FU-BEST (European Studies) at Freie Universität Berlin presents an online panel discussion on October 8, 2020, entitled “German Unification 1990 – Retrospective and Outlook after 30 Years.” On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of German reunification, four experts will discuss its cultural, political, social, and international dimensions, offering a retrospective as well as an outlook for the future. The discussion will take place in English; audience participation is welcome via online chat during the live-stream broadcast.
The panel discussion will address questions on, for example, how the events from 1989 to 1990 should be seen in historical perspective – was it a case of reunification, unification, or accession of the GDR? What were (and perhaps still are today) some of the most important societal dynamics and consequences? Where can we still identify a lingering East-West divide in Germany? And to what extent does unified Germany have to grapple with a “return of the past”?
Panel members:
Dr. Dirk Verheyen (Moderator): Academic Director, FU-BEST Program
Dr. Marita Meyer: German studies expert; specializations include discourse on globalization and ecology in art and literature
Dr. Martin Jander: Historian and journalist; specializations include political opposition in the former GDR
Dr. Klaus Müller: Sociologist; specializations include post-communist transformations and international political economy
Rolf-Dieter Schnelle: Political scientist and former German diplomat; specializations include public diplomacy, foreign cultural policy, and transatlantic relations
Broadcast of the panel discussion:
Thursday, October 8, 2020, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Central European time)
Live stream via Webex Events: https://fu-berlin.webex.com/fu-berlin-en/onstage/g.php?MTID=ec22bcf4273f31576314472877727c9c5
Password: berlintalks
Available later on the website www.fu-berlin.de/berlintalks, as well as on the YouTube channel of the organizing program FU-BEST
The event will be held in English and will be broadcast live from the Academic Senate Hall of Freie Universität Berlin. Online viewers are invited to participate via the chat with questions and comments.
About Berlin Talks:
This interactive and public online event series addresses social issues, discussed and examined from different perspectives by internationally recognized experts, and is organized by the international short-term study program of the Freie Universität Berlin FU-BEST : www.fu-berlin.de/berlintalks
About Freie Universität Berlin European Studies Program (FU-BEST):
This international study program includes German language instruction as well as a large selection of (especially English-language) subject courses. FU-BEST has been awarded the Quality Improvement Program (QUIP) quality seal by the Forum on Education Abroad. For more information, visit www.fubest.org and www.studyabroad.purdue.edu/programs/flyer.cfm?flyer=1193.
Online initiatives:
“Berlin Talks” panel discussion series: www.fu-berlin.de/berlintalks
Videos of the free FU-BEST lecture series 2020: www.fubest.org/online