Brandon Bohrn
@brandonbohrn.bsky.social
U.S. Foreign and Security Policy • U.S. Politics and Society • Transatlantic Relations • Bertelsmann Stiftung 🇺🇸🇩🇪🇪🇺
Berlin/DC • Citadel and UNC/HU alum • Fulbright and DAAD • Schalke 04 Fan • Usual Caveats
Berlin/DC • Citadel and UNC/HU alum • Fulbright and DAAD • Schalke 04 Fan • Usual Caveats
Pinned
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Keith Kellogg just delivered a major speech at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) on how the war in Ukraine could end. He laid out Trump’s approach to resolving the conflict—in his words, the most challenging foreign policy situation ahead. Thread with his main points 🧵⬇️
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
Everyone talks about #geoeconomics, we’re mapping it: Together with colleagues @bst-europe.bsky.social @wiiw.ac.at, ECIPE, we created the Geoeconomic Interconnectivity Index, measuring the EU's trade, finance and policy footprint in its neighbourhood, compared to China, Russia & US. Main findings 🧵
September 25, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Everyone talks about #geoeconomics, we’re mapping it: Together with colleagues @bst-europe.bsky.social @wiiw.ac.at, ECIPE, we created the Geoeconomic Interconnectivity Index, measuring the EU's trade, finance and policy footprint in its neighbourhood, compared to China, Russia & US. Main findings 🧵
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
Our reaction to von der Leyen’s #SOTEU 2025 address yesterday. A serious speech with bold appeals & many initiatives. But is there the unity & coherence of initiatives to accomplish the agenda? A thread on the main points from each of our experts.
Full article ➡️ bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
1/9
Full article ➡️ bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
1/9
State of the European Union Address 2025: Our Experts React
After Ursula von der Leyen withstood considerable headwinds over the summer, the Commission President was under pressure to regain momentum. She sought to do so by evoking the gravity of the moment, d...
bst-europe.eu
September 11, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Our reaction to von der Leyen’s #SOTEU 2025 address yesterday. A serious speech with bold appeals & many initiatives. But is there the unity & coherence of initiatives to accomplish the agenda? A thread on the main points from each of our experts.
Full article ➡️ bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
1/9
Full article ➡️ bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
1/9
Regardless of one's politics, this is horrifying. Only 31 years old, leaving behind a wife and two very young children, just 3 and 1. It brings to mind recent polling showing that a sizeable number of Americans believe violence is justified to achieve political aims. Just terrible.
Breaking News: Charlie Kirk has died after being shot while speaking at a Utah college. The right-wing activist and close ally of President Trump was 31. nyti.ms/41PHpMZ
September 10, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Regardless of one's politics, this is horrifying. Only 31 years old, leaving behind a wife and two very young children, just 3 and 1. It brings to mind recent polling showing that a sizeable number of Americans believe violence is justified to achieve political aims. Just terrible.
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
Economic Security is central to the EU’s external strategy - see SOTEU today - but cooperation with the UK remains nascent. Political and structural reasons are behind this but @antonspisak.bsky.social and I think there are grounds for deeper cooperation: www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/en/our-proje...
A Missing Pillar: Economic Security in the EU-UK Partnership
Economic security has risen to the top of Europe’s strategic agenda, and the EU has intensified collaboration with key allies. While structural and political factors have so far prevented deeper engag...
www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de
September 10, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Economic Security is central to the EU’s external strategy - see SOTEU today - but cooperation with the UK remains nascent. Political and structural reasons are behind this but @antonspisak.bsky.social and I think there are grounds for deeper cooperation: www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/en/our-proje...
My colleagues from the Bertelsmann St's Europe program offer analysis on today's #SOTEU25 from Com. Pres. VDL on UKR/RUS, competitiveness, China, trade, technology, and transatlantic relations. Have a read here: bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
@bertelsmannst.bsky.social @bst-europe.bsky.social
@bertelsmannst.bsky.social @bst-europe.bsky.social
State of the European Union Address 2025: Our Experts React
After Ursula von der Leyen withstood considerable headwinds over the summer, the Commission President was under pressure to regain momentum. She sought to do so by evoking the gravity of the moment, d...
bst-europe.eu
September 10, 2025 at 2:52 PM
My colleagues from the Bertelsmann St's Europe program offer analysis on today's #SOTEU25 from Com. Pres. VDL on UKR/RUS, competitiveness, China, trade, technology, and transatlantic relations. Have a read here: bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
@bertelsmannst.bsky.social @bst-europe.bsky.social
@bertelsmannst.bsky.social @bst-europe.bsky.social
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
As the EU prepares the next Russia sanctions package, @miriamkosmehl.bsky.social explains what could be an effective focus: oil trade and the shadow fleet; banks, dual-use goods and financial flows; and tackling circumvention through third countries.
