Young Leaders Program Archive - Atlantik-Brücke e.V.

What Colorado’s Town Halls Reveal about the Transatlantic Bond

Mateusz Borkowski — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:26:58 +0000

By Kati Schneider, Young Leaders Alumna 2026

When watching transatlantic relations today, one is inevitably glued to the big political stage. In the spotlight: U.S. President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The plot: every handshake in the Oval Office, scrutinized for whether diplomatic flattery will immediately be followed by the next public swipe. Observers endlessly debate whether common ground can still be found on Ukraine or tariffs. And what it means when the American president, responding to German criticism over Iran, publicly tells the Chancellor to focus on “fixing his broken country” instead.

Throughout Trump’s second term, conflicts like these have fueled the narrative that the transatlantic partnership is hanging by a thread. Let alone his earlier rhetoric about seizing Greenland and openly unsettling NATO ally Denmark. Yet, as in any theater play, the lead actors do not make up the entire ensemble. Behind and beside the main stage, countless other players sustain the performance and turn it into a cohesive whole. How effectively this ensemble collaborates far away from Washington and Berlin becomes strikingly apparent some 1,500 miles west of the U.S. capital. At the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

German companies are investing in the United States at near-record levels.

[related]At the Atlantik-Brücke Young Leaders Conference 2026, 50 leaders from Germany and the United States gathered in the Mile High City of Denver, discovering a far more nuanced and decidedly more optimistic reality of German American relations. Particularly on an economic level. While the constant threat of new tariffs unsettles European exporters, German companies are responding with a tangible counterstrategy: they are investing in the United States at near-record levels, as business leaders highlighted during a panel discussion at the Denver Art Museum with the Young Leaders.

To bypass tariffs and secure a presence in the world’s largest market, companies are expanding their footprint across the Atlantic. In the Denver metropolitan area, they find a contrast to the challenges back home, where soaring energy costs and suffocating bureaucracy frequently stall progress. Colorado, by contrast, offers a can-do spirit alongside hard location factors: 30 national research laboratories pioneering hubs in AI, quantum computing or aerospace and a highly professional talent pool. This exchange is actively supported on the ground by initiatives like the Bavarian Guild, born out of the Munich–Denver economic partnership to connect entrepreneurs and investors on a local level. When the city hosts the Denver Wiesn in autumn or its traditional Christkindlmarkt in winter, the deep connection between economic ties and cultural community becomes tangible. The takeaway seems clear: stop concentrating on what happens in Washington and simply get to work.

Local governments simply shoulder the load so that everyday life keeps running. Driven by a quality that has become all but extinct on the federal level: unyielding pragmatism.

But this boom succeeds, among other reasons, because the suburbs surrounding Denver make it possible. During a session with seven regional mayors, it quickly becomes evident that rapid growth brings challenges to the local level. Housing has become scarce and expensive, pricing out young talents, police officers, and teachers alike. Meanwhile, AI data centers demand enormous amounts of electricity and water in a region that has struggled with drought for years. The major reservoirs of the Colorado River system sit at barely a quarter of their capacity in August, a reality Young Leaders could witness firsthand during a whitewater rafting tour. And because more people are shopping online, large malls sit empty, costing cities the crucial local sales tax revenues they rely on.But in these suburbs, too, local leaders act quickly and look for real solutions. Abandoned malls are turned into new residential neighborhoods together with private developers. And when dealing with tech firms, cities negotiate water consumption and, if needed, put temporary building stops in place to set clear rules for power and water — without scaring companies away. Local governments simply shoulder the load so that everyday life keeps running. Driven by a quality that has become all but extinct on the federal level: unyielding pragmatism.

Because local American politics is far more than an ideological trench fight between Republicans and Democrats. “Potholes are neither red nor blue,” as one mayor pointedly remarked. At the regional mayors’ council, local leaders — many of them officially non-partisan but spanning both political spectrums — sit around a table, speak plainly and agree on compromises. Political polarization across the United States may be as real as ever. Yet on the local level, people quietly get on with fixing the things that actually shape daily life.

And this is perhaps one of the most vital takeaways of this conference for the Young Leaders. That genuine dialogue is still possible. And that the transatlantic bond is far more resilient than federal politics suggest. It is not sustained by summits and Truth Social posts alone. Anyone seeking to understand where German American relations truly stand should not concentrate solely on the next handshake in the Oval Office. Instead, look to where the foundation is actually built. In corporate headquarters and factory floors, in neighborhoods and town halls. Driven by people. Because thewell-known principle still holds true. All politics is — and economics may be — local.

