Publications: Alfred von Oppenheim-Center for European Policy Studies

The General Election: What to Look For

Posted on 2008-07-16.

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After the drama, color, and passion of the primary election campaign, the epic battle between Hillary and Obama and the remarkable comeback of John McCain, even political Washington is catching its collective breath. With the conventions to come in late August—early September, there is just time enough now to catch up on sleep, fund raise like crazy, and prepare for the dash to the finish line in November. This rare political lull strikes me as the perfect time to gauge what we should all be looking for as the general election campaign unwinds.

Which model for Europe?

Posted on 2008-07-08.

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Disappointed by the Irish rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, both British and German governments are seeking ways to counter stagnation within the EU. What potential—indeed, what political will—exists for a deeper Anglo-German cooperation, and how can this be utilized to push Europe forward? Constructive bilateral relations would undoubtedly promote mutual interests whilst also benefiting multilateral efficiency.

What Obama Did Right

Posted on 2008-06-10.

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Barack Obama hat es geschafft. Nach einem langen, ermüdenden Zweikampf mit Hillary Clinton ist er de facto Präsidentschaftskandidat der Demokraten. Clinton hat im Vorwahlkampf zwar viele Fehler gemacht. Mindestens genauso wichtig für den Erfolg Obamas waren allerdings dessen eigene Leistungen. Dem Herausforderer gelang es, mit seiner Kritik am Irak-Krieg das richtige Thema zu besetzen; er konzentrierte seine Kampagne auf einen entscheidenden Gewinn der Vorwahlen in Iowa und führte den Vorwahlkampf auch in untypischen, kleineren Bundesstaaten; ihm gelang die Mobilisierung einer gewaltigen Anhängerschaft über das Internet, die ihm als eine schier unerschöpfliche Quelle für Wahlkampfspenden diente und die finanzielle Überlegenheit sicherte; schließlich griff er den Wunsch nach Veränderung im Land effektiv durch seine Person und sein Rednertalent auf.

US Iran Policy and Europe: From “Regime Change” to “Engagement”?

Posted on 2008-04-11.

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Why has American Iran policy shifted towards supporting European-led diplomatic approach in the last couple of years? In this book Alexander Skiba demonstrates that the Bush administration was unable to formulate an autonomous approach according to its preferences of containing and isolating Iran at the outset of the nuclear crisis. U.S. influence around the world in the aftermath of the Iraq War had rapidly declined. Good military options were lacking. These structural constraints forced Washington to revise its preferences. During the first Bush administration the dysfunctional make-up of the national security policy team prohibited meaningful changes in favor of multilateral diplomacy. Personnel changes in the second cabinet—most notably the promotion of Condoleezza Rice as Secretary of State—allowed for gradual adjustments. Additionally, increased European influence on U.S. Iran policy facilitated transatlantic policy coordination.

Going Beyond Breaking News - Three long-term issues for the new transatlantic agenda

Posted on 2008-03-26.

Jan Techau of DGAP's Oppenheim Center adresses thre issues which lie at the core of post-election transatlantic relations: a realistic adjustment of expectations, a common strategy on state building, and unified action against the anti-liberal backlash directed against open markets, free trade and globalization.

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