The theme of the 58. Young Königswinter Conference will be “A Partnership Under Stress – UK-German Relations in a Post-BREXIT Era“. The up to 40 participants will discuss the topic in three working groups:
Group 1
The Global Order in Disorder: British and German Responsibilities
- Which impacts does the changing global order have on Europe? How will leadership in Europe evolve, faced with tectonic shifts in the world? Sketch the Germany/UK matrix going forward. What does this mean for security and defence?
- What is the potential for UK and Germany to act together at a global level? Which frameworks will be successful post-BREXIT? Which opportunities do United Nations, NATO, OSCE offer? How can Europe organise security and defence between EU-members and non-members?
- What are the key common interests of Britain and Germany on the international level? Where will cooperation be in 5 years?
Group 2
BREXIT and Other Challenges for our Economies
- What effects will BREXIT have on the world of finance? What does this mean for Britain and for Germany, respectively?
- What is the impact of Artificial Intelligence, Robotisation, Data analytics for the future of work and how should the policy framework adapt and respond? What is the learning experience of Britain and Germany regarding the digital economy and how can they cooperate?
- Has WTO become obsolete? What is the future of trade Post-BREXIT? Will FTAs and bilateral agreements replace the current framework?
Group 3
Political Answers to Changing Societies in the 21st Century
- How has digitalisation changed society and social behaviour? What are the repercussions on the political system? Do our democratic instruments represent the reality of the younger generation? What delivery systems will meet the citizens’ values and needs? How can trust in the political system be regained and values be sustained in contemporary societies? Which purpose do political parties still serve? Do we need more elements of direct democracy?
- What new identities do globalisation and digitalisation in the 21st century produce? Is polarisation within societies on the rise? How can we safeguard social cohesion and open societies? Which roles do culture, religion, constitutions and nationalisms play? What is the impact of migration? How can migration and integration policies in the UK and Germany be enhanced?
- How can we keep societal bridges open and build new ones to keep the networks and informal alliances between Britain and Germany alive after Brexit? How do we avoid misperception?