facing Europe.

In fact, this was a common theme across all our meetings in Germany and Belgium, with the “migrant crisis” often described as the single greatest challenge facing the continent. Yet our interlocutors in Berlin and Brussels rarely seemed to acknowledge the fact that Europe’s challenge with migration was really two-fold: (1) political and logistical, in terms of dealing with the large number of migrants and providing adequate social and economic support, but also (2) ideological and cultural, with some Europeans fearing that an influx of Muslim migrants would fundamentally change the national character and values of their respective states.

I think all of us (including our speakers!) benefited from the opportunity to test ideas and perspectives.

Our group debated both of these points, and the conversation – animated throughout and contentious at times – was one of my favorite memories from the trip. It was a great example of the tough conversations that arise when diverse voices participate in the transatlantic discourse, and I think all of us (including our speakers!) benefited from the opportunity to test ideas and perspectives. Best of all was the fact that our waiter – a local political science graduate – found the conversation so interesting that he stayed on to listen in, keeping his popcorn at the ready!

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”November 20, 2021″]

November 20 was to be the group’s last full day in Europe. After all of the programming during the last week, they enjoyed a day on their own. A day of roaming through the streets of Brussels, enjoying its chocolates and waffles, finding the last souvenirs to bring back home, and soaking up the culture. Everyone reconvened in the evening for a farewell dinner. While the group members felt sad to know that they only had one evening left, it was incredible to see how much everyone had grown – both personally and as a group. During such a short time, they had become committed to transatlantic relations, and had also become family.

[/toggle]

[toggle title=”November 21, 2021″]

And here it was, the final day. Everyone said their farewells at the airport and left with memories, new friends, and plans to stay connected – with each other, with Atlantik-Brücke, and with the transatlantic community in general.

[/toggle]

Der Beitrag Reflections on the New Bridge Program erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

New Bridge is an exclusive study program with a focus on diverse young American professionals underrepresented in the transatlantic community. The first group visited Berlin, Wolfsburg and Brussels in October 2021, with a kick-off in Washington, D.C.. The group had a chance to engage in an interdisciplinary exchange on transatlantic relations, discuss topics ranging from foreign policy, to finance, migration, climate, racial equality and many others. Stay tuned to hear more from the participants of the first cohort!

Learn more about the program here.

Der Beitrag Inside the New Bridge Program erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

[related]During the launch of Atlantik-Brücke’s New Bridge Program, Sigmar Gabriel emphasized: “With the New Bridge Program, we want to awaken interest in Europe, especially among those who do not already have strong connections here. The U.S. is extremely diverse. It is high time that this is also reflected in transatlantic relations.”

In addition to the Atlantik-Brücke Chairman, program participants also got a chance to speak, discussing their personal journeys, as well as their hopes for the trip and transatlantic relations.

Kelly Carter, New Bridge program participant from Chicago, highlighted her personal story: “I come from very humble beginnings…there was nothing in the statistical data that would indicate that someone like me would go on to have a thriving career in tax, become a law professor and arts education advocate. In spite of this success the notion of building relationships with other leaders across the Atlantic seemed rather foreign to me.” She stressed that she has come to realize  how important it is to make the case to all Americans and Europeans, on the basis of both common values and interest, for continued strong transatlantic relations. An especially important issue for the transatlantic partners, she said, was to highlight people of color and migrants, the roles they play, and the issues they face.

A panel discussion featuring Michael Werz, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress and member of the Atlantik-Brücke Board of Directors, and Nina Hachigian, Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of International Affairs and member of the New Bridge Program Advisory Board, addressed the importance of diversity for transatlantic relations.

The program is supported by the German Federal Foreign Office. Starting in 2022, it will also be supported by the Joachim Herz Foundation.

Der Beitrag More Diversity: Rethinking Transatlantic Relations erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

The visit started with a dinner with senior journalists and political representatives at the invitation of Atlantik-Brücke board member Michael Werz, where current political developments in the US and Europe were discussed. The conversation focused in particular on the question of how transatlantic cooperation in the area of climate and energy policy can be strengthened. In addition to the issue of carbon taxation, it was debated how global financial instruments and investment strategies can help to quickly achieve the ambitious climate targets that the USA and Europe have set for themselves.

Sigmar Gabriel, board member Michael Werz, and David Deißner also met with Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX), a member of the New Bridge advisory board, and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) to discuss ways to promote diversity in foreign policy exchange. New Bridge’s kick-off meeting with partner organizations provided additional impulses on how to include minority voices in the transatlantic dialogue.

A luncheon at the residency of German Ambassador Dr. Emily Haber in cooperation with the American Council on Germany was dedicated to discussing current challenges in transatlantic cooperation and in particular the question of a transatlantic strategy vis-à-vis China.

Transatlantic challenges and joint strategies, in particular when it comes to China, Russia, and the Middle East, were also topics during high-level meetings at the US Department of State. Atlantik-Brücke’s aim of diversifying and renewing US-European relations in order to include new groups that have not previously been involved in transatlantic dialogue were received with great appreciation.

At the National Security Council, meetings with Senior Directors provided further insights into the administration’s transatlantic economic and foreign policy agenda, among them the US-EU Trade and Technology Council. Focus topics of the conversation included the transatlantic regulatory framework for data transfer, cyber risk mitigation, and ways to work together to preserve election integrity.

A rooftop reception with Young Leader Alumni from both Atlantik-Brücke and the American Council on Germany rounded off the trip.

Der Beitrag Strengthening Old Ties and Creating New Ones erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

The significance of diversity in transatlantic exchange — with regards to ethnicity and race, but also differing professional backgrounds or regions within the US — has been largely overlooked. In order to establish long-lasting ties with the United States, however, it is essential that a broad range of voices joins the conversation between Europe and the United States. Our new program is therefore tailored to those young American professionals with little or no prior contact with Europe.

To create a program that is truly relevant and impactful, we cooperate with a network of experts. Atlantik-Brücke Chairman Sigmar Gabriel and Executive Director David Deißner travelled to Washington, DC, for a kick-off meeting with our partner organizations this week. The meeting was also an opportunity to reveal the initial findings of a qualitative focus group study conducted to learn about the interests and wishes of our target group.

The 10-day-program will be conducted multiple times a year. The delegation of participants will travel to Berlin and Brussels, where they will meet with high-ranking officials and decision-makers from critical sectors, visit key government, business, and cultural sites, and engage with their European counterparts, both professionally and socially. After completing the program, participants will be integrated into an alumni network with additional events and opportunities for continued exchange.

The participants, diverse professionals from all fields between the ages of 25 and 35, will be nominated by our partner organizations. The first two groups will be visiting Europe this fall. We are excited to connect with a new generation of Americans.

The program is co-funded by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office.

Der Beitrag Building the New Bridge Program erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..