Episode 50: German Interests, a New Coalition, and a Changing World

On this episode of The Zeitgeist, AICGS president Jeff Rathke and Senior Fellow and Geoeconomics Program Director Peter Rashish talk with Dr. Josef Joffe about Germany’s foreign and economic policy direction under the newly formed government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz. How are German interests evolving in a changing world, and are there fundamental differences of interest between Berlin and Washington? How should Germany deal with the problems of Russia’s authoritarian development at home and its coercive approach to its neighbors? What balance will Chancellor Scholz strike between Germany’s traditional approach of economic engagement with China and the growing values-driven concerns about Beijing’s policies? Josef Joffe is Professor of the Practice of International Affairs and Senior Fellow of the Kissinger Center at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Publisher of Die Zeit, and author of numerous books on global affairs. He is also a former AICGS trustee. Host Jeff Rathke, President, AICGS Guest Peter Rashish, Senior Fellow; Director, Geoeconomics Program, AICGS Josef Joffe, Professor of the Practice of International Affairs and Senior Fellow of the Kissinger Center, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies