FRANK ly - Fulbright Alumni
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15
FRANKly
The Fulbright Alumni e.V. Newsletter
Ausgabe 2004Content Letter from
the editor
Greetings from the President 1 Dear friends of the
The Board 2 Fulbright idea,
What sets the Fulbright Program apart a warm welcome to all of you
By Rolf Hoffmann 4 holding our 15th issue of the
100 Years James William Fulbright 5 FRANKly in hands.
Special Feature: Where Continents Meet
Fulbright Berlin Conference ‘04 Our special features the
Berlin feels well prepared Fulbright Berlin Conference
By Klaus Wowereit 6 of 2004, for the first time
Redefining a continent: EU-enlargement organized in close coopera-
By Joe Kristensen, Steffen Schmuck-Soldan, Jörg Geier 7 tion between the Fulbright
Common challenge or internal divide Alumni e.V. and the German-
By Sebestyén L. v. Gorka 10 American Fulbright
Why is this publication called „FRANKly“? 12 Commission. This is exactly what the Senator had in mind:
Impressions of the Berlin PowWow people of different origin and academic backgrounds united
By Crister S. Garrett 13 with a goal and despite all diversity summing it up with the
Prof. Dr. Gesine Schwan words “Where Continents Meet“.
By Jürgen Simon 14
On gravitation and moving targets My Fulbright Conference was held in Chicago in 1988 and
By Steffen Schmuck-Soldan 15 I will never forget one girl from Honduras. She set up a tape
Fulbright Berlin Conference player one evening and said: “In Honduras, we can dance“.
By Monica Steger 16 And she threw off her shoes and began to dance in front of
Hanseatic Challenge in Hamburg 2004 approximately 200 Fulbright scholars from all over the world.
By Uli Wandel, Uwe Koch, Heike Staffa-Ott,
Martina Rauch, Anna A. Meissner 17 That’s what I like about Fulbrighters. They do not only talk but
History and Purpose of the Fulbright Alumni e.V. 19 act when it’s necessary.* I love working with them, I am glad
Membership application 21 that I can contribute to extending the Fulbright experience to
What’s going on in the Regional Chapters 23 others. And I hope I can meet them all.
Enterprise Scholars powered by the FAeV. 26
* Thank you all for your excellent cooperation
Strategy on the Ammer
By Michael Tonke 30 Enjoy and contribute if you wish
Behind the Scenes in Ludwigsburg: Winterball ‘04 Silke Wolter
By Ulrich Schlecht 31 frankly@fulbright-alumni.de
Speak American
By Andrea Möller 33
Fulbright Family Fun Weekend Silke Wolter holds a diploma in Visual Communications (FH) from
By Knut Mittwollen 34 the Fachhochschule des Landes Rheinland-Pfalz at Mainz. She was a
Washington Conferences and Fulbright Prize ‘03 Fulbright scholar from 1987-1989 and studied Design at the University
By Uwe Koch 35 of Minnesota, where Silke received a Master of Arts and discovered
Welcome Meeting ‘03 her affinity and talent to teaching. In the past she has been working for
By Ulrich Hueck 36 German and international advertising and design agencies in Germany
Fulbright travelogue Tenerife ‘03 and the Czech Republic. She exhibits her art sporadically and won
By Christiane Fertig 37 awards with her graphic work. Silke opened her own business in 2003
Did you know… (designing anything from invitation cards to annual reports) and lives
By Silke Wolter 40 close to Frankfurt with her husband and three children.
Welcome back
By Silke Wolter 41
FRANKly No. 15, Oktober 2004 Editor and Designer
Copyright by Fulbright Alumni e.V. FeinDesign Silke Wolter, Bad Soden
Photos title page: Postfach 10 08 65 (06196) 643914, Fax 643814
60008 Frankfurt/Main, Germany swolter@t-online.de
1) PowWow ‘04 – Where continents meet: One of the five exciting panels
2) Winterball ‘04: Guests and organizers Proofread by the Board Printing and Lettershop by
3) Regional Chapter Stuttgart/Southwest: A canoe trip and Angus McKay Liebeskind Druck, ApoldaGreetings from
the President
Dear members and friends of the German Fulbright Alumni e.V.,
I am very pleased to introduce to you this 15th edition of our association’s journal, the FRANKly.
These pages reflect the effort of the authors and editors of the articles they contain, but also
the hard work of those dedicated members who orchestrated the events described. Therefore
I would like to thank not only Silke Wolter for her fine work in the production of this edition and all
of the authors and contributors, but also all of the energetic individuals who have invested much
of their free time to contribute to the richness of this Association by organizing the events which
help define it.
You will find quite a number of events described in this issue, ranging from the picnics and day-
trips of the regional chapters and the Family Weekend in Königstein, to the larger events such as
the Pow Wow conference on EU-Enlargement or the annual Winterball. Furthermore, this edition
is one of introductions: Dr. Rolf Hoffmann, who became the Executive Director of the German-American Fulbright Commission
at the beginning of this year introduces himself and his ideas for future collaboration between the Fulbright Alumni and the
Commission. Four out of the five "Enterprise Scholars", Fulbrighters who received travel grants sponsored by our association, take
the opportunity to describe their experiences and share their enthusiasm about their year abroad. Finally, the interview with the
members of the board of directors gives some insight into the leadership of the association.
These contents illustrate the broad spectrum of our events and our individuals, showing the diversity and the desire for diversity
among the over 1200 members. I find the faceted nature of the association’s activities to be extremely important: The German
Fulbright Alumni association is a social gathering place, a helpful institution for returning grantees and Americans currently in
Germany, an information source for the public about the Fulbright Program, a forum for addressing current topics from academia,
politics, and professional life, and a great place to develop professional and leadership skills. Any one of these facets alone could
not keep the association alive. Together, however, they make the association as dynamic and eclectic as a typical Fulbrighter.
Enjoy this edition of the FRANKly! Born in Rochester, New York, in 1972, Joe received a Fulbright
Teaching Assistant Grant for the school year of 1995-96 in
Königs-Wusterhausen, near Berlin. Joe lives with his wife Sidse
Joseph Kristensen in Berlin, and works as a commercial project manager for the
Berlin, October 2004 Transportation Systems division of Siemens AG.