Kati Schneider is editor audio and host of “F.A.Z. Podcast für Deutschland” and of “F.A.Z. Machtprobe – der Auslandspodcast”. She is Young Leaders Alumna 2026 from the Atlantik-Brücke.

For more insights from our Young Leaders, watch the video below.

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Crises, Compromise, and Karaoke: Inside the 2026 Young Leaders Conference

Mateusz Borkowski — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:14:55 +0000

By Derek J. Arthur, Young Leaders Alumnus 2026

Over the course of six days in Denver, Colorado, a group of young Europeans and Americans confronted every major problem facing transatlantic relations today; and in one spirited working session after another, fixed them all. The end.

Kidding, of course.

Despite our motivation and professional accomplishments, I do not believe any of the fifty attendees of the 2026 Atlantik-Brücke German-American Young Leaders Conference were naive enough to think that in under a week, we would put any dent in the immense challenges caused by a shifting global order, the uneasiness of artificial intelligence, threats to NATO, or the loss of trust among historical allies. What we did do, instead, was voice our pessimism.

In an exercise on our first full day, we organized ourselves along an axis based on our feelings about the state of transatlantic relations. If most optimistic was a 10 on a scale, I put myself just above a 6. To me, the long-standing issues facing the transatlantic alliance have been exacerbated by the current administration. But I believed, as I imagine many on the optimistic side did, that although the relationship will likely have to take on a new form and there will be wounds to recover from, we will survive.

So I was caught off guard to see not just the number of people on the pessimistic side, but that the majority of them were European. I wondered if my optimism was naive, and I knew I was not the only one. An American policy advisor and fellow optimist expressed dismay that despite all their work trying to develop relationships, the European counterparts they deal with on a daily basis may also actually be feeling as cynical as those on the other side of the hotel event space.

“The US develops its own defense capabilities, keeping Europe at arms length”

By the end, we Germans and Americans (and one dapper Dane and a lovely Pole) did not in fact save transatlantic relations. If anything, we unearthed new concerns — rarely the recipe for renewed optimism. Dr. Malte Schmiedling, a Senior Policy Advisor on AI in Health for the German Federal Ministry of Health, and a member of my cohort, had originally taken a middle position on the scale. But after a tour and presentation at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), a world-renowned space science research facility, he slouched to a pessimistic 3 or 4. Dr. Schmiedling observed that even as the US develops its own defense capabilities, it was keeping Europe at arms length, ultimately sidelining a strong ally. But even as Europe is finding its footing in this unequal partnership, he noted that his pessimism is not yet at 0. “It can still go much worse,” he added cheekily.

Problems felt on both sides of the Atlantic

The tenor of the week was not all pessimism and frustration, though. The diverse range of panel discussions allowed experts to share their thoughts about problems felt on both sides of the Atlantic. In a panel on immigration policy, lawyers spoke about navigating the influx of migrants into Denver for nearly two years, starting from late 2022. During that time, the city took in over forty thousand migrants, among the highest per capita of cities in the US. To support the asylum seekers awaiting work authorization — and avoid creating a larger homeless situation — Denver implemented a program that provided rent-free housing, legal assistance and workforce training.

In another session with The Metro Mayor Caucus, a bipartisan group of mayors from the Denver area who collaborate to find solutions for their communities, the local leaders also shared their insights from their on-the-ground efforts in addressing the migrant surge. Germany’s own crisis of asylum seekers nearly a decade prior also came up as a case study. I was struck by the innovation the panelists showed —- paying for tickets to relocate migrants to places where they had family, for example —- but also by the costs. According to one mayor, that meant cutting nearly $50 million dollars from their city budget and several hundred layoffs, all while dealing with the day-to-day responsibilities of “police, parks and potholes.”

“My big takeaway is that we all have issues,” one mayor said. “And I think we all have solutions,” he continued. “But we won’t know what those issues are or what those solutions might be if we don’t talk to each other, ask questions and be willing to listen.”

