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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
European Parliament Elections
Economy
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

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

German industry is facing headwinds: a sluggish domestic economy, instability in the transatlantic trade relationship, and unfair global trade practices. Bertram Kawlath, the president of Europe’s largest industrial association (VDMA), joins The Zeit... more

The United States is reevaluating its place in the world, not only because of President Trump. The metamorphosis in American politics is affecting U.S. foreign policy profoundly, as well as America’s allies. A new book co-authored by AGI President Je... more

The world’s leading economies are putting economic security at the top of their policy concerns. Among them, the European Union is taking a risk-based approach that seeks to deter weaponizable dependencies while still pursuing efficiency in its trade... more

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Recent Guests

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
Tobias Meyer
CEO of DHL Group and Chairman of the Transatlantic Business Initiative
DHL Group
Episode: Episode 140: The Transatlantic Relationship in a Transforming Global Trading System
Justyna Gokowska
Deputy Director of the Center for Eastern Studies, a Polish think tank focused on security and defense.
Center for Eastern Studies
Episode: Episode 139: The German-Polish Relationship amid Changing European Security Challenges
Klaus Dieter Frankenberger
Non-resident Senior Fellow.
Episode: Episode 138: The Trump Administration, the AfD, and German Foreign Policy

Host

Jeff Rathke
President of the American German Institute with frequent hosting duties; provides broad perspective on German-American relations and policy.

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.

Strong guest diversity adds practical depth to academic topics.
Insightful, data-driven analysis that helps frame complex policy issues.
High-quality, nuanced debates that challenge simple narratives.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#54
Germany/Government
Apple Podcasts
#34
Belgium/Government
Apple Podcasts
#42
Poland/Government
Apple Podcasts
#205
Finland/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Episode 145: Transatlantic Fractures and the Future of U.S. Relations with Europe
Q: What does the 'fracture' imply for Europe's approach to China and economic diversification?
It suggests Europe should avoid equidistance, pursue diversified relationships, and strengthen its own strategic autonomy while maintaining essential transatlantic ties, recognizing that China represents a strategic concern that requires careful, coordinated transatlantic navigation.
Episode 145: Transatlantic Fractures and the Future of U.S. Relations with Europe
Q: How do you see the polarization in the US influencing transatlantic security and the willingness to sustain NATO commitments?
Polarization risks eroding consensus on long-term security commitments, making it harder to maintain unity within NATO and to sustain shared defense expenditures unless there is a renewed emphasis on common values, interests, and a realistic assessment of security needs.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Zeitgeist

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

A policy- and politics-focused program that features in-depth conversations with economists, political scientists, journalists, and government insiders to unpack German-American relations, European security, and global trade. Episodes frequently center on the rise of political movements, transatlantic diplomacy, defense spending, and key policy questions shaping Germany and its partners. Listeners are likely drawn to rigorous analysis, data-informed debate, and guests who synthesize academic insight with practical policy implications. A notable strength is the willingness to tackle controversial topics—such as far-right movements and Militant Democracy—from multiple angles, often with cross-national perspectives that appeal to executives, r... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Zeitgeist?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Zeitgeist:

1. The Sound of Economics
2. Centre for European Reform podcast
3. Brussels Playbook Podcast
4. SWP-Podcast
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. Bertram Kawlath
2. Stefan Fröhlich
3. Jack Janes
4. Denis Redonnet
5. Wolfgang Muno
6. Jan Philip Tomacek
7. Tobias Meyer
8. Justyna Gokowska

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