Question: How do you envision the FAeV's future? see something that we have failed to see, or may see it more
I have always been impressed with the eclectic and dynamic accurately." I think that Fulbright Alumni, as academics and pro-
nature of the individual members of the FAeV, as well as the fessionals by definition and hooked on the empathy gained
INTERVIEW
opportunities for developing leadership and professional skills through their experience, have had a particularly difficult time
which the association offers to those members who become accepting the current Bush Administration, which has defined
active and/or take office. Great individuals combined with itself through the use of simple dichotomies and resolute
opportunities for learning build the strong foundation of the actions. Many see "freedom fries" and the Fox News Channel
association. First and foremost, I envision this foundation being as the antithesis of what Senator Fulbright and the Fulbright
fortified with a steadily growing membership, and continued Program stood and stand for.
activation of members for leadership positions within the To avoid being a hypocrite, however, a Fulbrighter on either side
association. of any political fence must engage in discourse, "to allow for
the possibility that others…" (see above).
Question: What is your comment on the German-American As emotions ran high during the outbreak of the war in Iraq, a
Relationship from the standpoint of the FAeV? group of our members did just that: a digest of articles and per-
I feel that the standpoint of all Fulbrighters, individually and sonal statements representing a full range of opinions was cre-
collectively, should be one of tolerance, even celebration of ated, for which subscribers were encouraged to submit further
ideas and viewpoints contrary to their own. In Senator content for intelligent and respectful discussion of current
Fulbright's own words, "The essence of intercultural education affairs. This, I feel, is a commendable example of the coopera-
is the acquisition of empathy – the ability to see the world as tion and tolerance which the Fulbright Program is meant to
others see it, and to allow for the possibility that others may develop, and the Fulbright Alumni e.V. stands for.
1The Board
Andrea Möller - Vice President Communications
Born in Frankfurt/Main in 1974, Andrea studied English and Biology
at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University. After a TA-year in Great
Britain she spent her Fulbright year studying Biology in the Masters
program of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff in 96/97.
Currently she is working on her PhD in Biology, trying to find out
how migrating animals sense the earth’s magnetic field for orientation.
Question: How do you envision the FAeV’s future?
In the past 18 years our association has grown continuously,
bringing together internationally-oriented students and pro-
fessionals by organizing more than 50 events, some of them
From the top left, clockwise: Petra Steinmetz, Andrea Möller, Uwe Koch, even on an international scale. Undoubtedly our future contin-
Joe Kristensen, Ursula Mich. ues to lie in our lively and broad-based pool of members, from
which our active regional or national boards are recruited.
Uwe Koch - Treasurer But while our potential increases with becoming larger, our
responsibilities increase as well. As governmental money is cut
Born on August 11th 1964 in Reutlingen, Uwe spent his Fulbright everywhere and Amerikahäuser are closed, non-governmental
Year from August 1988 to September 1989 in Corvallis, Oregon associations like the FAeV will become progressively more rele-
attending classes at Oregon State University. Currently he is working vant. We will need to support the German-American dialogue
for a major European Bank’s Online Brokerage daughter in and serve as an information platform, possibly in cooperation
Nuremberg. with other organizations. Also, as more and more students tend
to stay at their home university in order not to "lose" a year, we
Question: What keeps you personally motivated to invest your should use our connections with universities and schools and
spare time in FAeV? encourage them to go abroad – possibly by trying to be a "life
First of all the Fulbright Year in the US gave me a lot. Working example" for the fact that one can only win, on the career but
on the Board of Directors is equally rewarding since I am able above all on the personal level. If we can continue to be dyna-
to participate in international ventures, meet interesting people mic, diverse and independent, the FAeV will continue to thrive
at otherwise inaccessible events and learn a lot of things in and become even more relevant in the future.
fields differing from my professional life.
Question: What is your comment on the German-American
Question: What does the FAeV really do for returnees? relationship from the standpoint of FAeV?
Most returnees have a unique experience in their social envi- The German-American Relationship is going through a radical
ronment as usually all their friends and family members stayed change. For a long time, especially during the Cold War,
back in Germany. We offer a community of people with the Americans were seen as the creators and keepers of peace.
same kind of experiences in similar situations. Returnees But as a generation change takes place in Germany, opinions
INTERVIEW
who happen to suffer from reverse culture shock find out that about the U.S. become more differentiated and critical. America
they are not the only ones and get consolidation from under- is no longer merely associated with bringing Marshall Plan and
standing Fulbrighters who may even become friends for life. Hershey bars. Some, Germans as well as Americans, begin to
We also offer events to keep up the links with the US and to question the turn in U.S. politics. But instead of becoming
broaden the mind in different disciplines. pessimistic fence sitters, our members take action: They orga-
nize a PowWow "Quo vadis U.S.A.?" and start a digest of press
articles and opinions, creating a platform for open discussion.
This is where our chance lies. First, our members know both
cultures and are more attentive and sensitive when it comes to
American/German issues. They try to understand what drives
political decisions on both sides of the Atlantic. Secondly, and
most important, Fulbright Alumni e.V. is not a limb of a political
party or ideology. Instead, we are driven by the idea of tolerance
and true internationality. Our aim is to encourage dialogue and
interaction, always trying to foster Senator J.W. Fulbright’s won-
derful vision: "It is possible – not very probable, but possible –
that people can find in themselves through intercultural educa-
tion the ways and means of living together in peace."
2Ursula Mich - Vice President Events Petra Steinmetz - Vice President Members
Born 1960 and grown up in Bad Homburg v. d. H. Ursula studied Petra Steinmetz was born on Sept. 6th, 1965 in Göttingen. Her
Library Science at Stuttgart’s University of Applied Sciences. After- Fulbright experience as a Teaching Assistant was in 1990-91 in
wards a Fulbright scholarship allowed her to study juvenile literature at Minnesota. Since 1997 she has been living in Luxembourg with her
the Library Science Department at UNC, North Carolina, from family where she is representing very fine and special Tahitian pearls -
1982-1984. When she returned in 1984 she became a bookseller at Magic Pearls®.
one of the best known bookstores in former West Germany. Currently
she is the assistant to the CEO of one of Germany’s largest banks. Question: Where did the exchange year(s) influence your life
most?