I enjoyed getting to know my cohort. These current and future leaders are well-informed, nuanced in their analyses, curious and willing to listen. It is why I still felt a certain optimism by the end of the week. Beyond their professional credentials, though, I learned that they were also funny, competitive and some of the most enthusiastic karaoke buddies on either side of the Atlantic. My German comrades: I will be practicing “Skandal Im Sperrbezirk” for the next time we meet!

For more insights from our Young Leaders, watch the video below:

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“Bridging Leadership Across Borders”

b.wild — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:26:31 +0000

The 46th German-American Young Leaders Conference of Atlantik-Brücke e.V. was held at Schloss Neuhardenberg in Brandenburg from August 9 to 15, bringing together 50 young leaders from across the United States and Germany. What promised to be an exceptional week of interaction, discussion, and connection to foster the transatlantic relationship proved to be a transformative experience for the 2025 cohort, both professionally and personally. This year’s cohort has explored some of the topics covered at this year’s conference in this report. Swipe through the photo gallery to see impressions of the conference and the cohort.

By Antonia Howaldt and Jason Drouyor

Setting the stage for collaboration

After a warm welcome by Julia Friedlander, CEO of the Atlantik-Brücke and her team Tobias Luthe, Head of the Young Leaders Program & Deputy Director of Programs, Louise Lüdke, Program Manager and Franka Ellman, Director of Programs and Transatlantic Partnerships, the conference opened with remarks from Prof. Dr. Michael Hüther, Director and Member of the Presidium of the German Economic Institute and Deputy Chairman of Atlantik-Brücke e.V. He addressed the evolving balance of hard and soft power, the strategic ambiguity of the Trump administration, the exhaustion of globalization, and the farewell to the post–Cold War international security and trade orders. He also spoke about the role of China, Germany’s Zeitenwende, and how debt brake reform enables increased defense investments, strengthening Germany and the EU as more independent allies. Prof. Hüther highlighted the tensions globalization has created, with both winners and those left behind fueling political polarization—as seen in the rise of AfD voters in Germany and Trump supporters in rural America.

Managing these tensions while preserving democratic self-determination remains, he emphasized, a central challenge of our time.

On the first full day, participants engaged in scenario sessions, envisioning best- and worst-case futures for Germany and the United States in 2030. With a realistic eye toward economics, politics, security, technology, society, and the environment, these sessions provided a valuable framework for understanding what is at stake in the years ahead and for identifying opportunities that could be seized through cooperation and innovation.

This year’s conference also brought back several Young Leaders alumni as guest speakers to engage with pressing questions of our time. Karsten Uhlmann (YL 2003), Managing Director of Frankfurter Brauhaus GmbH and Member of the Board of Atlantik-Brücke, gave a personal account of entrepreneurship and resilience in Eastern Germany in his talk “Beyond Berlin – Founding and Growing Businesses in East Germany.” He shared his story of growing up in communist East Berlin, experiencing the Fall of the Wall, purchasing the German brewery Frankfurter Brauhaus in 2003 with a friend, expanding it, later navigating the challenges of rising energy prices and eventually the global expansion including opening a German brewery in Charlotte, USA. The discussion also addressed the evolving political landscape in Eastern Germany, focusing on the lingering sense of marginalization and incomplete integration decades after reunification.

His reflections underscored how business, politics, and history remain closely intertwined in shaping the opportunities of today. Paula Cipierre (YL 2024), Global Head of Privacy at HCL Tech, shared insights on regulating artificial intelligence, balancing innovation with ethics, and the challenge of establishing global standards. A specific focus was given to delivering a comparative analysis of German/EU and U.S. AI governance approaches, highlighting Germany’s coordination through the EU AI Act and the U.S.’s executive-driven, principle-based strategy. Her analysis highlighted the continuing work that is needed in AI governance in the years ahead. Dr. Max Krahé (YL 2022), Co-Founder and Research Director, together with Dr. Florian Schuster-Johnson, Head of Growth and Budget Lab at Dezernat Zukunft, also visited to outline Germany’s economic and fiscal Zeitenwende, exploring both opportunities and trade-offs. Discussions across these sessions encouraged participants to critically assess how transatlantic cooperation can respond to shifting geopolitical and technological realities.

The program also offered opportunities to engage directly with experts shaping Germany’s political and security landscape. In a session on “Germany’s Army in Transition: Planning, Progress, and Pressure,” Colonel Karsten Struß, Head of the Strategic Management Division at the Bundeswehr, shared insights into the modernization of Germany’s armed forces, the pressures of adapting to new security realities, and the challenges of balancing planning with implementation. Complementing this, Claudia Kade, Head of the Politics Department at Die WELT, provided her commentary on the first 100 days of the new coalition and discussed the impact of algorithmic news consumption, as well as its role in shaping media reporting.

