The bi-weekly podcast Atlantic Anchors gives you the view on current transatlantic, geopolitical affairs from both sides of the Atlantic. It is run by Joel Weickgenant and Kaj Leers. We live in a stormy informational space. The volume of news, views and the way these are used makes it harder to hear each other at all – and harder still to understand. The lack of genuine understanding is putting a strain on the alliance between the United States and Europe. Let’s face it: we’ve been loving each other for a while now, but recently things have gotten a little stale. Consider Atlantic Anchors as relationship therapy for the transatlantic alliance. We at Atlantic Anchors strive to help Americans understand the European view on things, and Europeans the American view. We do so without forwarding a political-ideological agenda, and with an eye to all levels of society, politics and media, and the different priorities each has. And we’re upfront about one thing: we want this relationship to continue. Atlantic Anchors will be presented by us. Whenever possible or necessary, we aim to provide you with interviews, extra narratives, explainers and asides. We hope to further mutual understanding and remain close to each other. We aim to provide an anchor of calm through these stormy seas. Let’s stay together.
Kaj Leers and Joel Weickgenant
It’s been a while, Anchors, and we know it. Covid-19 had a lot do with our unexpected hiatus – that, and some unexpected technical issues. But we’re back! In this episode we look at the havoc that Covid-19 has wrought in the USA and Europe, and how it has thrown international relations into chaos. And … Continue reading The Back With A Vengeance Edition – Episode 9 →
First we lead with the good: The Netherlands reported 0 deaths from COVID-19 on June 22, the day Kaj and Joel checked in to record the latest episode of Atlantic Anchors. Right now, we’ll take any good news, and that is very, very good news. The news isn’t so good for the Transatlantic relationship. If … Continue reading Transatlantic troubles create room to think: Episode 8 →
As both Europe and the United States continue to be hammered by the health and dire economic effects of the corona virus and the US is engulfed by social protest, Joel and Kaj discuss what this all means for the Transatlantic relationship we hold so dear. Will the relationship recover from all the enmity? Then, … Continue reading The Transatlantic Relationship Is On Hiatus: Episode 7 →
This week, geopolitical analyst Antonia Colibasanu joins the Anchors to give an Eastern European perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for the broader Transatlantic community. Colibasanu discusses the growing and devastating impact of the pandemic on economies in Europe, explains Serbia’s posturing, and ponders the future of military preparedness post-COVID. Be sure to … Continue reading Pandemics follow action: Episode 6 →
Leaders the world over face a multifaceted crisis that affects every layer of society. In a situation where there is no pain-free exit, communication is crucial. Joel and Kaj discuss some of the layers of poor communication, including the ongoing saga of the Bonds of Wrath. More exciting still, our first guest steps onto the … Continue reading Failures to communicate: Episode 5 →
The Coronavirus is also causing social distancing on the geo-political front. While some countries are effectively stopping exports of ventilators, masks and other medical equipment, Italy is in dire straits. Joel takes a deep dive into the mood in Italy – and it is not good. Not just because of the virus that’s on a … Continue reading The Misery Is Mutual – Episode 4 →
The topic that is on everyone’s mind is fairly obvious, so we scuttled our plans for an engaging chat on Turkey’s politics and its place in the Transatlantic alliance. COVID-19 has sparked a global crisis with systemic implications. All deference from politicians, pundits and podcasters must go to medical experts at this time. But talking … Continue reading Can you go your own way? – Episode 3 →
In the second episode of Atlantic Anchors, Kaj and Joel measure the toll of political fragmentation in Germany. The sudden February crisis within Germany’s powerful Christian Democratic Union party serves as Kaj’s guide as he explains the forces that are straining political parties — and political bodies of all kinds — all across the West. … Continue reading Words have meaning – Episode 2 →
In this first episode of Atlantic Anchors, Joel Weickgenant and Kaj Leers look at the rifts between Europe and the United States caused by differences of opinion regarding China. The U.S. government doesn’t want European countries doing business with China, and Washington’s motives aren’t clearly understood. We focus on one story about ASML, a Dutch company … Continue reading China Wants A Menage A Trois – Episode 1 →
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