Question: Where did the exchange year(s) influence your life When I received my Fulbright Scholarship, I knew that it would
most? change my life completely. Thanks to Fulbright Alumni e.V. I met
It influenced me most in my private life. Many American and my husband during the Welcome Meeting 1991 in Tübingen.
German friends I would never have met without my Fulbright Ever since, Fulbright has played one of the most significant
year. Regarding my professional career, my US studies helped roles in my life. I feel that we as Fulbrighters can make the dif-
me to find an adequate job at home. While abroad, I came ference in promoting worldwide mutual understanding.
to a more objective opinion on Germany and German issues.
Sometimes I feel as if I were a wanderer between two worlds. Question: If the FAeV did not exist, what would the world miss?
A place / meeting point / platform where people with the same
Question: How do you envision the FAeV’s future? basic ideas can exchange their thoughts and discuss how to
I think the FAeV will become more important because the improve this world we all live in. I consider it one of our noblest
Fulbright program is often discussed in politics and the aims to carry on the legacy and vision of Senator Fulbright,
association is needed as a sponsor. It is also important to state and to work for peace wherever we can. We Fulbrighters are
our experiences. The number of members will grow further. the ideal group for bringing together people around the globe.
The Association will face the "problem" of growing older and I truly hope that everybody makes a little effort for improving
having also quite young members. This is something the board the world.
and members will have to discuss.
Question: What keeps you personally motivated to invest your
Question: What does FaeV really do for Returnees? spare time in the FAeV?
In hopefully easing the reverse culture shock by inviting them I truly enjoy Fulbright Alumni events, because that's where I
to regional and national events to get to know fellows having find people who are on the same wavelength. The spirit of the
made same experiences and to intensify the first contacts of Senator makes me strive for peace in this world and apply my
old and new members because of continous personal contacts. brain power and energy to it.
Question: Which role do American Fulbrighters play in the Question: What does FAeV really do for Returnees?
FAeV? The Fulbright Alumni e.V. offers a "safe haven" after the return
Quite an important one, as you see. Joe is our first American from the States. Returnees find people who share the same
INTERVIEW
President. During the years I think a more important role also ideas, feelings and ideals and went through the same reverse
due to the meanwhile good relations between Fulbright culture shock. For me personally, it was in fact the only place
Kommission and the FAeV and due to easier access to where I felt understood at the time. The "Welcome Meeting"
American Fulbrighters. More Americans come to our regional is full of interesting workshops, which are both helpful against
and national events because of this. the reverse culture shock as well as for developing plans and
ideas for the future. Besides, we are considered one of the
most active and best-organised Fulbright Associations world-
wide. Last but not least, FAeV is a lot of fun!
Questions by Silke Wolter and Knut Mittwollen
3 FRANKly 15 • The BoardWhat sets the
Fulbright Program apart?
At a recent get-together of various Berlin and cultural bonds that bind.
representatives of German science and It almost goes without saying that the
exchange organizations we were – with- Fulbright label opens doors for grantees
out prior notice – asked to give a quick and provides access to information, net-
outline of the goals and achievements of works, and organizations that otherwise,
our organizations to the rest of the crowd. on an individual level, would be difficult
This is in itself neither an unusual to reach. Whether it be at the orientation
request, nor does it pose any problems meeting, a preparatory week in New York,
given the multitude of well-designed an informal barbecue, Thanksgiving din-
high-profile glossy "aims and functions"- ner or through access to law-makers, lea-
brochures that we all produce to market ders in business and industry or to the
ourselves in the increasingly competitive back stage of an artistic performance or
environment of international higher edu- to its producer – it is this exposure early
cation. The Fulbright program, as we all in their career to established networks
know, stands for advancing knowledge and the proliferation of transatlantic dialo-
and mutual understanding across the gue and cooperation that breeds success
Atlantic, and it does so through a number amongst our Fulbrighters.
of programs that provide study and Rolf Hoffmann, Executive Director,
research opportunities in the United German-American Fulbright Commission Not surprisingly this most obvious differ-
States and Germany as well as network ence between the Fulbright program
programs and capacity building opportu- neutral broker of different interests and other comparable initiatives has led
nities for special target groups such as or positions if needed, with no biased to a well-established network of friends,
teaching assistants and teachers, jour- agendas or interests to pursue. This, for sponsors and alumni in Germany. The
nalists, higher education experts, and example, happened only a week ago most fascinating experience for me in the
policy makers in both countries…so far, when the Commission convened a group past months has been seeing to what
so good! of top-level representatives of German extent this network is active, living up to
and American institutions to draft a road its own expectations, and contributing to
Having served in similar capacities in map for a bilateral credentials evaluation the Fulbright idea. I know that I certainly
other German exchange organizations process for the newly introduced speak for my predecessors, too, when
though, I have to say that these goals at bachelor/master degrees in Germany. I say that the Commission in Berlin feels
first glance do not differ dramatically from privileged to be able to rely on this net-
those of other publicly-funded exchange On the academic level, Fulbright aims, as work for advice, support, and cooperation
programs or schemes worldwide. And yet, many other organizations, for the best. – be it a speaker for a symposium, the
after only 5 months in service for the What Fulbright requires in addition, organization of panels, or financial contri-
Fulbright Commission in Berlin, I cannot though, is a mind open to foreign cul- butions, e.g. to the Enterprise Fellowship
resist the feeling that Fulbright does tures, a natural curiosity and the willing- Program.
differ considerably from other comparable ness to cross cultural and language
initiatives in Germany – but how? What borders, and the ability to serve as an While I deeply appreciate this support
makes Fulbright so special? ambassador for your own country. This rendered by the alumni, I could imagine
personal profile, in addition to the acade- even more areas of collaboration that
First of all, the Fulbright Commission is mic excellence and extracurricular achie- would be mutually beneficial. Given their
not a state organization, and hence does vements, is a prerequisite for a success- physical representation in all regions in
not take – or need to take – official state ful participation in a Fulbright program. Germany, alumni groups would be the
views or positions at any time. The ideal partners for American participants in
German-American Fulbright Commission Knowing that the Fulbright grantees have Fulbright special programs like the
is based on a bilateral US-German gone through this very selective screen- German Studies Seminar, the U.S.
