On Wednesday 17 June, Ryan Mulholland, a Senior Fellow at one of the US’s most renowned think tanks, the Centre for American Progress, visited the Academy for a discussion with AIA Fellows Ramya Vijaya, Filipi Mendonca, Anthony Acquah and Aliru Adiatu. The Fellows presented their various research interests. The discussion centred on political and social challenges in the US and Germany. Ryan Mulholland had already met beforehand with AIA Fellow Yi Hyun Kang, who is currently conducting her field research at the preparatory conference for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn.

Ryan Mulholland was also in the city for this event and shared his fresh impressions. Key topics of negotiation, expectations for the international talks and the significance of the Bonn meetings for preparing subsequent decisions at a global level were discussed. Participants gained insights into current debates on the implementation of climate targets, international cooperation and the political framework for successful climate policy. Over the past few days, Ryan Mulholland has held various discussions in Berlin, Brussels and Bonn.

The discussion began with the political situation in Germany, the economic crisis and concerns about the rise of right-wing populism – a situation that reminded Ryan Mulholland of the state of affairs in the US ten to fifteen years ago. Another key focus of the discussion was international trade policy against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions and protectionist tendencies. The fellows exchanged views on the challenges currently facing the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and discussed possible reform approaches to strengthen the multilateral trading system. Furthermore, the impact of current trade policy developments on businesses and national economies was examined in greater detail. Finally, the discussion also turned to the role of think tanks and their influence as political advocacy organisations.