The Zeitgeist

Latest Episodes:

Episode 137: Friedrich Merz: Foreign Policy Chancellor Dec 04, 2025

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Chancellor Merz has received praise internationally for many German foreign policy and defense initiatives in 2025: suspending the “debt brake” to allow for more security investments, expanding the Bundeswehr, committing …

Episode 136: The Role of Communities in Times of Crisis Nov 20, 2025

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In Washington, DC, LGBTQ+ organizations enhance the city’s cultural life, provide services, and represent the community’s political interests. At a time when LGBTQ+ communities are losing protections and facing increased …

Episode 135: Reenergizing the German Economy Nov 12, 2025

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The German economy is stagnating, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised an autumn of reforms. But are the government’s policies enough to restore competitiveness? Berenberg Chief Economist Holger Schmieding joins …

Episode 134: Europe’s Strategic Dependencies Sep 24, 2025

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The dynamics of the transatlantic relationship are changing. As Europe faces the changing policies of the United States toward its alliances, Germany is investing in its armed forces at a …

Episode 133: The SPD and Its Foreign Policy Challenges Sep 11, 2025

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The center-left Social Democrats are the junior coalition partner in Friedrich Merz’s government, but they hold two of the most important portfolios for implementing Germany’s security policy revolution known as …

Episode 132: Transatlantic Alliances of the New Right Aug 27, 2025

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Ties between far-right parties and movements in Europe and the United States are growing. Annett Meiritz and Juliane Schäuble join this episode of The Zeitgeist to discuss their forthcoming book …

Episode 131: Multilateralism in a Fragmenting Global Trading System Aug 13, 2025

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The global trading system is in flux, with increased multipolarity and uncertainty. Disruptions in supply chains and concerns about sustainability and national security have caused countries to reexamine trade policies. …

Episode 130: Germany’s Transatlantic Coordinator on U.S.-German Relations Jul 30, 2025

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Germany’s defense commitments are beginning to match the ambitions of the Zeitenwende, and Germany’s increased investments in European security are being noted in Washington. In his first visit to the …

Episode 129: German Constitutional Law and Banning Extremist Political Parties Jul 10, 2025

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Even though it came in second place in the 2025 German federal election, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) was subsequently classified as an extremist party by the Office for the …

Episode 128: Queer Economies: Solidarity, Sustainability, and the Struggle for Space Jun 18, 2025

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Third spaces where people can gather, organize, and provide support have been critical for LGBTQ+ communities in Germany and the United States. “Building LGBTQ+ Communities in Germany and the United …

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