From policy debates to cultural immersion

Beyond the Schloss, participants traveled to Berlin for a series of immersive visits that blended policy dialogue with cultural exchange.

[related] At the Edge East Side Tower, Antonia Bruhn, Senior Public Policy Manager DACH, Amazon Web Services (AWS), provided an overview on cloud computing in the age of (digital) sovereignty and its geopolitical implications. Clemens John, Public Policy Manager for Digital & Devices, delivered a briefing on broadband expansion through Project Kuiper, Amazon’s low-earth-orbit satellite broadband network, designed to provide fast and affordable broadband connectivity to underserved communities worldwide. Afra Gloria Müller, Corporate Affairs Manager, reported on Amazon’s current local community engagement programs in Berlin and DACH region, including KiezLab, offering free working space to the local Berlin community. These discussions at Amazon underscored how global enterprises can contribute locally while addressing international challenges in connectivity and data governance.

Siemtje Möller (YL 2018), Member of the Bundestag (SPD), Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader, and former Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Defense under Chancellor Scholz 2021-2025, highlighted the challenges Germany faces in closing the gap between political ambition and defense preparedness, the difficult trade-offs required to strengthen capabilities, and the implications for transatlantic security cooperation. A Young Leader herself, she has also shared memories on the 2018 YL Conference, where she chaired a group session with Julia Friendlander on Western defense (or German defense). The following visit to the Bundestag provided both historical perspectives and contemporary insights about the Reichstag building, the structure of Germany’s coalition-based parliamentary system, and how the Bundestag is shaping Germany’s leadership role in Europe.

When visiting the Federal Chancellery, we deepened our understanding of the Chancellor’s pivotal role in guiding national policy and strengthening transatlantic cooperation. This visit included a discussion on the transatlantic relationship and European Policy with Jacob Schrot (YL 2022), Chief of Staff to the Chancellor, and Ole Funke, Group Lead at the Federal Chancellery. They provided their insights into Germany’s priorities within the EU and the importance of aligning European and transatlantic strategies.

Their remarks emphasized the need for strong coordination in addressing shared geopolitical challenges and underscored the role of the Chancellery in shaping Germany’s contribution to European leadership and transatlantic unity.

The cultural immersion culminated in a visit with Christian Awe, Artist and Painter, and a discussion on the Berlin art scene in his Berlin studio. His monumental painting Encounter, located in the heart of Berlin beside the Holocaust Memorial, offered a striking example of the exhaustive planning and vision required to realize such a large-scale project while preserving its balance of abstraction and photorealism. For participants, the artwork underscored how the intersection of art, history, and public space can serve as a catalyst for dialogue. In this context, cultural exchange was highlighted as a vital force in strengthening democratic resilience and deepening the bonds of transatlantic cooperation.

Collaborative outcomes

In seven different World Café sessions, participants engaged in small groups to discuss current transatlantic challenges, ranging from an Oxford debate-style to an informal “ask-me-anything” format. Topics included:

Fakes, Hacks, and Influence – Cyber Threats and the Fight for Narrative Control
From Growth to Geopolitics – How Venture Capital Is Being Redefined in a Fragmented World
Decoupling or Interdependence – Competing with China in a Tech-Driven World
Deterrence by Design – Building Credible Western Defense Capabilities for Modern Conflicts
Rebuilding Trust – How to Lead within Integrity, Accountability, and Vision
Beyond the Pitch – Operating, Scaling, and Thriving as a Young Company
Power Shift – How to Lead the Global Energy Transition

The World Café sessions served as a springboard for sharing ideas that would later support the participants’ efforts in their respective working groups.

