Hertie Highlights

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