Detalhes
2026 marks what would have been the 150th birthday of Konrad Adenauer, West Germany’s first post-WWII chancellor. Against today’s shifting geopolitical landscape, this event explores Adenauer’s concept of 'Westbindung' — the strategic anchoring of post-war West Germany within Western political, economic and security structures. Westbindung was more than just a foreign policy choice; it represented a long-term vision for stability, democratic consolidation and international rehabilitation through deep transatlantic and European integration.
Against the backdrop of renewed great-power competition and mounting concerns about U.S. unpredictability, Adenauer’s reliance on American leadership — albeit tempered by an awareness of its limitations from the outset — invites fresh consideration. The discussion will situate Westbindung in its historical context, examining its relevance in an era of strategic uncertainty and addressing debates on European autonomy, NATO cohesion and the future of the transatlantic partnership.
Bringing together leading political figures, decision-makers, and policy experts, the event will explore whether Adenauer’s visionary model remains viable for Europe in particular, or if it requires reinterpretation in a multipolar world. It will also consider what the model can offer in terms of sovereignty, security, and alliance politics today.