Throughout the week, working groups served as incubators for actionable ideas to strengthen and modernize the transatlantic partnership. Rather than treating defense, technology, trade, and regional alliances as isolated challenges, the groups approached them as interconnected pieces of a broader strategic framework. Participants left with insightful takeaways:

AI Crossroads: Innovations, Ethics & Global Governance in a World of Strategic Rivalry – Participants discussed the regulation of cross-cutting AI risks, emphasizing the need for standardized safety norms and effective mechanisms to address ethical, security, and misuse concerns. The group considered various approaches, including leveraging existing international forums, establishing a new multi-stakeholder body similar to the IAEA model in the nuclear sector, or pursuing international agreements akin to the Paris Call in climate policy. The overarching goal was to advance AI governance in a way that promotes both international collaboration and innovation.
Hard Power, New Realities: NATO, Ukraine, and the Future of Collective Western Defense – Participants worked to craft innovative policy recommendations to strengthen transatlantic security, including proposals for a greater transatlantic alignment on addressing security challenges posed by China, an increased leadership role for Europe when working towards a sustainable peace in Ukraine, and innovative financing mechanisms to support European rearmament.
The New Politics of Trade: Supply Chains, Sovereignty & Global Power Shifts – The working group identified challenges in international trade and economics, focusing on how transatlantic partners could expand their cooperation to address them. Key topics included security risks, externalities related to the rise of non-market economies and practices, as well as the domestic socio-economic impact of trade policy. Participants concluded that further escalation of trade barriers seemed the most likely scenario in the near term. Still, they highlighted the need for deliberate and strategic efforts to ensure free and open trade principles remain a leading objective in the newly evolving trade environment.
A Strategic Partnership? Evolving the Transatlantic Bond Beyond Nostalgia – The group focused on opportunities to modernize the historic transatlantic alliance to one that appeals to both the historic shared values and today’s transactional interests. The group proposed Germany and the United States establish a bilateral vocational apprenticeship program, a commercial shipbuilding repair and recycling scheme, and an energy resiliency initiative for German investment to support U.S. energy diversification.

By outlining concrete initiatives—complete with implementation strategies, resource planning, and stakeholder engagement—the working groups demonstrated how coordinated action can amplify collective strength, enhance adaptability, and promote leadership across borders.

A very special fireside collaborative session was hosted towards the end of the program to discuss leadership qualities and what it meant to be a leader. Four young leaders of the group shared their personal reflections and experiences with leadership. Having met and seen so many Atlantik Brücke Young Leaders alumni in leadership positions, this discussion took on a whole new meaning as the 2025 program came to a close.

A lasting impact

The conference concluded with reflections on key takeaways and a farewell dinner at Neuhardenberg Airport. The week reinforced the value of embracing diverse perspectives, challenging assumptions, and translating dialogue into actionable initiatives. Participants departed with strengthened transatlantic bonds, renewed commitment to shared democratic values, a new network and friendships, and the belief that leadership is defined not just by the ability to navigate change—but to lead it.

Der Beitrag “Bridging Leadership Across Borders” erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

AI: Consider not only the risks, but also the benefits

Pia Kauer — Fri, 23 May 2025 09:15:03 +0000

On Tuesday, May 20th, Microsoft and Atlantik-Brücke brought together their alumni networks – Microsoft’s Young Professionals, and Atlantik-Brücke’s Young Leaders and New Bridge Alumni – at a joint event held at Microsoft’s Digital Eatery. Young Leaders alumnus and MP Armand Zorn (SPD) and Nooshin Soltani, Cybersecurity and Digital Policy Officer at the US Embassy in Germany, discussed the future of transatlantic cooperation in the technology sector. The discussion was moderated by New Bridge alumn and journalist Azade Pesmen, and Jennifer Pernau, Senior Manager of Government Affairs at Microsoft Germany. Our alumni and fellows took full advantage of the fishbowl format, contributing critical questions and comments to the discussion. The evening ended with drinks and the opportunity to make new acquaintances.

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..

Young Leaders Alumni Day 2025

Pia Kauer — Mon, 19 May 2025 13:29:44 +0000

Following the traditional German-American Conference, the Atlantik-Brücke, together with its sister organization the American Council on Germany, hosted the second edition of the Young Leaders Alumni Day. After a successful launch of our new series in Hamburg last fall, this year’s program took our alumni on an insightful journey through Berlin – offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access and engaging discussions.

The day began with a private tour of Deutsche Bahn’s ICE Maintenance Facility in Berlin-Rummelsburg, a key operational hub in the company’s high-speed railway system. We explored current transformations in mobility and discussed the future of rail transport in Germany, before heading into the maintenance hall for a unique look at day-to-day operations.