government agreement that defines it ing procedure, host institutions and Administrators Program or – a new idea
as a ‘zwischenstaatliche Einrichtung,’ an Commissions will spend considerable that we are currently pursuing –
institution serving a common goal for energy to ensure that grantees will Educational Experts from the U.S..
both nations and their governments. Thus, succeed. Fulbrighters are considered German alumni are well connected in the
the Fulbright Commission has the privi- special, and more often than not they are commercial sector, on the political level
leged position of being able to act as a treated specially, thus creating academic and in higher education; I could envision
4a closer cooperation with regional supportive of our ideas and goals, and the very core of these efforts – which is,
Fulbright alumni chapters in preparing I hope that we will soon be able to coor- by the way, in a nutshell, what I told my
attractive programs for our American dinate these data more effectively with colleagues from the other organizations
clientele. Other future joint initiatives the Alumni Association than in the past. at the get-together in Berlin.
might include the initiation and coordina- In addition, we are about to introduce
tion of more local information evenings a new electronic Fulbright newsletter, and Dr. Rolf Hoffmann, born in 1953 in Cologne,
and "Stammtische," particularly for new we will soon publish a call for new poster Germany, studied biological sciences, with
American Fulbrighters, or active participa- designs for the Fulbright program posters special emphasis on behavioral ecology and
tion in the "Verein der Freunde und to be used in the years ahead. I want to zoology in his doctoral studies at Duke
Förderer" of the German-American draw on the expertise of Fulbright alumni University, Durham, North Carolina, USA,
Fulbright Commission in Berlin, an initia- in developing these new marketing tools and the University of Tübingen in Germany
tive which has been instrumental in too, and I can foresee more initiatives where he was awarded his degree in 1983.
shaping the Enterprise Scholars Program like these of the Fulbright Secretariat in After two years as an assistant professor in
in the past. the future where active involvement and zoology at the University of Karlsruhe he
expertise of current grantees and former joined the Alexander von Humboldt
Beyond the current level of involvement Fulbrighters would be welcomed. Foundation in Bonn. In 1990 he joined the
of Fulbright alumni at orientation meet- German Space Agency (DARA). Since 1991
ings, receptions and events and other less Given all these plans and ideas to pro- he has worked mainly for the German Aca-
formalized efforts, what does the Fulbright mote the Fulbright idea, it is easy to po- demic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Bonn,
Commission do to build and maintain its sition the Fulbright program successfully with an interim (1999-2000) as Director
network? One of the most important tools in the international exchange business: of the German-American Academic Council
for cooperation is the information about it is the grantee’s personal experience in Bonn and Washington, D.C. In 2001
grantees, returnees, and alumni and their and the academic ties that contribute to Dr. Hoffmann was appointed Director of
compatibility with and availability for colla- a strong and growing network which in DAAD’s International Marketing Initiative,
borative events. The Commission is right return fosters mutual understanding bet- which combines GATE-Germany and the
now restructuring its IT-network, with ween Germany and the United States on official Secretariat of the German Govern-
the active and generous support of a a multitude of levels – a contribution that ment’s Joint Initiative for the International
company that is headed by a Fulbright is more than needed these days. The Promotion of Study and Research in Germany.
alumnus, who has been extremely Fulbright family with all its members is at By Rolf Hoffmann
100 Years James
William Fulbright
J. William Fulbright was born in Sumner, some measure of intercultural perspec-
Missouri, on April 9, 1905. Now, nearly tive. For every business person who has
100 years later, his contributions to studied in another country, many associ-
mankind endure. The exchange program ates are likely to gain some appreciation
which he initiated and now bears his of the essential futility of nationalistic
name has opened the hearts and minds economic policies and of the way in
of over 250,000 scholars worldwide which an international division of labor
since its inception in 1946. benefits all countries.
Yet the influence of the program goes far
beyond the number of grantees. For every politician who, through study
abroad, has gained some appreciation of
In his book "The Price of Empire," the world as a human community, untold
Fulbright noted that "For every university numbers of ordinary citizens, as well as
professor whose outlook has been their leaders, may be guided away from
broadened by study in another country, parochialism and narrow nationalism to
many thousands of students will gain broader, more fruitful perspectives."
What sets the Fulbright Program apart?
5 FRANKly 15 • 100 Years James William FulbrightBerlin feels
well prepared.
PowWow 2004, Berlin, 19-21 March 2004 Europe into the EU. We play a leading
The annual meeting of Fulbright scholars role in what are called "town twinning"
has become a very nice tradition in Berlin. projects. These are development projects
funded by the EU and carried out jointly
For both Germans and Americans, the by regional administrations in EU member
Fulbright Program is closely tied to the states and in the candidate countries.
historical course that was set after 1945. Berlin has set up networks with the cities
It stands for the end of enmity, and the of Central and Eastern Europe. These
exchange of German and American are intended to give voice to the interests
students stands for international under- of large cities and capital cities in a
standing and friendship. But the Europe that is growing together.
Fulbright Program is more than a symbol.
Rather, the Fulbright Program itself is Berlin expects great things of the EU
friendship between nations in action. enlargement. Our city will be moving
from the outskirts to the middle of the
It is important to recall the things that European Union.
unite America and Germany. These are
much greater than the foreign policy and Klaus Wowereit, Major of Berlin. Berlin feels well prepared for EU enlarge-
security issues that divided our govern- ment:
ments on the subject of the war in Iraq. had cut the telephone links between East Berlin is Germany’s capital. This is the
and West Berlin and had forbidden West country’s political hub. Many institutions,
It is particularly important for Berliners Berliners to enter the GDR. research institutes, and diplomatic mis-
to feel ourselves connected to countries We all know that this was just one step sions of the candidate countries and EU
committed to freedom and democracy, no on the way to the division of Germany. countries are located here. These help to
matter what our differences of opinion on But just at this moment of new difficul- ensure that the new Europe is the sub-
current affairs may be. Especially now, ties, the Fulbright agreement was a sign ject of lively public discussion.
