Grüezi Amerika. Views from the Sister Republic
Grüezi Amerika. Views from the Sister Republic
Podcast Description
Since January 20, 2025, we are officially in the era of Trump 2.0. But is it, will it be any different from Trump 1.0? And what do the events across the Atlantic mean for us in Europe?
My name is Claudia Franziska Brühwiler, and I am a professor of American Political Thought and Culture at the University of St.Gallen.
This podcast will take a closer look at current events through the lens of American history, politics, and culture. Sometimes, I will keep it short and share with you my analysis, thoughts, or some background story to what is happening. At other occasions, we will hear from guests from across the HSG community and beyond, who give us new insights into US politics, business, culture, and society.
We will look at the US from the perspective of its sister republic Switzerland. We often get hung up on what separates the US from Switzerland, while in fact we share not only great economic relations. Did you know, for instance, that America’s longest serving finance minister was born in Geneva – and one of our past Federal Councillors had fought in the Civil War?
There’s a lot to discover – so I hope you’ll join us!
Cover Art: Anne Fritsch
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Focuses on American political history, international relations, and cultural dynamics, with episodes examining topics such as US-Russian relations amidst the Ukraine conflict and the historical ties between Switzerland and the United States. Specific episodes include discussions on Taiwan's geopolitical status, the influence of economic factors in elections, and comparative analyses of political systems.
Since January 20, 2025, we are officially in the era of Trump 2.0. But is it, will it be any different from Trump 1.0? And what do the events across the Atlantic mean for us in Europe?
My name is Claudia Franziska Brühwiler, and I am a professor of American Political Thought and Culture at the University of St.Gallen.
This podcast will take a closer look at current events through the lens of American history, politics, and culture. Sometimes, I will keep it short and share with you my analysis, thoughts, or some background story to what is happening. At other occasions, we will hear from guests from across the HSG community and beyond, who give us new insights into US politics, business, culture, and society.
We will look at the US from the perspective of its sister republic Switzerland. We often get hung up on what separates the US from Switzerland, while in fact we share not only great economic relations. Did you know, for instance, that America’s longest serving finance minister was born in Geneva – and one of our past Federal Councillors had fought in the Civil War?
There’s a lot to discover – so I hope you’ll join us!
Cover Art: Anne Fritsch
In late February, Israeli airstrikes—soon joined by the United States—targeted key sites across Iran, triggering a chain reaction that has reshaped the Middle East almost overnight. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the region and, in a move with massive global implications, closed the Strait of Hormuz, sending shockwaves through energy markets and international trade. At the same time, the internal balance of power in Tehran appears to be shifting, with the Revolutionary Guard stepping into an even more dominant role. Shortly after threatening Iran with “the destruction of their civilization,” President Trump announced a two-week long ceasefire.
Does this signify, as historian Niall Ferguson suggested, a possible Pyrrhic victory for the US and Israel? Are we witnessing the beginning of a larger regional war, a forced reset of the nuclear question, or the early stages of a negotiated settlement? And how stable is Iran’s regime under the current level of pressure? We discuss these questions with Dr. Raz Zimmt, renowned expert on Iranian politics, society, and foreign policy.
Dr. Raz Zimmt is the Director of the Iran and the Shiite Axis research program at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), an independent think tank affiliated with the University of Tel Aviv. He regularly provides expert commentary to Israeli and international media, including German-speaking outlets such as Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Spiegel, Frankfurter Rundschau, and Tagesspiegel.
In addition to his work at INSS, he is a research fellow at the Alliance Center for Iranian Studies at Tel-Aviv University. His background is in Middle Eastern history, with a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. from Tel Aviv University, and he is the author of the book Iran From Within: State and Society in the Islamic Republic published (in Hebrew; 2022). Dr. Zimmt is a veteran Iran watcher in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) where he served for more than two decades.
Recommendations:
Dr. Zimmt recommends Iranian cinema to gain a better understanding of the country’s society and culture.
- FilmInk lists a few must-sees
- TagesAnzeiger has curated a list of seven films
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