On Nov 10 the Obama Institute will hold an info session on its Direct Exchange programs. Please join us in room P 2 (Philosophicum) for more information about the exciting exchange opportunities!
Nov 10, 18:00-19:30 P 2 (Philosophicum)
Please find all details about the session on the flyer, which is available for download here and on the Exchange page, where you can also browse general information on the programs in order to get a headstart on what your options are and what an application would entail.
Looking forward to talking to you in person on Nov 10, when we will be happy to answer all your questions!
Josephine Links – Director and Author of We All Bleed Red (2024)
Oct 12, 2026, 2 pm, room 00.212 (Philo II, Jakob-Welder-Weg 20)
In her documentary We All Bleed Red (2024), Josephine Links takes us behind the work of photographer Martin Schoeller, whose portraits span an extraordinary range of American life: from presidents and celebrities to drag queens, unhoused individuals, transgender people, and Indigenous communities.
How did the idea for the film come about? What does it teach us about the American dream? And how is a documentary feature made? Join us for a conversation about Martin Schoeller, American society, photography, and documentary filmmaking – with the director herself.
Workshop
Obama Institute for Transnational American Studies
Supreme Court Amendments and Evangelicals
July 16, 2026
2-4 p.m.
Obama Institute conference room (02.102) Philo II, Jakob-Welder-Weg 20
Please join us for our Workshop on Supreme Court Amendments and Evangelicals.
We are happy to welcome doctoral student Alexander Brackebusch from the University of Munich, and Associate Professor of History and Politics, Emma Long, from the University of East Anglia. Alexander Brackebusch will introduce us to his research, and we will facilitate a conversation between Alexander, Emma Long, Axel Schäfer and Anja-Maria Bassimir.
Alexander Brackebusch is writing his thesis on “Morality Amendments” to the Constitution, asking “why political actors continue to propose these amendments despite their exceedingly low likelihood of success.” He is especially interested in proposed amendments by actors associated with the Christian Right.
Emma Long has worked on two main topics – the Constitution and Supreme Court; and Evangelicals. In her forthcoming book, Lobbying for the Lord: The National Association of Evangelicals and the Growth of Post-war Evangelical Political Activism, Emma explores Evangelical politics in the 1940s and 50s. She has also studied Supreme Court decisions, especially in connection with reproductive rights, as in her articles “Reproductive Care and Justice” (2024) and “Last Word: Will Abortion Sway the 2024 US Presidential Election?” (2024).
Anlässlich des 250. Jahrestages der Unabhängigkeitserklärung der Vereinigten Staaten veranstalten das Leibniz-Institut für Europäische Geschichte (IEG) und das Obama Institute for Transnational American Studies an der Johannes Gutenberg Universität-Mainz (JGU) gemeinsam eine Buchvorstellung mit Podiumsdiskussion zum amerikanischen Nationalfeiertag.
Der international renommierte Amerikahistoriker Professor Dr. Philipp Gassert (Universität Mannheim) wird die zentralen Thesen seines jüngst im dtv-Verlag erschienenen Buches Die bipolare Nation. Was Amerika der Welt gegeben hat. Im Guten wie im Schlechten vorstellen. Mit ihm diskutieren der Direktor des Leibniz-Instituts für Europäische Geschichte, Professor Dr. Johannes Paulmann, und der Sprecher des Obama Institute for Transnational American Studies an der JGU, Professor Dr. Alfred Hornung.
Gerade im Jubiläumsjahr 2026 stellt sich die Frage, wie die Vereinigten Staaten ihre demokratischen Ideale, gesellschaftlichen Konflikte und globalen Führungsansprüche neu verhandeln. Vor dem Hintergrund aktueller politischer, gesellschaftlicher und kultureller Entwicklungen lädt der Veranstaltung dazu ein, die historischen Wurzeln der tiefen Polarisierungen in den USA zu verstehen und ihre Bedeutung für die Zukunft Amerikas und seiner Beziehungen zur Welt zu diskutieren.
USA at 250 – Reflecting on Democracy and Current Debates
Info Session for Planned Student Project Exhibition
July 6, 12:00-13:00 00.212 (Philo II, ground floor) Jakob-Welder-Weg 20
Work on what moves you!
As part of our event series on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we plan an exhibition of projects that explore current issues connected to U.S. democracy and society. Therefore, we are looking for student projects on these topics. Projects can include:
Posters about a research topic connected to U.S. democracy or the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,
interactive displays for visitor engagement,
audio and video contributions,
creativewriting and art,
performances,
and more….
Find out more and join us for the info meeting:
July 6, 12:00-13:00 00.212 (Philo II, ground floor) Jakob-Welder-Weg 20
with Dr. Glenn Tiffert (Stanford U) and Ray Wong (activist, Hong Kong/Germany)
April 27, 2026, 2:30-4 pm Fakultätssaal (01-185), Philosophicum
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Navigating Engagement with China: Subnational Diplomacy and United Front Activities in Germany
How does the Chinese Communist Party seek to influence institutions and public discourse abroad and what does that mean for Germany?
In this expert briefing, Dr. Glenn Tiffert, a leading scholar of Chinese politics and influence operations, will examine the role of the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front Work Department and its activities beyond China’s borders. The United Front is a key instrument through which the CCP builds networks of influence among political, academic, business, and diaspora communities around the world. This program focuses specifially on how United Front activities intersect with institutions and stakeholders in Germany, including universities, business associations, local governments, and civil society. While awareness of CCP influence operations has grown at the federal level, many subnational actors, states, municipalities, chambers of commerce, and economic development agencies, remain particularly exposed due to limited resources and lower threat perception. Dr. Tiffert will explain how United Front networks operate, how influence activities are often embedded within legitimate engagement channels, and what practical steps institutions can take to assess and mitigate potential risks.
Additional perspectives will be offered by Ray Wong, democracy activist from Hong Kong, who will share insights into the broader context of CCP influence activities and their implications for democratic institutions.
Welcome JGU Vice President Prof. Dr. Stephan Jolie
Discussion Dr. Glenn Tiffert (Stanford U) and Ray Wong (activist, Hong Kong/Germany)
Q&A with audience
The event is organized by invitation of the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt and in cooperation with the Obama Institute at JGU Mainz.