Read more here➡️ bst-europe.eu/economy-secu...
Read more here➡️ bst-europe.eu/economy-secu...
EU Prepares 19th Sanctions Package Against Russia’s War Economy
When EU foreign ministers meet at the end of August in Denmark, the current Council Presidency holder, the agenda is expected to include increasing pressure on Russia. President Vladimir Putin will on...
bst-europe.eu
August 25, 2025 at 7:51 AM
As the EU prepares the next Russia sanctions package, @miriamkosmehl.bsky.social explains what could be an effective focus: oil trade and the shadow fleet; banks, dual-use goods and financial flows; and tackling circumvention through third countries.
Read more here➡️ bst-europe.eu/economy-secu...
Read more here➡️ bst-europe.eu/economy-secu...
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
15% tariffs, breaches of WTO rules, more tech dependency – the US deal is a far cry from what the EU wanted. This was not a one-off accident, but exposes longstanding structural weaknesses in EU trade policy that will affect any future negotiation. My analysis🧵 bst-europe.eu/economy-secu...
No Accident: Four Structural Reasons Why the EU Did Not Get a Better Trade Deal
As details on Sunday’s EU-US trade deal emerge, Europeans are split in two camps. Some believe the 15 percent tariff ceiling on most products is the best the EU could get from President Donald Trump’s...
bst-europe.eu
July 29, 2025 at 1:36 PM
15% tariffs, breaches of WTO rules, more tech dependency – the US deal is a far cry from what the EU wanted. This was not a one-off accident, but exposes longstanding structural weaknesses in EU trade policy that will affect any future negotiation. My analysis🧵 bst-europe.eu/economy-secu...
Enjoyed speaking with DW News this morning about Texas Rs’ and California Ds’ competing redistricting bills, the potential ripple effects in other critical states, and the broader implications as we head into next year’s midterm elections. Link to view here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2m3...
How might California's proposed Election Rigging Response Act counter GOP gerrymandering? | DW News
YouTube video by DW News
www.youtube.com
August 21, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Enjoyed speaking with DW News this morning about Texas Rs’ and California Ds’ competing redistricting bills, the potential ripple effects in other critical states, and the broader implications as we head into next year’s midterm elections. Link to view here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2m3...
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
"German sentiment sits with the UK, but the strategy always stays with the EU”. My thoughts in @economist.com on the - otherwise highly welcome and well-crafted - Anglo-German Friendship Treaty announced today. Thanks to @sambeal.bsky.social www.economist.com/britain/2025...
Britain and Germany sign a historic treaty
The two countries hope it will alleviate a set of mutual ailments
www.economist.com
July 17, 2025 at 1:23 PM
"German sentiment sits with the UK, but the strategy always stays with the EU”. My thoughts in @economist.com on the - otherwise highly welcome and well-crafted - Anglo-German Friendship Treaty announced today. Thanks to @sambeal.bsky.social www.economist.com/britain/2025...
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
New piece by @aleichthammer.bsky.social and me in @ipq.bsky.social: EU‘s cautious approach in the 🇺🇸🇪🇺 trade war has been useful, but has run its course as the 9 July deadline approaches. EU should prepare for flexible retaliation. 🧵 ip-quarterly.com/en/red-lines...
Red Lines and Retaliation: The EU’s Response to Trump’s Tariffs
The EU’s cautious approach to Donald Trump’s trade wars has served it relatively well. Now, however, is the time to switch to a tougher approach, backed up by an internal agreement on sharing the poss...
ip-quarterly.com
June 25, 2025 at 9:21 AM
New piece by @aleichthammer.bsky.social and me in @ipq.bsky.social: EU‘s cautious approach in the 🇺🇸🇪🇺 trade war has been useful, but has run its course as the 9 July deadline approaches. EU should prepare for flexible retaliation. 🧵 ip-quarterly.com/en/red-lines...
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
We’re live in Berlin with a full house! Daniela Schwarzer and Lucas Guttenberg kick off a spirited discussion on whether coalitions of the willing can save Europe. Follow here for more updates and insights ⬇️
June 11, 2025 at 4:49 PM
We’re live in Berlin with a full house! Daniela Schwarzer and Lucas Guttenberg kick off a spirited discussion on whether coalitions of the willing can save Europe. Follow here for more updates and insights ⬇️
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
🚀 We have a new website!
We offer evidence-based ideas and practical recommendations to strengthen Europe’s ability to act—on Europe's economy, resilience, geopolitics and more.
Explore the new website → bst-europe.eu
We offer evidence-based ideas and practical recommendations to strengthen Europe’s ability to act—on Europe's economy, resilience, geopolitics and more.
