Hertie Highlights

The Jacques Delors Centre at the Hertie School is pleased to have hosted a keynote speech by José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, on the future of Europe in an increasingly fragmented and competitive world.At a moment of profound geopolitical change, Europe faces growing pressure to strengthen its capacity to act collectively - economically, socially, and in matters of security and defence. From Russia’s war against Ukraine to global industrial competition and the climate crisis, the European Union is being tested on multiple fronts at once. Against this backdrop, Minister Albares shared his reflections on the future of Europe. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

A timely discussion on Europe’s geoeconomic future with Clément Beaune, drawing on his experience at the highest levels of French and European policymaking.Geopolitical tensions have laid bare the depth of Europe’s strategic dependencies, spanning security, energy, and critical raw materials. In an increasingly adversarial geoeconomic landscape, how can the EU reduce its most acute vulnerabilities, while leveraging its strengths to enhance resilience and increase its capacity to act? A spotlight on Clément Beaune, who shares his insights at the intersection of European policy, economic strategy, and global challenges, drawing on his experience and the work of the French High Commissioner for Strategy and Planning, with particular attention to the role of Franco-German cooperation in shaping a coherent European approach.The discussion addresses key questions:On what strengths can the EU draw to improve its geoeconomic position?Can Europe remain an open trade partner and reduce vulnerabilities at the same time?How far should “Buy European” approaches go without undermining competitiveness?Where do France and Germany differ in their vision for Europe’s geoeconomic power and where is convergence possible to build a coherent European strategy? The keynote is followed by a moderated discussion with Thu Nguyen, Acting Co-Director of the Jacques Delors Centre, including a Q&A with the audience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

Symposium in memoriam Claus Offe, part 3/527 March 2026, Henrik Enderlein Forum, Hertie SchoolPublic lecture: Social science and social progressModerator: Melinda CraneSetting the stage with Claus Offe’s reflections: Ulrich Preuss and Helmut K AnheierPanellists: Sven Giegold, Gesine Schwan, and Lea YpiView the full five panel event on YouTube:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVyW-1uzF8DZtYw2xxUm0tQF7Iuovj56n&si=KevPhl1896lARqShClaus Offe dedicated his intellectual life to uncovering the conditions for social progress in the modern world, probing notions of social justice and how to defend individual freedoms. While keenly aware of the tensions liberal and open-market societies harbour, the profound challenges democracies face, and the complex contradictions of political transitions, neither optimism nor hope left him in any doubt that the social sciences can improve the world.In his unpublished “A Short Account of my Professional Life, Including Facets of lts Context”, which he shared only with close friends, he wrote: “I have also been convinced that social science research is virtually worthless unless its findings provoke, throw light on, or can serve as arguments in normative discourses on the nature of a ‘well-ordered society’ and its defining features of the reasonable use of freedom and distributive justice. A key goal must be to propose, in the mode of thoughtful wishing rather than that of wishful thinking, ways to achieve that end.”This symposium will honour Claus Offe’s intellectual achievements by taking his compelling argument as a point of departure, highlighting his insights and contributions to a better future for our societies, and embracing the spirit of “thoughtful wishing” that he championed.The symposium includes a public session with representatives from politics and academia, as well as a series of panels to debate the intellectual legacy of Claus Offe.Speakers and panellists will focus on key elements of Claus Offe’s work and apply them to current political challenges and debates. Brief opening statements or keynote speeches will set the stage, bridging academic discussions and current political debates. They will address one key question: “How can Claus Offe’s contributions and insights help shape the future?” Throughout the conference, we will revisit excerpts from Claus Offe’s writing and reflections, applying his perspective to current challenges.━━━━━━━━Understand today. Shape tomorrow.▶ Website: https://www.hertie-school.org▶ Facebook: https://facebook.com/hertieschool▶ Instagram: https://instagram.com/thehertieschool▶ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hertieschool.bsky.social▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/hertie-schoolThe Hertie School is a private university based in Berlin, Germany, accredited by the state and the German Science Council. It prepares exceptional students for leadership positions in government, business, and civil society. Interdisciplinary and practice-oriented teaching, first-class research and an extensive international network set the Hertie School apart and position it as an ambassador of good governance, characterised by public debate and engagement. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

We are honoured to welcome Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, at the Jacques Delors Centre at the Hertie School for an open conversation on the future of Europe. The event is organised in cooperation with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Germany.President Metsola answers questions from Hertie School students and audience members.From geopolitics and security to competitiveness, democracy, and social cohesion, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of the EU’s key decision-makers on the most pressing issues shaping Europe’s future.e are honoured to welcome Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, at the Jacques Delors Centre at the Hertie School for an open conversation on the future of Europe. The event is organised in cooperation with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Germany.President Metsola answers questions from Hertie School students and audience members.From geopolitics and security to competitiveness, democracy, and social cohesion, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of the EU’s key decision-makers on the most pressing issues shaping Europe’s future.Understand today. Shape tomorrow. ▶ Website: ⁠https://www.hertie-school.org⁠ ▶ Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/hertieschool⁠ ▶ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/thehertieschool⁠ ▶ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/hertieschool.bsky.social⁠ ▶ LinkedIn: ⁠https://linkedin.com/school/hertie-school⁠ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

March 2026, Hertie SchoolIran is facing its most profound crisis since the 1979 revolution.Nationwide protests that began in late 2025 have reportedly been met with severe repression, mass arrests, and a near-total communications blackout. US and Israeli missile strikes on Iran have led to growing escalation in the region, with the involvement of regional allies leading to a wider conflict in the Middle East.After the death of the Ayatollah and other leaders of Iran's oppressive regime, can it still reform from within to serve its citizens' social and economic needs, or does it edge closer to rupture, both domestically and regionally?To make sense of current developments and Iran’s possible futures, we will host Ali Fathollah-Nejad, PhD, for a conversation with Cornelia Woll, president of the Hertie School.Full recording on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheHertieSchool━━━━━━━━Understand today. Shape tomorrow.▶ Website: https://www.hertie-school.org▶ Facebook: https://facebook.com/hertieschool▶ Instagram: https://instagram.com/thehertieschool▶ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hertieschool.bsky.social▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/hertie-school▶ Substack: ⁠https://substack.com/@thehertieschool This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

The European Union is often characterised as a constitutional democracy - a legal order structured around common values, fundamental rights, and judicial review. But what does it mean to describe the European Union as a constitutional democracy? And who ultimately safeguards its values?The Jacques Delors Centre and Centre for Fundamental Rights at the Hertie School invite you to view a keynote with Tamara Ćapeta, Advocate General at the Court of Justice of the European Union.The keynote is followed by a panel discussion on the constitutional foundations of the European Union and the role of the Court of Justice in current controversies, such as restrictions on LGBTQ content in Hungary, social housing policies in Denmark, Frontex and pushback operations, and trade agreements in the context of Western Sahara.Tamara Ćapeta, Advocate General, Court of Justice of the European UnionVioleta Moreno-Lax, Professor of International Law, Director, Centre for Fundamental RightsAna Bobić, Senior Researcher, Jacques Delors CentreModerated by Mark Dawson, Professor of European Law and Governance, Co-Director, Jacques Delors CentreAt a time of political contestation and growing tensions between integration and national sovereignty, the discussion addresses core questions of EU constitutional democracy: How coherent is the EU’s constitutional system if fundamental rights and constitutional values are differently understood across the Member States? Is the Court of Justice the right institution to actively define and defend the EU’s constitutional values? What role should the Court of Justice play in ensuring constitutional values and fundamental rights vis-à-vis the EU’s own institutions?━━━━━━━━Understand today. Shape tomorrow.▶ https://www.delorscentre.eu/en/▶ Website: https://www.hertie-school.org▶ Facebook: https://facebook.com/hertieschool▶ Instagram: https://instagram.com/thehertieschool▶ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hertieschool.bsky.social▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/hertie-school▶ Substack video podcasts: https://thehertieschool.substack.com/ The Hertie SchoolThe Hertie School is a private university based in Berlin, Germany, accredited by the state and the German Science Council. It prepares exceptional students for leadership positions in government, business, and civil society. Interdisciplinary and practice-oriented teaching, first-class research and an extensive international network set the Hertie School apart and position it as an ambassador of good governance, characterised by public debate and engagement. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

The Hertie School, in collaboration with ⁠Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH⁠, is pleased to present a ⁠lecture⁠ to the students of Hertie School from ⁠H.E. Dr Kao Kim Hourn⁠, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on the topic “Geopolitics and ASEAN’s role in a multipolar world”.ASEAN now comprises 11 Southeast Asian member states. Southeast Asia is widely regarded as a dynamic region of the future, whose political and economic importance continues to grow, and which is becoming increasingly relevant for Germany, both politically and economically.In his lecture, Dr Kao Kim Hourn outlines the key challenges and opportunities facing the region. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

Hertie School welcomes Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament), who spoke to students about leadership, democracy and global responsibility in a world in transition.Mr. Gandhi shared his insights and experiences, discussing not only a world in (power) transition but also his thoughts on Indian democracy, the importance of inclusive and equitable education, and the need for global cooperation to address structural inequalities.Linkedin This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

