From Structural Change to COVID-19: Sustainable Strategies from Dortmund and Pittsburgh

Cities that were built on iron, steel, and coal have had to overcome deep economic challenges and structural changes in recent decades. Both Dortmund and Pittsburgh have rebuilt themselves as thriving metropolises. However, the spread of COVID-19 is forcing cities to confront a new set of challenges. Three months ago, the ACG discussed the impact of the...

Returning to the Skies? Air Travel and COVID-19

Virtually every aspect of life has changed due to the spread of COVID-19. Perhaps one of the hardest hit industries is travel. Global stay-at-home orders and travel bans have drastically cut domestic and international travel. As some areas of the world begin to reopen, airlines and hotels begin to set in place new precautions to...

Defense Spending, the U.S. Military Drawdown, and More: Assessing the German-American Relationship at a Critical Juncture

There are a number of important issues on the transatlantic agenda. And, yet the relevance of the partnership between the United States and Germany has been called into question in recent years. From defense spending and the proposed U.S. military drawdown, to transatlantic trade and investment, to relations with other countries such as China and...

Pipeline Politics: The Transatlantic Debate over Nord Stream II

In mid-July, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced revised guidelines regarding sanctions on energy pipeline projects – including Nord Stream II and TurkStream. The Trump administration is concerned that Nord Stream II, which is nearing completion, threatens to give Moscow economic and political leverage over Europe and will undermine Europe’s energy security. However, these...

The Challenge of COVID-19: How Is the German Social System Coping?

COVID-19 has disproportionally affected low income and minority communities, increased the digital divide, shown weakness in healthcare systems, and changed the nature of everyday life including work and education. Although Germany was able to suppress the infection rate, the pandemic has taken a toll on its social system. Join us on Tuesday, August 18 at 11:00...