The Americas

Die BND/NSA-Affäre bringt die Bundesregierung in Bedrängnis. Teile der deutschen Öffentlichkeit stellen eine Geheimdienstkooperation zwischen den USA und Deutschland gar gänzlich in Frage. Die deutsche Debatte könnte nicht nur die Kooperation zwischen Geheimdiensten, sondern auch das transatlantische Verhältnis belasten. Doch wurde überhaupt ein Rechtsbruch begangen? Wo muss man Grenzen ziehen und wie kann man eine demokratische Kontrolle gewährleisten?

Defining a coherent and future-oriented defense strategy is a challenging task for decision makers on both sides of the Atlantic. A model being applied in the United States is the concept of “net assessment” as an approach to grand strategy. But what exactly are the theoretical concept and the methods behind net assessment, and how can it be implemented? What role does strategic coordination with international partners play in that process? Is there a similar approach in Germany? Where has net assessment set or influenced the strategic agenda? What are concrete examples of its multi-disciplinary approach?

What impact will the US-led coalition against ISIS have on the Middle East? The interests of the coalition participants are sometimes at odds. Who is taking part and why? Do they share other goals apart from fighting ISIS? Could this become a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran? Should NATO be involved? These were some of the questions addressed during a day-long workshop organized by the DGAP’s Transatlantic Relations program.

While recent years have seen a reduction in US troops in Europe, especially in Germany, the Ukraine crisis has led to a reconsideration of strategy. To help NATO implement the 2014 Wales Summit conclusions, US forces are currently redeploying additional battle tanks and fighter aircraft to Europe. What is the mission of the Wiesbaden-based US Army Europe Command (USAREUR) in that process? How can USAREUR’s “Strong Europe Initiative” help to improve interoperability within the North Atlantic alliance – and what are the main obstacles to implementing the rotation of forward-deployed troops in Eastern Europe? What will the main challenges be in training and possibly equipping Ukrainian security forces?