following the first Islamist terrorist attacks of hope for many of West Berlin’s young There are tens of thousands of people
on a European city, Madrid, it is important people in particular. And – more than from the candidate countries already
that we take a firm stand in support of that – it was a sign of the free world’s living in Berlin. They are part of the cultu-
tolerance, freedom, and international solidarity with the city. ral diversity of our city, and they have
understanding. many contacts with the countries they
The terrorists want us to act the way they We (and by that I also mean we came from.
do. They want us to betray our ideals Berliners) have learned that our way Various cultural and youth exchanges
and to become as fanatic or as cynical as helps us to attain our goals, and that it is have been set up between Berlin and the
POWWOW 2004
they are in our response to terrorist not terrorism and oppression that win in candidate countries. Many students from
bombs. the end, but our ideal of a world living Central and Eastern Europe are enrolled
But the people of Berlin in particular have together in peace, freedom, and mutual at Berlin’s colleges and universities.
learned different lessons from history: we respect. Berlin’s universities maintain many con-
have learned to fight dictatorship and tacts with the east.
oppression with freedom and tolerance. The enlargement of the European Union As you can see, Berlin has a great deal
We have learned to persuade others is just a few months away. Europe is of expertise with issues related to East
with our ideals and to show solidarity with growing. And even today it seems mira- and West. And we will continue to de-
people who are threatened by tyranny culous that countries like Poland, velop our expertise.
(and terrorism). Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Slovak
Republic, and the Baltic republics that I am delighted that your annual meeting
The history of the Fulbright Commission once were part of the Soviet Union are is addressing the subject of Europe
is a good example in this regard. When now becoming members of the European growing together. There is no better city
the United States and the Federal Union. than Berlin for a discussion of this kind.
Republic of Germany signed the Fulbright Berlin is very much looking forward to Berlin is poor, but sexy.
agreement on July 18, 1952, Germany this event on May 1. More than almost I wish you a stimulating meeting and a
was a divided country. Only a few weeks any other city, we have worked hard to very pleasant stay in Berlin.
before that, on May 27, 1952, the GDR help integrate Central and Eastern By Klaus Wowereit
6Redefining a continent:
EU enlargement.
are each other’s most important trading
partners, with over $1 billion in trade
flowing each day between us."
Mr. Sebestyen Gorka, the Director of the
Institute for Transitional Democracy and
International Security, Budapest, Hungary,
followed Mr. Cloud's external view of the
EU Enlargement with a perspective from
within a new member state. Mr. Gorka
supported the idea of the economic
Visions Panel union, but criticized the ideas of a more
powerful centralized governmental
On May 1, 2004, the European Union between the Fulbright Alumni e.V. and the system, and a new, centralized European
was enlarged in a "big-bang" of 10 coun- Fulbright Commission. defense policy: "What is the common
tries, the largest accession in its history. Over 350 current grantees from all over denominator between Ireland and
A few short weeks before the Enlarge- Germany and even a few other European Hungary with regard to a Common
ment, over 400 Fulbrighters met in Berlin states traveled to Berlin for the week- Foreign and Security Policy? What links
to discuss the issues with prominent long seminar, entitled "Where Continents Portugal and Lithuania in a meaningful
figures from the "old" and "new" member Meet". They were joined by 80 alumni sense in the sphere of defense?"
states, and share their visions for and 33 speakers from "old" and "new" Mr. Gorka joined Professor Geza
enlarged Europe. Europe and the US for the PowWow, Jeszensky, the former Hungarian
As stated in the invitation to the which took place on the first days of Ambassador to the US, Dr. Riina Ruth
PowWow, "Enlargement is one of the the seminar. Playing off the title of the Kionka, the current Estonian Ambassador
most important opportunities for the seminar, the PowWow's name reflected to Germany, and Dr. Richard Schmierer,
European Union (EU) at the beginning of the issue of the EU's changing identity the Minister Counselor for Public Affairs
the 21st century. It is a unique, historic with the forthcoming accession: of the US Embassy to Germany, for a
task to further the integration of the con- "Redefining a Continent: EU Enlargement." panel discussion on "Visions for Europe",
tinent by peaceful means, extending a According to Rene Hlawatsch, a German moderated by Dr. Christoph von Marschall,
zone of stability and prosperity to new Fulbright Alumnus, "precisely this mix editor of Berlin's "Der Tagesspiegel"
members. The EU can already look back of participants was, in my opinion, what newspaper.
on a history of successful enlargements. made this year's PowWow such a suc- After brief statements of their own
However, the enlargement facing the cess: German alumni, American students, visions for Europe, the panel opened the
EU today poses a unique challenge, since exchange teachers, professors; not only floor to questions from and discussions
it is without precedent in terms of scope from Germany, but from all over Europe." with the audience, on such topics as a
POWWOW 2004
and diversity: the number of candidates, common policy toward the United States,
the area (increase of 34%) and popula- The EU from inside and out migration within Europe, and minority
tion (increase of 105 million), and the Dr. Peter Dröll, from the Directorate politics.
wealth of different histories and cultures." General Enlargement of the European
The goal of the PowWow was to Commission, opened the conference with Under the Stars of Enlarged Europe
discuss the different perceptions of a description of the enlargement process, Chartered buses ferried participants from
European Identity, especially within the and showed how each of the new mem- the Park Inn to the Kulturbrauerei after a
context of transatlantic cooperation. ber states were preparing for May 1st. delicious buffet dinner. Set in the heart
The Deputy Chief of Mission of the US of the trendy borough of Prenzlauer Berg,
Where Continents Meet Embassy to Germany, Mr. John Cloud,
The concept for the PowWow was then discussed the European Enlarge-
developed early on with the Fulbright ment from a transatlantic perspective.
