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„America First“ verändert den Welthandel

Trump’s Trade Policy and Its Impact on Transatlantic Relations

After more than a century of U.S. policy centered on free trade, the Trump administration has significantly shifted the country’s position in the global economy by renegotiating trade agreements and imposing comprehensive tariffs. The goal is to revive U.S. industrial production. Yet rising tariffs risk burdening businesses and consumers while straining relations with key allies. (Report in German)

IMAGO / MediaPunch

Local Elections, National Significance

November Elections in Several U.S. States are Decisive for Political Parties

Neither the President nor any members of Congress are up for election this year. But on November 4, important decisions will be made at the state and local levels—offering a key opportunity to gauge the political mood of the country.

Cybersecuring the Modern Bioeconomy

Policy Imperatives for the AI-Genomics Convergence

AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing are fusing into a new domain of opportunity — and risk. This paper unpacks how this convergence could expose scientific systems to cyberattacks, espionage, and data manipulation. The analysis is based on a study and event hosted by KAS USA earlier this year.

IMAGO / ABACAPRESS

U.S. Reactions to Trump’s Middle East Peace Plan

Celebrations and Questions after the Ceasefire

U.S. President Donald Trump has achieved a diplomatic breakthrough. Through a combination of negotiation skills, strategic pressure, and personal commitment, he has successfully persuaded Hamas and Israel to sign a peace agreement. As a result, hostilities have ceased, humanitarian aid has been delivered, and—most notably—Israeli hostages have been released. Following celebrations in the region and widespread praise for the president, American experts are now asking: What comes next?

IMAGO / Anadolu Agency

Department of War: Change of Name, Change of Mission?

The Trump Administration's Defense Strategy

This fall, the Trump administration is expected to release its National Defense Strategy. While few details have been disclosed, a strong indicator of its direction is the recent 200th executive order, which renames the Department of Defense to Department of War.

IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Reactions to US President Trump's peace efforts for Ukraine

Momentum — but toward what end?

One of President Donald Trump's campaign promises was a quick end to the war in Ukraine. After months of mixed signals about what such a solution might entail, Trump met first with Russian President Vladimir Putin, then with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European heads of state and government.

European Union, 2025, CC BY 4.0

Trade Agreement Between the U.S. and EU Enables Further Transatlantic Cooperation

The Stakes Go Beyond Tariffs

The outcome is sobering: at the eleventh hour, the EU and the U.S. reached a trade agreement that imposes tariffs once considered unthinkable. Important transatlantic trade is paying the price for further transatlantic cooperation on security issues.

IMAGO / Le Pictorium

From a “Dormant to a Leading Middle Power"

Foreign and Security Policy of Germany’s New Government

Germany finds itself alongside its European allies and partners in a complex security environment. Russian aggression in Ukraine continues to threaten broader European security, while the concerning escalation in the Middle East, transatlantic trade tensions, and global power competition are further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Making a Statement in Washington

Chancellor Merz's first visit to President Tump

Friedrich Merz has completed his first visit to Washington, DC as Federal Chancellor. After spending a night at the President’s guest house, he had his first in-person meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House. Merz later stated that there was “a good atmosphere for discussion.”

IMAGO / NurPhoto

Just How American Is the American Pope?

U.S. Reactions to the Election of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV.

The election was a surprise: for the first time in the history of the Catholic Church, there is a Pope from the USA. Leo XIV was born in Chicago, lived in Peru for a long time and most recently worked in Rome. For Catholics in the USA, his election is a gift - and a challenge.