The majority of pundits and specialists on democratic erosion often ignore an uncomfortable fact: some clues to democracy’s demise can be glimpsed in its beginnings, in the unequal circumstances certain people inhabit within democratic polities, or in adjacent contexts. Social class, caste, enslavement, patriarchy, ethnic chauvinism, xenophobia and racism are all factors that help determine who benefits the most from the workings of democracy, and for whom voting can often be a hollow act. Thus, Trumpism, Modi, Meloni, and the Alternative for Germany are not the sources of the current democratic crisis, but rather symptomatic of a more fundamental desire present in both democratic and non-democratic polities: the attraction to a form of human homogeneity that Hanchard terms racial rule.https://www.hertie-school.org/en/events/event-detail/event/if-the-state-wont-protect-me-who-will This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

Oona Hathaway, Professor of International Law at Yale Law School and President-Elect of the American Society for International Law, outlines the evolution of international law on war from past to present, stressing that the postwar legal framework designed to prevent interstate aggression is now under threat as powerful states like Russia, China, and the United States are violating or threatening to violate other states’ sovereignty for their own benefit. However, she argued that this international legal crisis also presents an opportunity to rethink the global order, considering that not all states have participated equally in the system and that stronger nations have previously disregarded legal conventions. “We need fresh and creative ideas for strengthening, reinforcing, and reforming the international legal order. This is where you come in,” she said, addressing the students in the audience.https://www.hertie-school.org/en/news/allcontent/detail/content/hertie-school-opens-academic-year-with-largest-ever-student-cohort This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

“You’re never too young to lead, and you’re never too old to learn”In his widely applauded speech, this year’s commencement speaker, former President of Mongolia Elbegdorj Tsakhia, shared his wisdom and experience from more than 20 years of public service experience, which includes serving as Mongolia’s Prime Minister and President. Reflecting on his own country’s path to democracy, President Elbegdorj reminded students of one simple truth: “You’re never too young to lead, and you’re never too old to learn.”He also shared with the graduating public policy students his view of public service: “Public service isn’t about power – it’s about people. When the people succeed, you succeed.”https://www.hertie-school.org/en/news/allcontent/detail/content/hertie-school-celebrates-the-class-of-2025-at-the-philharmonie-in-berlin This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

Claudia Buch, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank (ECB)Verena Ross, Chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)Europe holds vast reserves of private savings—yet these resources are not being fully channelled toward the continent’s most pressing investment needs. Addressing this mismatch lies at the core of proposals for a Savings and Investments Union, as powerfully outlined in recent reports by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi.To unlock this potential, Europe must strengthen its bank-based financing model while building deeper, more integrated capital markets. This dual approach is critical to financing the green and digital transitions, boosting competitiveness, and expanding defence and security capabilities. The urgency is rising—and so is political alignment across the EU, including from the new German government, which has signalled its intention to play a stronger leadership role.https://www.hertie-school.org/en/events/event-detail/event/matching-savings-and-investments This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central BankAmidst a fragmenting global landscape and mounting geoeconomic pressures, the European Union faces critical challenges: How to strengthen competitiveness and build up economic sovereignty while maintaining open and predictable global economic relations? What is the role of the Franco-German partnership in steering Europe through this new era?https://www.hertie-school.org/en/events/event-detail/event/spotlight-on-christine-lagarde This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

More than 160 people filled the Henrik Enderlein Forum on Friday, 16 May 2025 to hear from Kenneth Roth, the former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch. Roth, who oversaw the international NGO from 1993 to 2022, was joined on stage by Wolfgang Kaleck, founder and General Secretary of the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), Katrin Sandmann, journalists and managing partner at Kobalt Documentary and Arshak Makichyan, climate and anti-war activist of Armenian origin, for a discussion moderated by Violeta Moreno-Lax, Visiting Professor at Hertie School. Alluding to Roth’s newly published book Righting Wrongs: Three Decades on the Front Lines Battling Abusive Governments panel speakers posed questions to him about his experiences and insights.https://www.hertie-school.org/en/news/allcontent/detail/content/the-centre-for-fundamental-rights-hosts-kenneth-roth-for-a-conversation-about-the-state-of-human-rights-today This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