Commission, as part of the annual "Berlin He touched upon the importance of rela-
Seminar" held for current American tions between an enlarged Europe and
grantees. The timeliness of the EU the United States: "The economic and
Enlargement, and the 50th anniversary of political importance of the EU and our
the Berlin Seminar offered a perfect plat- common values make the EU a global
form for a highly successful collaboration partner for the U.S. The U.S. and the EU Party people
Berlin feels well prepared
7 FRANKly 15 • PowWow 2004Wolfgang Roth Environmental Panel
the Kulturbrauerei, a nineteenth century International Relations at the University led in a discussion of higher education
brewery converted into a cultural events of Wisconsin and a current Fulbright by Professor Ingolf Pernice, Director of
center, made for an excellent place to Professor at the University of Leipzig. the Walter Hallerstein Institute in Berlin.
mingle, discuss and dance the night away. General topics of the panel were: security In a lively discourse between the panel
threats perceived on both sides of the members and the audience, one partici-
Wolfgang Roth Atlantic, the role of EU and NATO as pant explained his own theory of edu-
One would assume that after such a effective European security institutions as cation, derived from Einstein's theory
short night, a nine-o-clock lecture on well as elements of national security of relativity. "Einstein said that E=mc2.
investment banking would not necessarily strategies and especially the role of I think that E=mr2. Education is the maxi-
draw a crowd. Not so among Fulbrighters. military action within it. The debate was mum of rationality and reasoning."
Wolfgang Roth, the Vice President of the influenced by the bombings of civilians
European Investment Bank (EIB), the in Madrid that had taken place one Another participant noted the energy of
development bank of the E.U., spoke to a week before the PowWow. Speakers the discussion: "The dialectic of the pri-
full house about the important role of the expressed their concerns about whether vate versus public was portrayed. In fact,
EIB in financing the European Enlarge- terrorism had arrived in the EU on a large the battle lines were drawn, and there
ment. scale and discussed with the auditorium was excitement in the air."
"Hardly anyone knows about us – and appropriate political measures in order
that's a good thing", said Roth. He went to face the attacks. Environmental Policies in the Enlarged EU
on to say that the EIB prefers to maintain Elzbieta Goncz from the Department of
a low profile, despite its intense activity Environmental Protection at the Gdansk
in financing projects throughout the EU University in Poland began by remarking
and beyond. that a new paradigm of long-term
POWWOW 2004
thinking involving global scenarios would
Five Panel Discussions be essential to shape just environmental
The PowWow continued with two policies. Dr. Andreas Krämer, the Director
sessions of panel discussions with key of the Institute for International and
figures from all over Europe on five European Environmental Policy, pointed
different issues. Prof. Geza Jeszensky out the importance of a strong body
supporting the execution of environ-
European Defense and Security Policy Transforming Europe's Systems of mental policies and referred to the U.S.
Professor Jeszensky, who had shared his Higher Education Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
vision for Europe the day before, was Professor Zoltan Abadi-Nagy, the Vice as a proven model. Dr. Karsten Sach,
joined by Dr. Ute Gabanyi from the Rector for International Relations of the Germany's chief negotiator of the Kyoto
Foundation for Science and Politics, University of Debrecen, Hungary, Protocol for the Environmental Ministry,
Toomas Ilves, former Estonian Minister for Cornelius Brand of the European School emphasized that mainstream awareness
Foreign Affairs, Dr. Eckard Bolsinger, of Management and Technology in Berlin, – and action – would be needed to pre-
Deputy Director of the International and Professor Gesine Schwan, the vent environmental threats to economic
Institute for Politics and Economics, and President of the Europe University security greater than terrorism from
Professor Christer Garrett, Professor for Viadrina in Frankfurt an der Oder, were becoming a reality. New economic tools
8such as emissions trading would be a
first step. Dr. Thomas Schauer, now
Coordinator at the European Support
Centre of the Club of Rome, pointed out
the responsibility of the EU towards the
developing world. Anja Köhne from
Germanwatch moderated a very lively dis-
cussion.
Health Care Systems in Transition
The differentials in state health care Health Care Panel
throughout the EU, as well as the mobility
of health care professionals in an Dr. Eckhart Stratenschulte from the conference, but also happy to "pass the
enlarged European Union were topics European Academy Berlin, and John baton" on to the Fulbright Commission,
dealt with by this panel. Heinrich Wyes, Bauman, Political Minister Counselor of and thank the audience for their active
from the press division of the German the US Embassy to Germany shared their participation in this year's PowWow. "In
Environmental Ministry, led the panel of views, while Dr. Ingo Peters from the response to the PowWow I can only say
speakers including Dr. Isabel de la Mata Center for Transatlantic Foreign and WOW! What a wonderful experience and
from the Directorate General for Health Security Policy of the Free University of far beyond what I expected. The panels
and Consumer Protection of the Berlin led the discussion. were exhilarating and discussions with
European Commission, Dr. Andrzej Rys, In the wake of the diverging political alle- Alumni and current Fulbrighters fantastic.
Member of the Polish EU Negotiators giances of individual European states on I never expected to discuss my opinions
Team, and Dr. Elke Jakubowski, from the the war in Iraq, the issue of a common, about the University system in Germany
World Health Organization. coordinated geopolitical stance among with Gesine Schwan or to debate the US
the Enlarged EU states to form a foreign policy with representatives and
United Europe: a Geopolitical counterweight to the only remaining professors from Germany and the US,"
Counterweight to the US? superpower in the world was of intense remarked one American grantee.
Undoubtedly, this panel discussion drew interest.
the largest crowd, with over 200 partici- Jörg Wolf, a member of the Fulbright
pants. "Old Europe", new member states, The end and the beginning Alumni e.V., noted that "the PowWow was
and the US were present on the five- The closing of the PowWow marked the not only a great social event, but also an
member panel. Sebestyen Gorka beginning of the next major portion of awesome contribution to the purpose of
returned for his third contribution to the the Berlin Seminar. By the end of the the Association."
PowWow, Dr. Jiri Schneider from the second panel session on Sunday, the
POWWOW 2004
Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave Fulbright Alumni organizational team was By Joe Kristensen, Steffen Schmuck-Soldan,
another new member state perspective, quite content with the success of the Jörg Geier
Counterweight Panel
Redefining a continent: EU enlargement.
9 FRANKly 15 • PowWow 2004European Union enlargement:
Common challenge
or internal divide?
