The Zeitgeist

Latest Episodes
Episode 131: Multilateralism in a Fragmenting Global Trading System
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 reexam
Episode 130: Germany’s Transatlantic Coordinator on U.S.-German Relations
Germanys defense commitments are beginning to match the ambitions of the Zeitenwende, and Germanys 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
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
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
Episode 127: A New Normal in Transatlantic Trade?
President Trump claims the international trading system is unfair to the United States. The Trump administration is seeking to rectify trade imbalances through tariffs and is trying to reshape the
Episode 126: Pride and Politics: The Complex Relationship between the LGBTIQ+ Community and Politics
The LGBTQ+ communities in Germany and the United States have been working toward greater legal rights, but laws and politicians in both countries have threatened to not only halt progress
Episode 125: The Future of the U.S. Security Relationship with Europe
In his second term, President Trump has continued his criticism of NATO and European allies defense efforts while the United States pursues a reset with Russiathe main threat to European
Episode 124: Tariffs, Taxes, and Their International Ramifications
The Trump administration has taken sweeping actions on tariffs, with more scheduled to be imposed in April. On this episode of The Zeitgeist, Kim Clausing explains the administrations approach to
Episode 123: An Expanding German Memory Culture
For decades, memory culture in Germany has largely focused on coming to terms with and memorializing the Holocaust. In recent years, however, memory discourses have expanded to include, among others,
Episode 122: The German Bundestag Election Results
Shortly after the polls closed in Germany, Jeff Rathke, Eric Langenbacher, and Klaus-Dieter Frankenberger discussed the results of the snap elections. They give their reactions to the performance of t