Philipp Gassert

Since it was founded 250 years ago, the United States has given itself and the world a lot – and also demanded a lot. From its founding to Trump, from imperialism to isolationism, from the promise of mass consumption to environmental destruction, from promise to danger. In the premiere of his new book, Philipp Gassert draws a mixed balance of the American era. The historian reflects on American history and its far-reaching influence – his conclusion is as enlightening as it is sobering. He outlines the contradictions that are so difficult to bridge, which are so evident today, and explains how they are rooted in the country’s founding and history.

Prof. Dr. Philipp Gassert has held the Chair of Contemporary History at the University of Mannheim since 2014, specializing in German, European and North American history.

In the series Schlaglicht USA – Democracy under pressure
250 years of American democracy – and at the same time a political change of course with global consequences: Schlaglicht USA analyzes how the political balance of power is shifting in President Trump’s second term and what security and economic policy consequences “America First” has for transatlantic relations In this series, influential voices from politics, science, law and culture discuss what freedom, law and democracy mean in the 21st century.