(Ir)reconciliation between East and West Germany

Bonn—perhaps the most “West German” city in the Federal Republic. Traces of the former federal capital are still visible in many corners of the city. In 2026, we will mark 36 years since reunification. Yet we still speak of “the” East and “the” West, and there seem to be more differences than similarities. In any case, there are plenty of prejudices. Together with East German author Lukas Rietzschel, whose play DAS BEISPIELHAFTE LEBEN DES SAMUEL W is currently on stage at the Werkstatt, and political scientist and democracy researcher Hans Vorländer, who specializes in the rise of the AfD, we will discuss the bridges and divides between the eastern and western parts of the country, particularly in light of the upcoming state elections.