Explore the new website → bst-europe.eu
May 28, 2025 at 3:22 PM
🚀 We have a new website!
We offer evidence-based ideas and practical recommendations to strengthen Europe’s ability to act—on Europe's economy, resilience, geopolitics and more.
Explore the new website → bst-europe.eu
We offer evidence-based ideas and practical recommendations to strengthen Europe’s ability to act—on Europe's economy, resilience, geopolitics and more.
Explore the new website → bst-europe.eu
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
Eine gut abgestimmte Dosis praktischer Solidarität in der #EU würde helfen, den sich anbahnenden Handelskonflikt mit den #USA zu überstehen, schreiben @aslak.bsky.social, @etiennehoera.d-64.social und @aleichthammer.bsky.social im heutigen Europe.Table von @table.media 👉 table.media/europe/stand...
Wie man einen Handelskrieg übersteht: Ein Plädoyer für europäische Lastenteilung
Der transatlantische Handelskonflikt wird eine politische und wirtschaftliche Herausforderung für die EU. Europäische Solidarität ist gefragt.
table.media
May 5, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Eine gut abgestimmte Dosis praktischer Solidarität in der #EU würde helfen, den sich anbahnenden Handelskonflikt mit den #USA zu überstehen, schreiben @aslak.bsky.social, @etiennehoera.d-64.social und @aleichthammer.bsky.social im heutigen Europe.Table von @table.media 👉 table.media/europe/stand...
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
Der #Koalitionsvertrag ist da! Was steht drin zu Handel und Investitionen? Leider wenig neue Impulse. „Geopolitischer Epochenbruch“ steht anderswo drin, zeigt sich hier aber nicht.
April 9, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Der #Koalitionsvertrag ist da! Was steht drin zu Handel und Investitionen? Leider wenig neue Impulse. „Geopolitischer Epochenbruch“ steht anderswo drin, zeigt sich hier aber nicht.
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
🧵Was sagt der neue #Koalitionsvertrag zu #Gesamtverteidigung und gesellschaftlicher Resilienz? Der Versuch einer Analyse quer durch die Ressorts. Denn, Spoiler: Gesamtverteidigung bleibt ein Puzzle.
April 9, 2025 at 5:38 PM
🧵Was sagt der neue #Koalitionsvertrag zu #Gesamtverteidigung und gesellschaftlicher Resilienz? Der Versuch einer Analyse quer durch die Ressorts. Denn, Spoiler: Gesamtverteidigung bleibt ein Puzzle.
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
Was kann die EU mit Blick auf die US-Zölle tun? Verhandeln, Gegenmaßnahmen, an Andere denken, sich auf Größeres vorbereiten 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Was kann die EU mit Blick auf die US-Zölle tun? Verhandeln, Gegenmaßnahmen, an Andere denken, sich auf Größeres vorbereiten 🧵
I joined DW news this afternoon to discuss Susan Crawford's victory that ultimately shapes the balance of Wisconsin's Supreme Court. We covered Musk's involvement and interests, as well as the broader implications moving forward. Link to discussion👇 : www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh-u...
Liberal judge Susan Crawford wins Wisconsin Supreme Court seat against Musk favorite | DW News
YouTube video by DW News
www.youtube.com
April 2, 2025 at 4:22 PM
I joined DW news this afternoon to discuss Susan Crawford's victory that ultimately shapes the balance of Wisconsin's Supreme Court. We covered Musk's involvement and interests, as well as the broader implications moving forward. Link to discussion👇 : www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh-u...
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
Nuuk Nuuk, who’s there?
(ok showing myself out quietly)
(ok showing myself out quietly)
This is surreal.
American govt officials have been knocking on peoples doors in Nuuk, Greenland during recent days to see if locals would like to be visited by the vice president's wife.
Everywhere the answer was the same: "No, thank you"
nyheder.tv2.dk/live/2025-01...
American govt officials have been knocking on peoples doors in Nuuk, Greenland during recent days to see if locals would like to be visited by the vice president's wife.
Everywhere the answer was the same: "No, thank you"
nyheder.tv2.dk/live/2025-01...
Amerikanere stemte dørklokker i Nuuk før aflyst besøg, siger Steinmetz
Repræsentanter for den amerikanske regering har i de seneste dage stemt dørklokker i Grønlands hovedstad, Nuuk, forud for det nu aflyste besøg fra USA's andend...
nyheder.tv2.dk
March 26, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Nuuk Nuuk, who’s there?
(ok showing myself out quietly)
(ok showing myself out quietly)
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
Trump verhängt Zusatzzölle von 25% auf Autos, bald auch auf Autoteile. Auch in deutschen Medien wird immer wieder industriepolitisches Sanewashing betrieben, aber: Das ist sicher kein 4D-Schach-Move, der die US-Autoindustrie rettet.
