POV: Election Campaign

Our study examines which communication styles, topics, and tones were at the center of the 2025 federal election campaign’s hot phase on social media.

Trade, Trust and Transition

Transatlantic Perspectives in Times of Geopolitical Disruption

A State that Builds

Why Germany needs a new political project

German Parliament Bundestag

German Election: Learnings for Progressives

Analysing results, missteps, and the key challenge for the progressive camp

Slider: Coverpicture for the article of florian ranft in the Guardian

Friedrich Merz shattered a political taboo. This is a chance for the centre-left

Progressive parties swiftly need to turn the dial, Florian Ranft states in The Guardian. The attention needs to be moved from simply despising the enemies of democracy to what people really want.

How to foster public support for European climate policies

In this paper Sharon Bautes analyses what kind of EU climate policy would meet with broad social approval – and formulates corresponding recommendations.

Insights from our US election debrief

Following Trump’s election to a second term, we asked experts what this outcome means for progressive forces.

More diverse than united?

A comparative analysis of the EU elections 2024

Industrial Heartlands: New Opportunities

Public opinion on the politics of the industrial heartlands in the US and Germany

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Progressive Security

A progressive response to the new need for security: initial guidelines

We develop and debate progressive ideas and bring together leading actors who turn thoughts into action. Our think tank’s goal: making the just transformation a reality. ▸ Learn more

Latest News

Conference setting with Armand Zorn speaking

Trade, Trust and Transition – Transatlantic Perspectives in Times of Geopolitical Disruption

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In an era marked by global insecurity, geopolitical friction, and economic transformation, the Progressive Economics Network (PEN) reconvened in Washington, D.C.

A State that Builds

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The new black-red German government is about to take office. The coalition agreement they have negotiated is extensive. However, it alone will not suffice to implement the urgent changes required. In the upcoming legislative period, the state must become active once more: acting as a proactive shaper that approaches challenges with focus, speed, and renewed confidence in its own capabilities – and is perceived as such. Why Germany needs a new political project.

Europe and U.S. States Can Lead the Way on Transatlantic Climate Action

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Transatlantic efforts to transform climate policy must not become a flashpoint in history but an engine of shared prosperity.
Headergraphic of the Newsletter international post

It’s time for democratic allies to strike back against fascism

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Newsletter featuring progressive analyses, events and publications.

How can the new special fund and the reform of the debt brake achieve optimal effectiveness?

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The CDU/CSU and SPD parties have reached an agreement in the exploratory talks at a remarkable speed to create a special fund for infrastructure and to provide a far-reaching opportunity to increase defense spending beyond the limits of the debt brake. How should these proposals be assessed? What needs to be considered for the sustainable success of this modernization agenda? These questions were discussed on March 7, 2025, in a background roundtable with experts.
Massive sculpture in the form of an angel made from weathering steel.

Winning Hearts and Minds – Transforming the Industrial Heartlands

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Two new policy papers offer valuable insights into (former) industrial regions in the United States. Here’s what we learned discussing them with experts.

AI: the role of the state and a progressive narrative

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Artificial intelligence between hype and hysteria
German Parliament Bundestag

2025 German Election Briefing: Learnings for Progressives

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Following the Bundestag elections, we analyse results, highlight missteps, and explore the key challenge for the progressive camp.

The CDU/CSU and SPD must reach nothing less than a historic compromise

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Our chairman Prof Dr Wolfgang Schroeder describes the challenges and necessities for the coalition negotiations between the CDU/CSU and SPD.

Germany has swung to the right. What does that mean for the country – and Europe?

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Now is the time to move closer together. The historic success of the far right in Germany’s federal election is a threat not only for all disadvantaged groups in this country - it is a threat to democracy which concerns us all.
Slider: Coverpicture for the article of florian ranft in the Guardian

Friedrich Merz shattered a political taboo. This is a chance for the centre-left in Germany

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Progressive parties swiftly need to turn the dial, Florian Ranft states in The Guardian. The attention needs to be moved from simply despising the enemies of democracy to what people really expect.

Preparedness, Investment and Industrial Policy in Times of Political Upheaval

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Progressive Economics Network Meeting in Berlin on inflation, industrial policy, and investments

“Trump was not a fluke” – Insights from our US election debrief

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Following Trump’s election to a second term, we asked experts what this outcome means for progressive forces – in the U.S., across various states, and in Europe. Here’s what they shared in our election debrief.

Harris vs. Trump: Perspectives from the Swing States

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Newsletter featuring pieces from Germany, Europe, and the USA

PGS24: Progressive Security – How to Champion Change in Times of Uncertainty

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How can progressive politics address the feeling of insecurity amid war, social hardship and the climate crisis?

What’s at stake for progressives in 2024: News from Das Progressive Zentrum

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Progressive insights with the 2024 elections ahead.

Publications

POV: Election Campaign

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Our study examines which communication styles, topics, and tones were at the center of the 2025 federal election campaign’s hot phase on social media.

No Backlash, No Retreat

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Public support for climate and economic policies remains remarkably stable in Germany and the U.S., with no significant backlash against green agendas in either country.

Before the Election: Insights from the US Industrial Heartlands

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What do people in the industrial heartlands of the US Midwest actually think about politics? And what are the actual needs and concerns of these communities?

Lessons Learned from the US Presidential Election

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A week ago, Donald Trump moved into the White House for the second time, and the radical shift in US politics has already become abundantly clear. What factors drove voters in the industrial heartlands to lean Republican?

Foreign Policy for the Middle Classes: New Industrial Policy in Times of Geoeconomic Shift

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In light of the recent geo-economic shifts accelerated by the pandemic, global crises and conflicts, and the ongoing efforts to tackle the climate crisis, one group is facing particular challenges: The middle class in the former industrial heartlands across the US and Europe.

How to foster public support for European climate policies. Evidence from the German population

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Europe’s transition towards climate neutrality by 2050 requires major shifts in the structure of our economy and society – and wide societal backing. This paper analyses what kind of EU climate policy would meet with broad social approval and formulates corresponding recommendations.

More diverse than united? A comparative analysis of the EU elections 2024

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Analysis of European Parliament election programmes and electoral campaigns, focusing on key member states in a comparative perspective.

Industrial Heartlands: New Opportunities

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Public opinion on the politics of the industrial heartlands in the US and Germany

Projects

The Politics of Inequality

As part of the policy paper series, recommendations for action…
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Progressive Governance Summit

Europe’s largest conference for progressive politics
Factory in the USA

Transatlantic Dialogue on the Industrial Heartlands

Developing solutions for a better, greener and more democratic life

Climate Connaction

Involving young people in climate foreign policy

Progressive Economics Network

Macroeconomic strategies for the ongoing crises

More diverse than united?

A comparative analysis of the EU elections 2024

How to Sell Democracy Online (Fast)

We investigate how political actors can become more successful online

Climate Connaction Fellowship

The Program offers young climate leaders opportunities to grow, develop skills…

Agenda

The Modern State

Turning bureaucracy into leadership.

Resilient Democracy

Strong in its ability to learn.

Green New Deal

A just, green, and digital future for all.

Political Strategy

Progress needs majorities.