News
Bloomberg CityLab
Bloomberg CityLab 2026, hosted by The Aspen Institute (U.S.) and Bloomberg Philanthropies, took place in Madrid from April 27–29, convening over 1,000 mayors, policy makers, and urban innovators.
International Committee Meeting
At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, international dialogue and cooperation are more important than ever. To mark its 15th anniversary, Aspen Institute España hosted the Spring International Committee Meeting of the Aspen Institute’s International Partners in La Granja de San Ildefonso.
New Project: “Digital Defenders: Influencers for Digital Democracy”
The Aspen Institute Germany is excited to announce the launch of “Digital Defenders: Influencers for Digital Democracy”. The two-year project will bring together motivated digital voices to strengthen democratic resilience online.
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
- RESET Virtual Meeting #4: Foresight Workshop
- As part of the RESET initiative by Aspen Institute Germany, the 2026 cohort reconvenes for its fourth virtual session following the in-person study trip to Norfolk, Virginia.This foresight workshop provides participants with the opportunity to reflect on insights gained during the study trip, including expert engagements and site visits focused on transatlantic security. Building on […]
- Jun 08, 2026
- German-American Trade and Tech Conference 2026
- As geopolitical competition intensifies, economic policy has become a central instrument of strategic power. Tariffs, industrial subsidies, export controls, and regulatory divergence are no longer merely trade issues – they are reshaping the foundations of transatlantic cooperation and redefining how democracies compete in a rapidly changing global economy. Against this backdrop, the fourth German-American Trade […]
- Jun 09, 2026
- Pilosophy and Practice Seminar 2026
- Leadership demands more than expertise: it requires clarity of thought, steadfastness of judgment, and the ability to consciously bear responsibility in complex situations – especially in times of high uncertainty and profound transformation. From June 11 to 14, 2026, Aspen Germany’s Leadership Seminar “Philosophy and Practice” will take place at Gut Klostermühle near Berlin. In […]
- Jun 11, 2026
Publications
Four Years After Russia’s Attack: Potential for Peace in Ukraine?
Four years after Russia’s invasion, the publication examines the conditions for a lasting peace – and why stronger support for Ukraine remains essential.
From Efficiency to Security
This publication highlights how security is reshaping global trade policy—and why we are seeing not a sudden paradigm shift, but a gradual transformation with far-reaching implications for global trade rules.
When Interdependence Becomes Leverage
The publication examines how China uses economic interdependence as strategic leverage, challenging assumptions about trade, convergence, and global economic governance.
Podcasts
EP80: America First 2.0: Trump’s Economic and Trade Policy Under Pressure
With Ulrike Malmendier, Cora Jane Flood Professor of Finance and Professor of Economics at University of California, Berkeley, and Melanie Vogelbach, Head of International Economic Policy at the DIHK, we discuss Trumponomics and its consequences for the transatlantic trade relationship.
EP79: From America First to the Donroe Doctrine: U.S. Foreign Policy in Transition
With Gudrun Engel, Head of the ARD Studio in Washington, and Omid Nouripour, Vice President of the German Bundestag and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, we discuss the new logic of U.S. foreign policy and its consequences for Europe and Germany.
EP78: The Power of Media: Inside the US information landscape 2026
With Andrian Kreye, editor, Süddeutsche Zeitung, and Kerstin Zilm, freelance reporter in Los Angeles, deputy chair of the global journalists’ network Weltreporter, we discuss the current state of the US media landscape and the political debate around disinformation.
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).