The title of the subject I have been given response to the rigors and vicissitudes of
today is an interesting one. It has within creating a welfare state, difficulties that
it a coded dichotomy, it presupposes an could be lessened if certain trade and
either/or state of affairs. On the one economic burdens were to be shared.
hand it gives us a depiction of EU enlar- And of course, there is much to be said
gement that is positive and on the other for the view that sees the community as
one that is far more negative. As a result, a very apt complement or counterpart to
I think the title itself reflects many misno- NATO as a form of military and security
mers concerning the EU. I hope in the integration. In other words, Project
following few minutes to weaken the Europe filled a gap that other initiatives
strength of a few of these. or institutions could not, a gap that
What can we say about May 1st? In my needed to be filled.
opinion, and I share this view with many As a result of its growth, of this evolution,
commentators, the next round of EU by the late 1960s the Community
enlargement will be the most important actually achieved its primary goal. It may
event in the history of "Project Europe." be hackneyed now to say this but it does
Why is it so important? Because this not undermine the truth of the statement:
event will satisfy the desire, the dreams Sebestyén L. v. Gorka from that point onward to this very day
of the project's founding fathers, a dream we have taken it for granted all too often
that was obviated by the cruel reality of idea, the venture was new because des- that France and Germany will not go to
Yalta. But what will its ramifications be? pite the idealism of key figures, such as war, thanks in large, part to the Union.
What effect will the addition of ten new Jean Monnet, it was overall an eminently Subsequently, that most important of
member states have upon the whole pro- pragmatic exercise. Why? Because it overarching aims which had formed the
cess of European integration? Although saw peace as something to be achieved soul of European integration was sub-
some of us have longingly waited fifty through the voluntary handcuffing consciously slid onto the "back- burner".
years for this reunion to occur, this does together of France and Germany, and not This was reinforced by the quite natural
not mean that the answers to the afore- simply through declared intentions and fact that institutions look to survive.
mentioned question are obvious. In fact, written documents. It was radical because Rarely if ever do they dismantle or dis-
I believe that some of the most important in all this there was the requirement – solve themselves. There is nothing
nations of the existing union, France and first within the European Coal and Steel Machiavellian or conspiratorial about this
Germany included, are just now on the Community (ECSC)-to subsume national – it was not a group of mysterious
eve of expansion, getting an inkling of competencies and aspects of sovereignty Brussels bureaucrats that effected the
what May 1st really entails. under a common High Authority. The change, it was a natural shift. But that
In order to discuss the potential effects difference in views which was later to does not lessen the veracity of the obser-
POWWOW 2004
of European enlargement, we must first lead to the oversimplification and falla- vation that what had in fact happened
say a few words on what 'Project Europe' cious representation of a conflict existing was that the tool had become the end in
was. Of course there exist here myriad between federalism and intergovern- itself. Economic integration had become
views. mentalism, quite simply stemmed from the default setting of the whole project
My opinion goes against the conventional the question of how many other sectors and was meant to inform its further
wisdom of diametrically opposed would be drawn into this system of functioning.
interpretations which see European inte- pooled sovereignty in addition to coal and AHA! But here we have proof that
gration as either federalist or intergovern- steel. As the ECSC metamorphasized – history has a sense of humor. Just as
mental. Rather, for me, it represents some would like to say metastasized – things had become self-satisfying and
a story of conscious and subconscious into a far greater community of economic self-perpetuating; just as the United
evolution. integration mandates and purviews grew. Kingdom finally had become a welcome
The institutional community of Western Why? Here again one could cite many member of the Community; just as we
European nations represented a means reasons. If one is a member of a certain had all started to put the horrors of the
to achieve peace-and later a heightened economic school, then one would appeal world energy crisis behind us, we were
standard of living-using the method of to the belief that markets are inherently smacked in the face with perestroika,
economic integration as the tool to better served by being as large and as glasnost, and Hungary's decision to uni-
achieve this end. I repeat, using open as possible. Or one could appeal to laterally dismantle the Iron Curtain.
economic integration as a tool. As an the then need to act collectively in Suddenly the leaders of Europe, or let us
10be exact here, Western Europe, were established 1100 years ago as a contradictory, many paradoxical, which
faced with two burning questions – how Christian Kingdom but actually built upon together result in a very intriguing mix.
would Europe respond to the historic a society of pagan nomads; a nation that The societies of our countries are, as a
events of the mid to late 1980s? What was the bulwark of its newly acquired result of communism, less mature politi-
answers would they have to the finally Christian community but which had to cally than their Western cousins but in
un-ignorable question of why shouldn't undergo assault and occupation by other ways more mature. The latter is
Europe be united? Tatars, Ottomans, Austrians, Germans, especially true with regard to an inherent
A radical rethink was obviously needed Russians, and then Communists. Hardly skepticism we have developed concern-
and the result was indeed revolutionary. a country with a boring past! In fact, the ing the phenomenon of centralization,
The result was the Maastricht Treaty of new members are similar in that it has and this has a direct effect upon certain
1991. Why was it radical? Because it been said of all of them that they suffer attitudes towards European integration.
completely redrew the internal architec- from "too much history." But in my At the same time there are significant
ture of the whole community. That which opinion this surfeit is a good thing. The proportions of the political elite in my
had defined the practical identity of the liminal or borderline state caused by country and in Poland which demonstrate
Community for the previous twenty years such a complexity of cultural influences a distinct bloody-mindedness, especially
– economic integration – was now to has a direct effect upon the quality of the when it comes to concepts of fair play
become simply one of three pillars of indigenous society and culture. One and level playing fields. As a result,
integration, the second of which promised cogent piece of evidence is the fact that I predict that we will frequently see in the
to provide a joint foreign and security in Hungary, for example, if one wishes to future the new EU states clubbing to-
policy and even spoke of a potential publish a scientific study in any field, gether on specific issues and playing a
common defense policy. Add to this re- then, should one wish to be taken distinctly hardball game with their EU
structuring the various agreements of seriously, such a study must make re- partners and with Brussels. It is exactly
association that were to be signed with ference in its footnotes to the work of this that Western European statesmen
prospective candidate countries in the German, Italian, French, Russian and such as Jacques Chirac have realized all
following years and it was clear that the Anglo-Saxon academics. It is not enough too late in the process. But for this ob-
Union was set to evolve onto a higher to quote just British or just Hungarian server all this constitutes a very positive
plane. colleagues. Compare this to what is now effect on the Union. Why? Because
But that was 13 years ago and now we the practice in the UK or the US. It has diversity is healthy. Homogenization can
are here on the eve of the biggest ex- now become common for the scientific easily become oppressive if not tyranni-
pansion of the European Union, an writing of these nations to be very insular, cal. It is for this reason that I find the
expansion that will truly make it a peer for academics to be quite prepared to eternal federal vs. intergovernmental
player of the United States in economic bolster their arguments with works that debate so amusing. It will simply no lon-
terms, and I stress here: economic terms. come solely from their own linguistic or ger be relevant as of May 2nd.