Next, the group visited the economic think tank Dezernat Zukunft – Institute for Macrofinance. Our Young Leader Alumnus Max Krahé, Co-Founder & Research Director, and Florian Schuster-Johnson, Head of the Growth & Budget Lab, introduced us to their innovative work here in Berlin and led a thought-provoking discussion on the future of Germany’s economy.

We concluded the day at Axel Springer SE with insights into the company’s digital strategy and a tour of the BILDnewsroom – still Germany’s largest daily newspaper. The evening culminated in a wonderful dinner and stunning views from the exclusive Journalisten-Club in the heart of city, offering alumni the chance to reconnect and deepen transatlantic ties across industries and generations.

Der Beitrag Young Leaders Alumni Day 2025 erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Deep-Dive into Hamburg’s Innovative Work with Young Leaders Alumni

Lea Berger — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 11:58:57 +0000

Insights from the Young Leaders Program Alumni Day.

After celebrating the Young Leaders Program’s 50th anniversary last year, Atlantik-Brücke was excited to host a full Alumni Day in 2024, designed to strengthen the sense of community and create space for new connections within the network. The day was packed with insightful experiences and discussions, offering a deep dive into the innovative work happening in the Hamburg region.

Our journey began just outside the city at Jungheinrich AG, a key player in the intralogistics sector. Alumni enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of one of their major production facilities in Germany, followed by engaging conversations with board members on topics such as automation, production techniques, sustainable corporate growth, and the evolving global markets.

In the afternoon, the group headed to the Otto Campus in Hamburg to explore the ongoing digital transformation of one of Germany’s iconic brands. Tarek Müller, Co-Founder of AboutYou, and Christian Leybold, Founding Partner at Headline, shared insights into their approaches to digitalization, innovation, and market leadership, sparking lively discussions among the participants.

The day concluded in a wonderful reception at Hapag-Lloyd AG in the heart of Hamburg, where alumni from various generations and sectors seized the opportunity to network. Undoubtedly, the evening’s highlight was a panel featuring three notable alumni – Dr. Edelgard Bulmahn, Dr. Anne-Marie Großmann, and Cihan Sügür – who shared personal stories about their career paths and leadership lessons, setting the stage for continued conversation throughout the evening.

Der Beitrag Deep-Dive into Hamburg’s Innovative Work with Young Leaders Alumni erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Young Leaders Conference 2024: “Why follow when you can lead?”

b.wild — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 14:37:48 +0000

Courageous leadership in a multipolar world, transatlantic partnership in the 21st century, and the
transformation of industrial and societal ecosystems – these were some of the topics explored at the
German-American Young Leaders Conference in Detroit, Michigan, United States, from August 10-16,
2024. Report on the Young Leaders Conference 2024 by Felix Bauch, Linn Bieske, and Bastian Schneider.

For the 45th edition of Atlantik-Brücke’s flagship program, 18 Americans and 29 Germans from diverse
fields, including government, corporate, startups, and media, came together in Detroit to embrace varied
perspectives, forge new connections across disciplines, industries, and continents, discuss the pressing
issues of our time, and constructively challenge the status quo.

Considering implications of geopolitical shifts for Germany and the US

After an immersive get-together on the arrival day, the first days of the conference focused on developing
and discussing political, economic, and social scenarios for a world in 2029, considering potential
geopolitical shifts and their implications for Germany and the US in particular. Several breakout sessions
provided an in-depth analysis of potential futures for Germany and the US, emphasizing the importance of
strategic foresight in anticipating and navigating complex global challenges. Following this, eminent
leaders from academia, the economy, and state politics provided insights into political and economic trends
in Michigan and the broader Midwest, as well as Michigan’s significance as a swing state in the upcoming
presidential election.

[related] Further discussions centered on developing a transatlantic perspective on pressing political, economic, and social questions that are expected to gain importance in the coming years. Regarding technological disruption, managing AI and balancing innovation with regulation for business, security, and society was identified as a key issue. In discussions on how to strengthen democracy and social cohesion in Germany and the US, the group proposed various tangible measures, such as investing in local and balanced journalism, funding exchange programs, promoting media education, and incentivizing community-building activities or civil service for young people.

Another group focused on exploring Western security strategies against rising authoritarian powers, proposing periodic military-to-military engagements to encourage European and Indo-Pacific military observers to attend US and allied joint military exercises.

