Live Podcast
Understanding America
June 25, 2026, 6:30 PM, New York Room
In 2026, the USA will celebrate its 250th anniversary. This anniversary year is also a pivotal political year: The midterm elections in November will reveal whether Donald Trump can transform his country into an autocracy – or whether the ‘checks and balances’ in the oldest democracy in the world still function. However, ‘Donald Trump is not the cause, but a symptom of the crisis,’ says historian Volker Depkat. Much of what European observers are surprised about today has roots in US history.
This is precisely the theme of the podcast Understanding America from Deutschlandfunk – and it is now coming live to the German Emigration House, a place that exemplifies the history of transatlantic relations like few others.
Volker Depkat, Professor of American Studies at the University of Regensburg, brings not only academic expertise but also personal perspectives: Born in El Paso, Texas, and shaped by years of research in the USA, he navigates ‘between worlds.’
Framework Program & Schedule
Guided tours of the exhibition (optional, limited spots available)
5:15 PM – 6:00 PM
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
Live podcast recording with audience questions
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Afterwards
Meet & Greetwith the team fromUnderstanding America
Registration & Information
The event is already fully booked. However, the recording will be available from Saturday, 27 June 2025 via the usual podcast apps or directly through Deutschlandfunk.
For participation in the tours: Please arrive punctually in the foyer, where you will be welcomed. For exclusive participation in the live podcast: Please be on-site by 6:00 PM.
The event is part of the audience project “Think Tank” by Deutschlandfunk. The annual theme for 2026 is: “The Right of the Stronger: How Rulers Reshape the World.”