The Zeitgeist
The Zeitgeist delves into topics affecting Germany, the United States, and the transatlantic relationship. Hosted by American-German Institute President Jeff Rathke, the show welcomes guests from the policy, academic, and think tank communities, as well as in-house AGI experts. Produced by the Ameri...
Recent Episodes
157
Oct. 14, 2026
Episode 157: What Factors are Driving the AfD’s Success?
The Alternative for Germany has received unprecedented support in state elections in 2026, especially in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In this episode of The Zeitgeist, Hannah Alarian discusses what issues and …
156
Sept. 23, 2026
Episode 156: State Election Aftershocks
Regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin saw successes for the far-right Alternative for Germany and far-left Die Linke and “disaster” for the mainstream parties. The episode of The Zeitgeist …
155
Sept. 17, 2026
Episode 155: The Transatlantic Investment Relationship
Investment is the backbone of transatlantic trade, but foreign direct investment between the United States and Germany has fallen in both directions in the past year. The German Economic Institute’s …
154
Aug. 26, 2026
Episode 154: Germany’s Autumn: The Regional and International Constraints on National Politics
Approval ratings for Chancellor Merz and his government are at historic lows, the war in Ukraine is in its fifth year, and instability abroad has led to economic challenges at …
153
Aug. 13, 2026
Episode 153: The Greens’ Next Steps
Germany’s Green Party is no longer part of the federal government and is seeking a comeback. How can the party mobilize the electorate and counter growing fragmentation and extremism in …
152
July 29, 2026
Episode 152: How to Win a Trade War
The global economic landscape is contested between China and the United States, with America’s partners such as Europe also playing important roles. China has pursued policies of one-way dependencies, and …