This expansion will not be like any other. cultural community. They have become For this observer the Common Foreign
POWWOW 2004
Why? Well, for two reasons. The first 'flabby' or 'lazy' and this is all the more and Security Policy (CSFP) was the lit-
has to do with who the candidates of surprising because this was not the case mus test in ascertaining the chances of
expansion are and the second with the 70 or even 50 years ago. As a result, increased federalism. CFSP was indeed
reforms that this expansion will require of I am convinced of the fact that we, the about grand ideas, something that is
existing structures such as the Common new members of the European union, for obvious if one returns to the original text
Agricultural Policy. the time being will be in a better position of the Maastricht Treaty which declared
What it is about the candidates that will to contribute to the debate on how the its creation. It is well worth comparing
make May 1st such a special event? EU should rediscover its vision, on how it the substantive content of the third pillar
What can be said to be common amongst can clarify concepts of shared identity. regarding justice and home affairs and
them? This commonality has been But it is not just the boundary-area the second pillar as enumerated in the
termed by some as their "liminal" quality. nature of our societies that will so well treaty document. The former is at a very
Our meeting today is predicated on serve the Union. One must not under- tactical and pragmatic level, discussing as
the concept of 'continents meeting one estimate the other common factor that is it does cooperation on matters such as
another'. In the case of the countries of great influence, and that is the shared drug smuggling, organized crime, human
I am now discussing, it is not continents experience of communism. What can we trafficking, and the like. The CFSP trea-
but cultures that have met one another say is the result of 4 decades of left-wing ty-section, on the other hand, makes no
for hundreds of years. Let us take dictatorship? There are in fact many, such references. Instead, the limit of its
Hungary as a classic example. A nation many tangible consequences, some concrete goals extends only so far as to
EU-enlargement: Common challenge or internal divide?
11 FRANKly 15 • PowWow 2004identify very high-minded aims such as majority of the population they are meant Enlargement: Common Challenge or
the upholding of democracy, the rule of to represent. To be very honest, in the Internal Divide? Yes, to prepare and to
law, and such like. That is exactly why it 1940s and 50s the founding fathers effect the forthcoming expansion of the
has constantly failed in practical terms. Its were indeed very much ahead of their EU was, and is, a challenge because
abject failure with regards to the question respective populations, and they admitted not even the best theories of international
of Iraq is simply the best example of how as much at the time, if we recall Monnet's relations can explain in rational terms the
unrealistic such an aim truly is. It is declared desire to initiate a "silent revolu- fact that Western Europe, at least on the
exactly the lack of itemized common tion in the minds of men." But that was a surface, is in this enlargement under-
tasks and priorities which underlines the different time. Those were different taking a fundamentally altruistic step.
fact that it is well-nigh impossible to circumstances. The policies that resulted Will the expansion be a source of internal
identify a meaningful common foreign were feasible exactly because we were division? No! It will result in a multi-
and security policy between countries as then living in a post-World War environ- speed and multi-interpretation European
diverse as Ireland and Denmark, let alone ment. Fifty years ago, statesmanship was Union. But that's OK, because that is
France and the United Kingdom. But if defined around a leader's being ahead of already the reality of the EU. We will
we think that is challenging now, I dare his people in terms of his dedication to a simply bring greater variety to this
you to give me a meaningful platform for vision. In 2004, unfortunately, politics and diversity of interpretations. Over the
the building of a CSFP that will bring leadership are very different activities. years many people have for some reason
together the national interests of Portugal Vision has all too often been replaced or another seen fit to use vehicular
and Estonia. And this will be the reality with the belief that leadership is giving analogies when discussing the nature of
of the new European Union. As a result, the people what they want as defined by the EU, whether it was a bus or a train
the inclusion of ever more diverse and the latest opinion poll. At the same time, that they used to describe this moving
healthy national interests into the com- modern rates of information flow and institution. If I am forced to remain with
munity will make the Union a de facto information access simply disallow in such an analogy, I would have to say that
more intergovernmental process. many cases for the political elite to be far we the new nations of the EU will be
It will do so unless! – and here is the real ahead in policy terms of the people that providing an additional 6th gear to the
danger and perhaps where our hosts they represent. To remain credible, to transmission of this vehicle. It may not
derived the divisive part of the title for my remain legitimate, "Project Europe" must be the very top and fastest gear, but it
talk – the Union's integrational agenda therefore limit any thinking that is overly will be an addition that allows for there to
is forced artificially by unelected officials futuristic, however noble. be greater choice in how to drive our
or even by elected representatives who To sum up, and to return as I should to shared transport!
are out of step, too much ahead of the the original title of my talk: EU By Sebestyén L. v. Gorka
Why is this publication
POWWOW 2004
called “FRANKly“?
The name FRANKly, as Jürgen Mulert, Since the first issue, the idea was to be
Antje Hildebrandt and Oliver Steinmetz, frank and independent. The reader was
three of the founders of the FAeV ex- urged to respect the other opinion but
plained in the first issue of the FRANKly, not to avoid any discussions out of this
is an abbreviation. It means "Fulbright respect (No worries!, the editor).
Resourceful Alumni News and Komments
(yes, K!)". The "ly" stands for the hope In Würzburg in February 2003 we were
that it will be published quarterly one day. able to photograph some of the founders.
The first four letters are a tribute and a Clockwise from the left:
thank you to the city of Frankfurt, where Joachim Totzke, Oliver Steinmetz,
the association was founded in 1986. Antje Hildebrandt, Jürgen Mulert
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