{"id":19264,"date":"2026-01-30T17:53:21","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T16:53:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.progressives-zentrum.org\/en\/?post_type=publication&p=19264"},"modified":"2026-02-02T10:40:44","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T09:40:44","slug":"renewal-amidst-turmoil-industrial-heartlands-between-rearmament-recarbonisationand-realignment","status":"publish","type":"publication","link":"https:\/\/www.progressives-zentrum.org\/en\/publication\/renewal-amidst-turmoil-industrial-heartlands-between-rearmament-recarbonisationand-realignment\/","title":{"rendered":"Renewal amidst Turmoil: Industrial Heartlands between Rearmament, Recarbonisationand Realignment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Industrial Heartlands in the United States and Germany stand at<\/strong> a historic inflection point.<\/strong> After decades of industrial decline and only partial rejuvenation, these regions confront overlapping challenges of geopolitical tension, economic uncertainty, and technological transformation. Our paper builds on insights from two study trips we did as a fellowship group over the past 24 months. From Erie to Youngstown, from Pittsburgh to Dearborn, and then from Duisburg to Bochum, Cottbus and G\u00f6rlitz, we examined where policy meets practice across the American Midwest, the Ruhr, and Eastern Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abstract<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This paper examines how these regions navigate three defining dynamics<\/strong> of 2026: rearmament<\/em><\/strong> driven by Europe\u2019s military build-up, looming recarbonisation<\/em><\/strong> as fossil fuel dependencies are deepened, and political realignment<\/em><\/strong> marked by surging populist anti-establishment movements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We find that successful industrial transformation depends on visible, people-centred benefits delivered through credible local institutions<\/strong>. Policy uncertainty \u2013 not change itself \u2013 emerges as the primary barrier to renewal. Our recommendations leverage defence investments as regional anchors, maintain green transition commitments as pathways to competitiveness and sovereignty, and strengthen local capacity through infrastructure task forces, modernised apprenticeships, and transatlantic community networks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These heartlands possess the skilled workforces, legacy infrastructure, and civic assets needed to become innovation engines<\/strong> again. What they require are sustained political commitments, reduced uncertainty, and partnerships that enable them to shape transformation on their own terms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommendations in short<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Responding to Rearmament: Defence Investment as Regional Anchor<\/strong>: Policymakers should position industrial heartlands as hubs for cross-sectoral defence and dual-use innovation, leveraging existing industrial bases and workforce capacities to anchor regional economies. To ensure democratic stability and social acceptance, these investments must be paired with transparent community engagement and robust reskilling programmes that guarantee long-term perspectives for workers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Countering Recarbonisation: Stick to the Plan, not to the Mood<\/strong>: Policymakers must encourage long-term investment by adhering to clear, consistent schedules for the green transformation rather than yielding to shifting political moods. To overcome polarisation, strategies should be co-designed with local ecosystems, framing sustainability not as an imported ideal but as a pragmatic pathway to regional competitiveness and job security.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Enabling Progressive Realignment: Building Local Capacity and Transatlantic Bridges<\/strong>: To empower municipalities lacking fiscal and planning capacity, a National Infrastructure Investment Task Force should be established to provide multi-level coordination and hands-on expertise without increasing permanent overhead. Workforce modernisation must be anchored in local identities, utilising regional training hubs and updated apprenticeships to create dignified career pathways that foster intergenerational cohesion. Finally, funding direct community-to-community alliances between US and German regions will enable local actors\u2014from city planners to unions \u2013 to share strategies and strengthen the democratic fabric independently of national politics.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    About the Working Group<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Industrial Heartlands Fellows Working Group on Climate, Work, and Innovation comprises seven young professionals from the United States and Germany. As part of the \u201cTransatlantic Dialogue on the Industrial Heartlands\u201d<\/strong> project, they traveled to the US Midwest as well as West and East Germany over the past 24 months, engaging with numerous organisations and individuals who are deeply involved in shaping the future of industrial heartlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Their engagements provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in these regions. This policy brief reflects on their findings, and aims to provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and change makers in both the United States and Germany. This transatlantic initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing contemporary challenges<\/strong> in our societies.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Authors<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/a><\/div>

