News
Aspen Germany Holds Two Flagship Events in Tirana, Albania
Through two significant flagship events held in Tirana, Albania, the Aspen Institute Germany deepened its engagement in the Western Balkans as part of its long-term commitment to fostering regional dialogue and cooperation.
Berlin Freedom Week
From November 8 to 15, the city of Berlin is hosting a Freedom Week, a new city-wide initiative celebrating the values of democracy, civic courage, and human rights.
Event Partnership with Europa Union Berlin
The Aspen Institute Germany is delighted to cooperate with the Europa Union Berlin, Junge DGAP and Europe Direct Berlin for a new event series called “Mit Sicherheit Europa”.
At the Aspen Institute Germany we want to promote values-based leadership, constructive dialogue, and international cooperation to tackle today‘s most pressing global challenges: geopolitical and geoeconomic conflicts, climate change, the health crisis, cyber risks, digitalization.
Events
- Socrates Seminar in Montenegro: Democratic Backsliding – Rule of Law or Rule by Law?
- This year, Aspen Germany’s Socrates Seminar is coming to the Western Balkans! In partnership with Aspen Romania and the Aspen Institute in the United States, Aspen Germany invites you to be part of an unforgettable experience in Podgorica, Montenegro, from November 17–19, 2025. The Seminar’s theme “Democratic Backsliding – Rule of Law or Rule by […]
- Nov 17, 2025
- Perspectives from the U.S. Heartland: A Conversation with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
- Under the new U.S. presidential administration, both domestic and foreign policy have entered a period of profound transformation, reshaping the nation’s political landscape and global engagement. In this context, Governor Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’s VP candidate during the 2024 election, brings a distinctive perspective as both a subnational leader and a national figure in the […]
- Nov 21, 2025
- Trump’s Second Act: One Year After the Elections
- One year after the 2024 U.S. elections, the impact of Donald Trump’s second term is unmistakable. His administration’s agenda is testing institutions, alliances, and long-held assumptions about America’s role in the world. From domestic policy-making to foreign engagement, the return of Trump has ushered in a period of renewed strategic uncertainty — with profound implications […]
- Nov 24, 2025
Publications
Land Use Planning at the Intersection of Agriculture and Renewable Energy
The third cohort of the project “U.S.-German Forum Future Agriculture” presents recommendations for land use between energy and agricultural production.
Laboratories of Democracy Initiative: Social Cohesion
The fifth cohort of state and provincial legislators from the United States, Germany, and Canada, participating in Aspen Germany’s Laboratories of Democracy Initiative, proudly presents their policy recommendations on social cohesion.
Spot On: “Der EU-US Handelsdeal – Ein Übereinkommen mit Schlagseite?“
In the latest Aspen Germany “Spot On”, Dr. Stormy-Annika Mildner examines the EU-U.S. trade deal and the ongoing transatlantic tensions.
Podcasts
EP73: Future States of America – A glance at the USA in 10 years’ time
With Dr. Hendrik Ohnesorge (Center for Global Studies at the University of Bonn) and Dr. Julian Müller-Kaler (Strategic Foresight Hub, Stimson Center) on future scenarios, possible turning points, and the question of what role America will play in 2035.
Episode 72: Back to School – Science under pressure in Trump’s America
With Dr. Markus Thiel, Professor and Director of the EU/Jean Monnet Center of Excellence for Politics and International Relations at Florida International University, and Dr. Claus Hecking, Correspondent for North and South America and Head of Der Spiegel’s Boston office.
Episode 71: Chessboard Ukraine – Turning Point or Stalemate?
With Dr. Stefan Meister, Head of the Center for Order and Governance in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia at the DGAP, and Johanna Roth, US-Correspondent for DIE ZEIT in Washington.
Programs
Digital
The Digital Program deals with the far-reaching social transformation processes of digitalization.
Europe
The Europe programs focuses on the future of Europe with a particular focus on the Western Balkans, EU enlargement, and questions of strategic autonomy.
Leadership
The Aspen Leadership Program facilitates exchange between people in leadership positions to foster values-based leadership.
Public
The Public Program provides a forum for open and constructive dialogue between decision-makers and a broader audience on a wide range of current global challenges.
Transatlantic
The Transatlantic Program facilitates an open, values-based dialogue on key challenges facing the transatlantic partnership.
About
The Aspen Institute Germany is an independent, non-partisan organization committed to promoting values-based leadership and open discourse on society, policy and global challenges.
Our Mission
The Aspen Institute Germany promotes values-based leadership, constructive dialog among conflicting parties, and Euro-Atlantic cooperation to support and enhance a strong open society.
Our history
The Aspen Institute Germany was founded in 1974 by Shepard Stone as the first Aspen Institute outside the United States. Founded in the midst of the Cold War, it promoted U.S.-German dialog with the Eastern Bloc.
Our Team
Director Dr. Stormy-Annika Mildner has led the Aspen team since January 2021. Our Transatlantic, Digital, Public and Europe Programs are being supported by a team of currently 21 staff members.
Aspen international
In addition to the founding institute in the USA, the global Aspen network includes independent institutes in Central Europe (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia), France (Paris), Germany (Berlin), India (New Delhi), Italy (Rome), Japan (Tokyo), Mexico (Mexico City), New Zealand (Queenstown), Romania (Bucharest), Spain (Madrid), UK (London), and Ukraine (Kyiv).
