174th Bergedorf Round Table

Bridging the Atlantic:
The United States and Europe in a Fragile Geopolitical Landscape

online, 23-24 October 2020

Despite transatlantic turbulence, the United States remains Europe’s most important ally. However, solely relying on the solid foundations of the partnership will not suffice to make it future-proof. While the United States has recalibrated its course and shifted its policy focus towards the Asia-Pacific, Europe needs to confront fundamental issues, both at home and abroad. Apart from geopolitical rifts and shifts, key challenges to both the United States and Europe range from digitization to political and societal polarization, from trade policies to environmental challenges.

The 174th Bergedorf Round Table explored how Americans and Europeans should bridge the Atlantic in a fragile geopolitical landscape. Which implications arise from a recalibration of US leadership for security and cohesion in Europe? To what extent and in which arenas should the United States and Europe navigate the changing currents of the 21st century side-by-side? Wherein lie common interests, values and priorities, where do they diverge?

A distinguished group of 35 high-ranking politicians, government officials, and representatives of think tanks, academia and media from Germany, other European states as well as the United States discussed these questions during the 174th Bergedorf Round Table from 23-24 October 2020. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Round Table was held in the digital realm.