“Conversations touched on transatlantic cooperation on clean energy and sustainability”

From a diplomatic perspective, further approaches included encouraging more diplomatic engagement to
support Ukraine and Taiwan across both regions. On the economic front, the discussions advocated for
greater resistance against monopolistic behaviors and corruption. In terms of geo-economic statecraft in
21st-century innovation, key proposals included establishing a US-European semiconductor research
institute, enhancing partnerships with the Global South, such as through infrastructure investments, and
fostering digital cultural youth exchanges. Other deep conversations touched on transatlantic cooperation
on clean energy and sustainability, sharing lessons on migration, and investing for stability and prosperity
in the Global South.

Field trips to Detroit’s inner city

After these two days of intense and thought-provoking discussions, the group embarked on several field
trips to Detroit’s inner city. First-hand insights into the revitalization of Detroit’s urban core, its reinvention
as America’s automotive capital, and its ongoing transformation into a vibrant hub for startups and
technological innovation thoroughly reshaped our perspectives on the city that long stood as a symbol of
the decline of the US industrial heartland.

Another dimension was added with a closer look at Detroit’s cooperation with its Canadian neighbor, the city of Windsor. The diversity of the greater Detroit area and the critical role of its Arab-American communities in the upcoming presidential elections were discussed with the Arab-American mayors of Dearborn and Hamtramck. A visit to the world-renowned Ford Rouge Factory complex marked the beginning of the fifth conference day and provided the group with not only a glimpse into the complex’s century-spanning history but also a close-up observation of modern-day assembly line production.

“UAW president Shawn Fain delivered an impressive report on the association’s work”

As a counterpart and complement, the next appointment led the group to the United Auto Workers labor union, where UAW president Shawn Fain delivered an impressive report on the association’s work and the 2023 strike against the Big Three automakers, which gained national attention and resulted in record concessions for auto workers across America. A guided tour through a revitalized quarter of the city and a dinner hosted by a renowned couple of art collectors concluded the day, leaving the Young Leaders with a lasting impression of Detroit’s hands-on mentality as well as the diversity and richness of African-American art and culture in the city.

An expert panel on Detroit’s and Michigan’s role as a hub for life sciences opened the final day of the
conference, highlighting the importance of transatlantic cooperation, particularly in research. Following
this, two US Air Force generals shared their experiences on sustainability, resilience, and readiness,
providing valuable advice on leadership in an increasingly complex environment. Further expert
discussions on supply chain resilience, the use of AI in fintech, and Detroit’s outstanding role in music
completed three days of immersive field trips and gave us significant final impressions of a city we will
never see in the same light again.

The experience throughout one week of programming, discussions, and immersive activities was nothing
short of transformative. From on-site visits to engaging with local journalists, state senators, investors,
entrepreneurs, and artists, the program offered a deep dive into the remarkable urban renewal of Detroit’s
metropolitan area. The group witnessed firsthand how a courageous investment community, committed
business and policy representatives, fearless community leaders, and inspiring cultural thought leaders
came together to drive a profound transformation of the city’s economic and social ecosystem. At the same
time, we immersed ourselves in the political and societal landscape of a key swing state leading up to the
presidential election in November.

Key takeaway: Embracing diverse perspectives

The key takeaway of the conference was evident to all attendees: Embracing diverse perspectives and
engaging with peers who constructively challenge one’s thinking and offer fresh insights is among the most
rewarding and enriching experiences. As leaders in business ecosystems, societies, and democracies on
both sides of the Atlantic, we can achieve more when we understand each other, adopt each other’s
perspectives, and partner closely. At the heart of it all are shared values, joint ambitions, commitment, and
curiosity to lead through continuous change in an ever-evolving world, rather than just following the pack.
Here’s to the new friendships, broadened perspectives, and shared commitment to shaping a brighter future!

Der Beitrag Young Leaders Conference 2024: “Why follow when you can lead?” erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..

Engaging in conversations, exploring solutions, forming friendships

r.fehrenbach — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:02:47 +0000

This year’s German-American Young Leaders Conference of Atlantik-Brücke was held at Schloss Neuhardenberg in Brandenburg from August 12-18, as the program celebrated its 50^th anniversary. In addition to a thought-provoking week filled with discussions on a broad array of topics relevant to the transatlantic partnership, this year’s cohort was fortunate to experience an alumni reunion with Young Leaders from programs across the 50 years.

by Ryan Millerick and Hubertus Riedesel Freiherr zu Eisenbach

What matters

Over the course of the week, we had the opportunity to hear from a plethora of diverse, high-level leaders across many disciplines. The list of esteemed guest speakers even included three Ministers/Ministers of State from the current government. In addition, we spent two days at the epicenter of German power and politics in Berlin with various onsite visits.