March 27, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Trump verhängt Zusatzzölle von 25% auf Autos, bald auch auf Autoteile. Auch in deutschen Medien wird immer wieder industriepolitisches Sanewashing betrieben, aber: Das ist sicher kein 4D-Schach-Move, der die US-Autoindustrie rettet.
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
The White Paper on EU defence is out. Of course, I read it, and I can say: if you love EU acronyms and the nitty-gritty of EU instruments and details, you will love it.
If you just want to know the key elements, better read my thread. 🧵
commission.europa.eu/topics/defen...
If you just want to know the key elements, better read my thread. 🧵
commission.europa.eu/topics/defen...
Future of European defence
White paper on the future of European defence sets out investment needs to deliver EU defence capabilities to secure Europe’s peace. Find out more.
commission.europa.eu
March 19, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The White Paper on EU defence is out. Of course, I read it, and I can say: if you love EU acronyms and the nitty-gritty of EU instruments and details, you will love it.
If you just want to know the key elements, better read my thread. 🧵
commission.europa.eu/topics/defen...
If you just want to know the key elements, better read my thread. 🧵
commission.europa.eu/topics/defen...
Neuer Policy Brief von drei meiner klügsten Kolleg/innen, (Etienne Höra, Cora Jungbluth, und Thieß Petersen) zu handelspolitischen Themen für die nächste Bundesregierung 👇 www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/de/unsere-pr...
March 19, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Neuer Policy Brief von drei meiner klügsten Kolleg/innen, (Etienne Höra, Cora Jungbluth, und Thieß Petersen) zu handelspolitischen Themen für die nächste Bundesregierung 👇 www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/de/unsere-pr...
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
Will add these to my reading list.
Also: half of the books on the list are (co-) authored by women - I think that's worth mentioning because many, many bibliographies/ reading suggestion lists on global affairs etc. are still male-dominated.
Also: half of the books on the list are (co-) authored by women - I think that's worth mentioning because many, many bibliographies/ reading suggestion lists on global affairs etc. are still male-dominated.
New post just out
Ten books to help understand the world we're now in.
Five recommendations on the US/Trump/Musk and five on Europe and the rest of the world.
(This one is free to read)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
Ten books to help understand the world we're now in.
Five recommendations on the US/Trump/Musk and five on Europe and the rest of the world.
(This one is free to read)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
Ten books to understand the world we're now in
Trump’s second term is on track to be more damaging than his first.
open.substack.com
March 16, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Will add these to my reading list.
Also: half of the books on the list are (co-) authored by women - I think that's worth mentioning because many, many bibliographies/ reading suggestion lists on global affairs etc. are still male-dominated.
Also: half of the books on the list are (co-) authored by women - I think that's worth mentioning because many, many bibliographies/ reading suggestion lists on global affairs etc. are still male-dominated.
Based on conversations this afternoon on the Hill, barring any last-minute surprises, the House Republicans appear to have secured the votes needed for a seven-month Continuing Resolution to pass.
Congress and the White House face major budget decisions in 2025, with risks of sequestration, debt ceiling battles, and shutdowns—including one this week. Here’s a breakdown of key milestones and what’s at stake, in particular, for U.S. defense spending. 🧵
March 10, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Based on conversations this afternoon on the Hill, barring any last-minute surprises, the House Republicans appear to have secured the votes needed for a seven-month Continuing Resolution to pass.
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
I wrote a new piece for foreign policy.
The US's postwar role as guarantor of Europe’s security is over – and may even turn adversarial. But Europe has an overlooked trump card.
When it comes to manufacturing Europe blows the US out of the water.
Thread.
1/
foreignpolicy.com/2025/03/07/e...
The US's postwar role as guarantor of Europe’s security is over – and may even turn adversarial. But Europe has an overlooked trump card.
When it comes to manufacturing Europe blows the US out of the water.
Thread.
1/
foreignpolicy.com/2025/03/07/e...
Heavy Industry Is Europe’s Trump Card
The continent has an upper hand in its looming security competition with the United States.
foreignpolicy.com
March 10, 2025 at 7:37 AM
I wrote a new piece for foreign policy.
The US's postwar role as guarantor of Europe’s security is over – and may even turn adversarial. But Europe has an overlooked trump card.
When it comes to manufacturing Europe blows the US out of the water.
Thread.
1/
foreignpolicy.com/2025/03/07/e...
The US's postwar role as guarantor of Europe’s security is over – and may even turn adversarial. But Europe has an overlooked trump card.
When it comes to manufacturing Europe blows the US out of the water.
Thread.
1/
foreignpolicy.com/2025/03/07/e...