Together with the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, the Federal Academy started the new year with an expert conference on transatlantic relations.
The conference brought together experts from the US and from throughout Europe in Berlin.
Picture: GCMC/Winkler
"It's no news that we currently have difficulties in transatlantic relations", Dr Karl-Heinz Kamp outlined the backdrop of the conference. Yet that was exactly when talk mattered most, the president of the Federal Academy said: That's why the event organized by the George C. Marshall Center (GCMC) and the Federal Academy brought together Americans, Germans, and other Europeans in Berlin. “We invited about 70 officials and experts across Europe to discuss the current state of transatlantic relations in light of various political processes and changes that are going on across the community,” said Dr Matthew Rhodes, the GCMC's director of programs in Central and Southeastern Europe.
Transatlantic cooperation: Dr Andrew Michta, Dean of the Marshall Center and Dr Karl-Heinz Kamp. Picture: GCMC/Winkler
The Conference focused on four key issues. A summary of today's state of transatlantic relations was followed by a discussion of the current situation and prospects of security and defense policy. The second day shed light on transatlantic economics and Western relations with Russia under President Vladimir Putin. In order to create an atmosphere of trust and understanding, the entire event was held under the Chatham House Rule.
Offering further cooperation
By several panels and open discussion forums the conference offered a chance for trustable dialogue among experts. Picture: GCMC/Winkler
President Kamp said that dialogue had to be sustainable and thus offered further cooperation between the Academy and the Marshall Center: “The common ground between our two institutions is significantly high so I am sure we will have more discussions in the future to take stock, exchange perspectives and consider policy ways ahead.” Rhodes added that "the partnership we are having with the Federal Academy for Security Policy is a good example of the broader German-American partnership, which is a part of the Marshall Center’s nature and mission”.
The GCMC operates as a US-German partnership since 1994. Based in Garmisch-Partenkirchen the Center offers globally-oriented courses in security policy for government personnel with a regional focus on Europe, Eurasia and North America. More information on the GCMC can be found online here.
Authors: editorial team