[related]Already on the first evening, the group had the pleasure of welcoming Minister Klara Geywitz. She not only shared remarks on urban development and participated in a discussion on what the US and Germany can learn from each other, but also took time to connect with us Young Leaders over dinner. This set the stage for the intensely packed and high-caliber days to follow.

Throughout the week we engaged in deep conversations with experts on critical current topics. Colonel Jill Long shared her perspective on leadership through her experience in the US Air Force. Prof. Dr. Andreas Dombret, former member of the Board of the German Bundesbank, shared his thoughts on the “Three I’s: Invasion, Inflation and Interest rates”, sparking vivid conversations on global economic structures. Dr. Mareike Ohlberg offered her insights and expertise on China strategies, highlighting the need for transatlantic cooperation. A further session focused on Germany’s “Zeitenwende” and the state of the German military with Colonel Frank Reiser and LTC Sebastian Bley from the German Army Headquarters. It was a pleasure to discuss matters of transatlantic and international security in such an open and trusting atmosphere. Another dialogue on voter identity was led by journalist Martin Klingst, who has spent extended time interviewing Trump voters in the US and AfD voters in Germany.

The first of two day trips to Berlin began with a visit to the AI Campus of Merantix in Berlin, where we learned about visionary startup ideas who are leveraging the potential of AI. Later, at the Federal Chancellery, we had a thorough discussion with Minister Wolfgang Schmidt, who shared intimate insights on his day-to-day work in German politics, as well as his view on current transatlantic and global challenges. As if this wasn’t enough, we also got to visit the ARD Capital Studio and met with Tina Hassel, who provided her own perspective on some of the topics we addressed in the Chancellery. What a great way to compare notes, contrast perspectives on current issues and see the media at work.

The second day in Berlin began directly in the seat of German democracy at the Bundestag. Minister of State in the Federal Foreign Office Dr. Tobias Lindner, a Young Leader himself, engaged in a lively discourse with us about both the transatlantic partnership as well as Germany’s role on the world stage. Our cohort’s Members of Parliament then led us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Bundestag, sharing their own stories and offering insights into their daily work. The day was capped off back in the private sector, as Google opened their doors for us and provided an insightful panel on AI and Machine Learning, featuring Eveline Metzen, Michael Neuber and Slav Petrov. What a week!

What really matters

In addition to the thought-provoking sessions with the guest speakers, we split up into working groups ourselves, in order to explore creative solutions to tackle several pressing issues. The following four topics were intensively discussed and worked on, culminating in short policy suggestions which can be found in separate documents:

Through extended discussions on these critical topics, we enjoyed immensely hearing the different perspectives around the table that come with the diverse backgrounds of our fellow Young Leaders. Learning from each other in the working groups was an enriching aspect of the week.

What matters most

Aside from the official part of the program, a unanimous highlight of the conference was simply getting to know each other and ultimately forming what will become deep and fruitful friendships, beyond a professional network. We certainly made use of the evenings, with or without the occasional glass of wine, exchanged stories, compared notes on the day and the speakers, enjoyed each other’s company and had a laugh. This personal connection is what building transatlantic relationships is all about.

Lucky for us, we not only got to know each other in our cohort, but we also coincidentally got to know many Young Leaders alumni who joined the 50^th program anniversary celebrations on the second to last day. As part of the evening’s official agenda, Prof. Dr. Michael Hüther offered opening remarks on the last fifty years of the transatlantic relationship, followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Joachim Freiherr von Falkenhausen, Christiane Hoffmann, Sarah Kelly, and Theo Koll, moderated by Atlantik-Brücke CEO Julia Friedlander. The evening was filled with many inspiring conversations across the Young Leaders cohorts, which instilled an immediate sense of community on us. What an honor to be welcomed into such an open-minded network.

We whole-heartedly thank the Atlantik-Brücke team and the selection committee for what will prove to be a life-changing week for us.

Der Beitrag Engaging in conversations, exploring solutions, forming friendships erschien zuerst auf Atlantik-Brücke e.V..