    Nicholas Courtney<\/a><\/h4>
    Alumnus<\/div>
    <\/div><\/div>
    Nicholas Courtney is a Makah Tribal Citizen and currently works for the U.S. Department of Commerce as a Team Lead for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.<\/div><\/div>
    Industrial heartlands in the green transformation<\/a><\/h6>
    How can industrial heartlands in Germany and the United States be drivers of a just transition?<\/div><\/div><\/div>
    \"\"<\/a><\/div>

    Elisabeth Winter<\/a><\/h4>
    Alumna<\/div>
    <\/div><\/div>
    Elisabeth\u2019s work centers on the politics of international trade. In her role as programme director \u201cGlobal Markets and Social Justice\u201d at Bundeskanzler-Helmut-Schmidt-Stiftung (BKHS) she researches possibilities for a more equitable global trade governance focusing on transatlantic trade cooperation and its social consequences at national and international levels.<\/div><\/div>
    Industrial heartlands in the green transformation<\/a><\/h6>
    How can industrial heartlands in Germany and the United States be drivers of a just transition?<\/div><\/div><\/div>
    \"\"<\/a><\/div>

    Vera Gohla<\/a><\/h4>
    Alumna<\/div>
    <\/div><\/div>
    Vera Gohla is a Policy Advisor for Economic and Structural Policy at the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation. She holds degrees in International Affairs (M.A.) from the Hertie School in Berlin and European Studies and Economics (B.A.) from the University of Osnabr\u00fcck.<\/div><\/div>
    Industrial heartlands in the green transformation<\/a><\/h6>
    How can industrial heartlands in Germany and the United States be drivers of a just transition?<\/div><\/div><\/div>
    \"\"<\/a><\/div>

    Whitney Terrill<\/a><\/h4>
    Alumna<\/div>
    <\/div><\/div>
    Whitney Terrill joined the North Star Chapter as an Environmental Justice Organizer in 2022. In Minnesota, Whitney recently served as the Environmental Justice Program Manager at Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light where she designed, coordinated, and facilitated community-based programming and partnerships for MNIPL and individual faith communities.<\/div><\/div>
    Industrial heartlands in the green transformation<\/a><\/h6>
    How can industrial heartlands in Germany and the United States be drivers of a just transition?<\/div><\/div><\/div>
    \"\"<\/a><\/div>

    Leon Tiedemann-Friedl<\/a><\/h4>
    <\/div>
    <\/div><\/div>
    Leon Tiedemann-Friedl is a Policy Advisor in the Department for Political Planning, Fundamental Issues, and Social Dialogue at the Federal Chancellery.<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    Full Paper<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    <\/span>
    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    We develop and debate progressive ideas and bring together leading actors who turn thoughts into action. Our think tank\u2019s goal: making the just transformation a reality. \u25b8 Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    This paper examines how these regions navigate three defining dynamics of 2026: rearmament driven by Europe\u2019s military build-up, looming recarbonisation as fossil fuel dependencies are deepened, and political realignment marked by surging populist anti-establishment movements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":19265,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[197,437,338],"class_list":["post-19264","publication","type-publication","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-sozial-oekologische-marktwirtschaft","tag-industrial-heartlands","tag-transatlantische-beziehungen","publication_categories-policy-paper"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nRenewal amidst Turmoil: Industrial Heartlands between Rearmament, Recarbonisationand Realignment - Das Progressive Zentrum - EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.progressives-zentrum.org\/en\/publication\/renewal-amidst-turmoil-industrial-heartlands-between-rearmament-recarbonisationand-realignment\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Renewal amidst Turmoil: Industrial Heartlands between Rearmament, Recarbonisationand Realignment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This paper examines how these regions navigate three defining dynamics of 2026: rearmament driven by Europe\u2019s military build-up, looming recarbonisation as fossil fuel dependencies are deepened, and political realignment marked by surging populist anti-establishment movements.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.progressives-zentrum.org\/en\/publication\/renewal-amidst-turmoil-industrial-heartlands-between-rearmament-recarbonisationand-realignment\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Das Progressive Zentrum - 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