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Artwork for The Zeitgeist
Germany
United States
European Union
China
Ukraine
NATO
Trade Policy
LGBTQ+ Rights
World Trade Organization
Alternative For Germany
German Memory Culture
Afd
Russia
Defense Spending
Holocaust
Bundestag Election
Economy
European Parliament Elections
Colonialism
Priscilla Layne

Building a Smarter German-American Partnership

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes100Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentSociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Zeitgeist

Latest Episodes

Civil society organizations are funded differently in the United States and Germany, and LGBTQ+ organizations must take different approaches when seeking financial support from the public and private sector. Preston James Ross and Sebastian Thiele jo... more

The Stonewall Riots are known worldwide as a starting point for LGBTQ+ activism, and musicals like Cabaret have shared the story of the queer experience in Weimar Berlin. But the United States and Germany are rich with diverse LGBTQ+ stories. Erik Jö... more

The United States has exploited strategic networks and dependencies to its advantage in foreign policy. As the international system has transformed, more countries seek to play at the game of “weaponized interdependence.” Abe Newman and Leonard Schüt... more

Why are some women leaders hailed as brilliant crisis managers while others draw widespread criticism? Louise K. Davidson-Schmich’s new book Gender, Leadership, and Crisis: Possibilities and Perils for Women Leaders (Oxford University Press, co-autho... more

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Recent Guests

Abe Newman
Professor and John Powers Chair in International Business Diplomacy at Georgetown University; Director of the BMW Center for German and European Studies
Georgetown University
Episode: Episode 148: Weaponized Interdependence in a Changing International System
Leonard Schütte
Fellow in the International Security Program at the Belfer Center, Harvard Kennedy School
Harvard Kennedy School
Episode: Episode 148: Weaponized Interdependence in a Changing International System
Louise K. Davidson-Schmich
Professor and associate chair of Political Science at the University of Miami, Florida; author of Gender, Crisis, and Leadership, Possibilities and Perils for Women Leaders
University of Miami; Oxford University Press (book publisher)
Episode: Episode 147: Merkel, Leadership, and Crisis
Bertram Kawlath
President of the VDMA (European Machinery Association)
VDMA
Episode: Episode 146: European Manufacturing and Global Trade
Stefan Fröhlich
Professor Emeritus of International Relations and Political Economy, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
Episode: Episode 145: Transatlantic Fractures and the Future of U.S. Relations with Europe
Jack Janes
Resident senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States; President Emeritus of AGI
German Marshall Fund of the United States
Episode: Episode 145: Transatlantic Fractures and the Future of U.S. Relations with Europe
Denis Redonnet
Deputy Director General in the European Commission, DG Trade and Economic Security
European Commission
Episode: Episode 144: Economic Resilience as Economic Security
Wolfgang Muno
Chair of Comparative Politics, University of Rostock
University of Rostock
Episode: Episode 142: The AfD and the 2026 State Elections
Jan Philip Tomacek
Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Potsdam, specializing in voting behavior and political parties
University of Potsdam
Episode: Episode 141: Germany’s Other Populist Party

Hosts

Jeff Rathke
Host with long-standing involvement in AGI, focused on German-American partnership and policy discussions
Eric Langenbacher
Senior Fellow and director of AGI program on Society, Culture, and Politics; frequent host/guest on topics bridging U.S. and Germany
Peter Raschisch
Colleague/guest with roles at AGI, contributing policy and organizational insights

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 18 ratings
  • I like it! But perhaps…

    …I’m biased, because I’m the host! Thanks to all who give us a listen - Jeff

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Liam R.
    United States3 years ago
  • Unique Information - Excited to Hear Future Episodes

    So far, very unique Information! I'm excited to hear future episodes!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SkyMakai
    United States7 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Thoughtful, data-driven exchanges on transatlantic dynamics.
Strong practical takeaways for strategists and researchers.
High-quality guests with policy and academic depth.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#128
Germany/Government
Apple Podcasts
#219
Italy/Government
Apple Podcasts
#61
Poland/Government
Apple Podcasts
#98
Belgium/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 148: Weaponized Interdependence in a Changing International System
Q: How has Europe's stance evolved in response to this shift?
Europe is moving from a defensive posture to considering credible deterrence and potential retaliation, recognizing that economic security requires more assertive instruments beyond mere defense, even if politically costly.
Episode 147: Merkel, Leadership, and Crisis
Q: How does gender coding affect men leaders as much as women leaders?
Men leaders generally face less risk in the gender double bind because acting in line with traditional masculine leadership is less contested; when men show empathetic or feminine-leaning traits, their status can be enhanced, but this effect is not as paired with risk as it is for women.
Episode 146: European Manufacturing and Global Trade
Q: What are your thoughts on the Critical Minerals Action Plan and diversification strategies to reduce dependence on China?
Close transatlantic cooperation is important; resilience requires new mines, refining capabilities, and recycling, but policymakers must ensure that new capacities do not flood markets and undermine prices.
Episode 146: European Manufacturing and Global Trade
Q: How do you view the future impact of AI on manufacturing, and where does Europe stand compared with the US and China?
European machinery makers are strong implementers of AI in production and will play a leading role in applying AI, even if US firms excel in software; the real value comes from hardware supply and the integration of AI into manufacturing.
Episode 146: European Manufacturing and Global Trade
Q: Bertram, what does the current US-EU trade policy, including the Turnberry framework and Section 232 tariffs, mean for Germany and the European machinery sector?
The framework brought initial stability, but renewed tariff dynamics and bureaucracy undermine long-term planning; despite some perceived gains, uncertainty remains the dominant effect on member companies.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Zeitgeist

What is The Zeitgeist about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show brings together scholars, policymakers, and seasoned practitioners to dissect geopolitics, transatlantic relations, and European economic strategy. Across recent episodes, conversations center on weaponized interdependence, European industrial policy, Germany–U.S. security dynamics, supply chains resilience, and the evolving balance of power in a multipolar world. Notable strengths include data-driven analyses from academic and policy circles, practical takes from industry leaders, and a consistent emphasis on how policy tools shape global outcomes. The format often blends theoretical frameworks with real-world case studies, offering listeners thoughtful insights for researchers, executives, and public affairs professionals seeking... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Zeitgeist?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Zeitgeist:

1. Brussels Sprouts
2. The Eurofile
3. The Foreign Affairs Interview
4. Global Security Briefing
5. The President’s Inbox

How many episodes of The Zeitgeist are there?

The Zeitgeist launched 8 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Zeitgeist?

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What guests have appeared on The Zeitgeist?

Recent guests on The Zeitgeist include:

1. Abe Newman
2. Leonard Schütte
3. Louise K. Davidson-Schmich
4. Bertram Kawlath
5. Stefan Fröhlich
6. Jack Janes
7. Denis Redonnet
8. Wolfgang Muno

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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