On May 19, 2026, students from Francis Marion University in South Carolina and Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau convened at the Atlantic Academy to discuss the current state of transatlantic relations. Through presentations and conversation, participants explored both the strategic realities of the German-American partnership and the grassroots efforts that sustain it. 

For places such as Kaiserslautern, foreign policy is not an abstract concept shaped solely in Washington or Berlin. Rather, it is a lived, everyday experience. Atlantic Academy Deputy Director Sarah Wagner demonstrated how the organization fosters dialogue and understanding of U.S. developments through education, encounters, and expert engagement with the community. Complementing this, Welcome to Rhineland-Pfalz Program Manager John Constance highlighted the initiatives of the WiR! program, from sporting events to school art shows, that foster integration between locally stationed U.S. personnel and their host communities. 

Following the presentations, students discussed the meaning and future of the transatlantic relationship. Participants from both sides of the Atlantic recognized that German-American relations are transforming and that they will continue to play a critical role in foreign affairs. Despite current uncertainties, students expressed optimism that the partnership can continue to develop positively through increased education and strong interpersonal connections. Many also noted their own aspirations to one day contribute and make an impact within this field. 

Report written by RP TAIP intern Riley Coburn, May 2026.