Cultural Dimensions

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy cordially invites you to attend...

Cultural Dimensions of the Economic Transatlantic Bridge

 

Wednesday, 1st April (16:00), Amerika Haus Berlin

 

The role of economic relations in the international environment is difficult to overestimate. From trade sanctions to free trade areas, agreements in this area have the potential to both reward and punish states. Moving on from hard power relations, however, we can also identify the role that economic relations have in encouraging cultural exchange, and reducing the likelihood of intercultural, and international conflicts. Cultural Dimensions of the Economic Transatlantic Bridge will focus on the role played by civil society organisations in stimulating and supporting international business, with a particular focus on the German-American relationship.

16:00     Cultural Dimensions of the Economic Transatlantic Bridge

                (Lecture)

Carl Graf von Hohenthal, Director, American Chamber of Commerce in Germany

 

Event Review

On Wednesday 1st April the Amerika Haus hosted a fascinating lecture by Carl Graf von Hohenthal, director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany.  The lecture focussed on the issue of balancing a cultural and economic friendship.  Mr Graf von Hohenthal spoke first of his personal affection for America having lived in West Germany during the period of the Cold War.  The former editor of Die Welt and economic specialist then outlined the key dimensions of the German-American relationship.  He concluded that modern federal Germany is in some ways the ‘child’ of America, given the huge US economic and political support for post-war Germany.  He also stated that the two nations have an intrinsic fondness for each other and shared a desire to be ‘loved throughout the world’. 

After his talk, the esteemed journalist and economist addressed questions relating to the global economic crisis. The political strains placed upon the transatlantic relationship due to the current economic downturn and the gap in opinion between the US and Germany on how to best to collectively address the problem was discussed at length. It was suggested that the different approaches suggested by the respective leaders of the US and Germany were a reflection of fundamental cultural attitudes that persist within the two nations.  Mr Graf von Hohenthal, however, still believed the US-Germany relationship to be of critical importance and stressed that the two nations would continue to enjoy a positive relationship and work together towards resolving economic difficulties.