The Jacques Delors Centre and the Embassy of Ireland in Berlin invite you to a high-level discussion with Paschal Donohoe, Ireland’s Minister for Finance and President of the Eurogroup.At a time of economic transformation and geopolitical upheaval, Europe faces critical decisions about its economic and financial future.Minister Donohoe will share his insights on the key challenges and opportunities ahead, including:* Strengthening European competitiveness and the single market* Balancing investment needs, including for Security and Defence, with fiscal stability and financial resilience* The role of rule-based mulitaleral cooperation in an evolving worldThe Eurogroup is an informal body gathering ministers from the euro area countries to discuss euro-related matter. Minister Donohoe has served as the elected president of the Eurogroup since 9 July 2020, commencing his initial two-and-a-half-year term on 13 July 2020. He has since been re-elected and began his second term on 13 January 2023.https://www.hertie-school.org/en/events/event-detail/event/paschal-donohoe This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

In a keynote the Swedish Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin outlined the need for civil defence and urged EU members to collaborate more closely on security.On 20 November 2024, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Sweden’s Minister for Civil Defence, delivered a keynote address at the Hertie School in Berlin during his official visit to Germany for the Berlin Security Conference. The event was co-hosted by the Hertie School’s Centre for International Security and moderated by Centre Director and Professor of International Security Marina Henke.After the welcome and introductory remarks by Cornelia Woll, President of the Hertie School, Marina Henke took the stage to introduce Minister Bohlin. She praised Bohlin’s role-model character, not only because he is a comparably young politician, but also because of his relentless determination to improve Sweden’s civil defence capabilities – a crucial ingredient in preparing EU countries for potential security threats.https://www.hertie-school.org/en/news/allcontent/detail/content/swedish-minister-for-civil-defence-calls-for-collaboration-in-wake-of-global-security-crisis This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

13 November 2024, Hertie SchoolWednesday, 6 November 2024 will be remembered in Germany as the day that Donald Trump was re-elected President of the United States and Germany’s governing traffic light coalition came to an early end. It was under these momentous circumstances that the Jacques Delors Centre and the Hertie School hosted a discussion with Friedrich Merz, CDU Federal Chairman and candidate for Chancellor, and Enrico Letta, former Italian Prime Minister, about European competitiveness in a changing world.The event, titled “Enhancing the competitiveness of the EU and its single market”, was moderated by Hertie School President Cornelia Woll and drew around 250 participants onsite and more online. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

21 October 2024 at Hertie SchoolThe world is currently facing a number of challenges. War and conflict are spreading, and global warming, natural disasters and a loss of biodiversity are converging with a cost-of-living crisis and various societal challenges affecting the youth. Hope and confidence seem to have given way to instability and uncertainty. While today’s polycrisis is unprecedented in its depth and velocity, so is our ability to address it. Technological advancements and international cooperation truly have the potential to drive meaningful action and move us forward.What role do academic institutions play in training new generations of leaders? Do we need new methods and approaches? How can we strengthen responsible leadership? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

17 September 2024, Hertie School“Thank you, President Cornelia Woll and the Hertie School, for this honour,” Arnold Schwarzenegger said in his acceptance remarks, highlighting his ongoing drive to give back and fight for innovative policies to combat climate change and pollution. “The world is like the body: the more you train, the more effort you put into it, the healthier you get,” he said after he received an honorary doctorate for his outstanding performance in the field of governance.“Arnold Schwarzenegger is a distinguished public servant whose life and extraordinary career resonate with our founding ideas and core values,” said President Woll at the ceremony. “His achievements exemplify the kind of leadership, international reach and practice-orientation that inspire our Hertie School students, faculty and staff alike.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

Recorded at the Hertie School’s 20th Anniversary Forum, 18 June 2024Keynote speech by Francis Fukuyama, in which he voiced his concern for democracy in general and alarm at the growth of anti-democratic sentiments in Western countries in particular. In his view, the roots of anti-democratic movements within established democracies lie in widespread discontent with liberalism and liberal democracy; a changing sociology of left- and right-wing politics; the power of digital media; and a lack of lived experience under authoritarian rule. Turning to developments in the United States, Fukuyama was especially concerned about a potential second term for US presidential candidate Donald Trump: “If Donald Trump wins the election, it will be a disaster for the US, Europe and the global order.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com

As part of his visit to Berlin, Rutte spoke with students about the recent Dutch elections, European sovereignty and his time in leadership.“There is only one solution to the big issues of our time, and that one solution is cooperation,” the Prime Minister claimed in his opening remarks, highlighting the importance of common EU action and multilateralism. In particular, Rutte focussed on collaborating on foreign policy issues, citing European cooperation on migration as a success story. “We can succeed if we work together,” he remarked, underlining the lessons learned from the migration crisis and advocating for cross-border agreements. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com