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
How should the EU react to Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland? Get out of self-deterrence, launch the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) and focus on concrete levers instead of the next abstract tools debate. This is an explainer how this could work: 1/ 🧵
January 19, 2026 at 2:16 PM
How should the EU react to Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland? Get out of self-deterrence, launch the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) and focus on concrete levers instead of the next abstract tools debate. This is an explainer how this could work: 1/ 🧵
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
New policy brief! Against the backdrop of the recently released US national security strategy, we examine the impact of USAID's closure for 🇪🇺 engagement in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership. Full publication here: bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
After USAID: Europe’s Moment to Lead
The 2025 closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has reshaped the global development landscape and created a strategic inflection point for Europe close to home. With...
bst-europe.eu
December 9, 2025 at 2:58 PM
New policy brief! Against the backdrop of the recently released US national security strategy, we examine the impact of USAID's closure for 🇪🇺 engagement in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership. Full publication here: bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
Struck by this line in @maxbergmann.bsky.social's latest on the implications of the Trump admin's NSS. This take - implications of US democracy program cuts in Europe - pairs well with our latest policy brief "After USAID: Europe's Moment to Lead", just released today: bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
December 9, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Struck by this line in @maxbergmann.bsky.social's latest on the implications of the Trump admin's NSS. This take - implications of US democracy program cuts in Europe - pairs well with our latest policy brief "After USAID: Europe's Moment to Lead", just released today: bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
In 2023, the US disbursed $12.4 billion in ODA to the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership.
One year later, much of that support has evaporated.
Our new policy brief asks: Why does it matter for Europe — and how should Europe respond? A 🧵 on the main results: bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
One year later, much of that support has evaporated.
Our new policy brief asks: Why does it matter for Europe — and how should Europe respond? A 🧵 on the main results: bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
After USAID: Europe’s Moment to Lead
The 2025 closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has reshaped the global development landscape and created a strategic inflection point for Europe close to home. With...
bst-europe.eu
December 9, 2025 at 11:51 AM
In 2023, the US disbursed $12.4 billion in ODA to the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership.
One year later, much of that support has evaporated.
Our new policy brief asks: Why does it matter for Europe — and how should Europe respond? A 🧵 on the main results: bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
One year later, much of that support has evaporated.
Our new policy brief asks: Why does it matter for Europe — and how should Europe respond? A 🧵 on the main results: bst-europe.eu/europe-in-th...
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
The NSS signals 2 big shifts for Europe
1. Europe will handle its own security now. They take the 5% commitment literally.
2. US plans lots of political interference to back the far right. This is what "restoring Europe’s civilizational self-confidence and Western identity" means.
Buckle up.
1. Europe will handle its own security now. They take the 5% commitment literally.
2. US plans lots of political interference to back the far right. This is what "restoring Europe’s civilizational self-confidence and Western identity" means.
Buckle up.
December 5, 2025 at 12:37 PM
The NSS signals 2 big shifts for Europe
1. Europe will handle its own security now. They take the 5% commitment literally.
2. US plans lots of political interference to back the far right. This is what "restoring Europe’s civilizational self-confidence and Western identity" means.
Buckle up.
1. Europe will handle its own security now. They take the 5% commitment literally.
2. US plans lots of political interference to back the far right. This is what "restoring Europe’s civilizational self-confidence and Western identity" means.
Buckle up.
Reposted by Brandon Bohrn
What struck me most on Europe wasn’t the focus on value, freedom of speech etc - again, very similar to Vance’s Munich speech - but how activist it is. This is about directly trying to influence what is going on in Europe:
December 5, 2025 at 10:17 AM
What struck me most on Europe wasn’t the focus on value, freedom of speech etc - again, very similar to Vance’s Munich speech - but how activist it is. This is about directly trying to influence what is going on in Europe:
The Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy was released overnight in the US. What are the administration’s apparent priorities pertaining to Europe? I’ve pulled out the key points from the 29-page document.
PDF: www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
PDF: www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
December 5, 2025 at 12:05 PM
The Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy was released overnight in the US. What are the administration’s apparent priorities pertaining to Europe? I’ve pulled out the key points from the 29-page document.
PDF: www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
PDF: www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
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...