On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, the 20th anniversary of the NRW School of Governance, and the founding of the University of Cologne’s Adenauer School of Government, the University Alliance Ruhr and the University of Cologne New York Office are launching Democracy and Diplomacy, a new transatlantic dialogue series. The series brings together leading scholars, policymakers, diplomats, and civil society representatives for high-level, off-the-record exchange at the intersection of academia, policy, and diplomacy.

The inaugural dialogue will explore the foundations of democratic governance and the rule of law, with a particular focus on freedoms, rights, responsibilities, institutional resilience, and the future of German–US relations. Through keynote perspectives and a high-level panel discussion, the event will examine how research, academic exchange, and science diplomacy can contribute to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering meaningful transatlantic cooperation.

By invitation only.