How resilient is the transatlantic partnership? How can Europe strengthen its security while preserving political unity? And how should democracies respond to the accelerating race for technological leadership? These questions will shape international debates throughout the second half of 2026, alongside the U.S. midterm elections, the G20 Leaders’ Summit, and continued discussions on Ukraine, trade, and economic security. They will also define the Aspen Institute Germany’s work in the months ahead.
The Institute’s public program will engage these debates from multiple angles. A series of Deep Dive Discussions will examine the implications of the U.S. midterm elections for Europe, the future of deterrence and European security, and the resilience of democratic institutions in an increasingly polarized political environment. Rather than focusing on day-to-day political developments, the series aims to place current events in a broader strategic context.
Questions of economic security and technological competition will remain equally prominent. The next workshop of the German-American Trade and Tech Dialogue (GATT) will bring together government officials, business leaders, and experts to discuss critical minerals, industrial policy, supply chain resilience, artificial intelligence, and the future of transatlantic economic cooperation. As technological innovation increasingly intersects with national security and economic competitiveness, these conversations have become central to the transatlantic agenda.
Leadership development will continue to complement Aspen Germany’s policy work. The next Socrates Seminar in Weimar will explore the ethical dimensions of political and military leadership in times of war, while programs such as RESET, Digital Defenders, and Connecting Futures will strengthen networks among emerging leaders, journalists, and content creators across Europe and North America. Together, these initiatives reflect Aspen Germany’s conviction that resilient democracies depend not only on sound policies, but also on trusted relationships and responsible leadership.
The year will conclude with Aspen Germany’s traditional Fireside Chat at the China Club Berlin, providing another opportunity for candid, off-the-record discussion among senior decision-makers and thought leaders.
