Willy Brandt Lecture 2026: What Remains of Soft Power?

Europe has traditionally relied above all on soft power: on the appeal of a rules-based political order, on institutional cooperation and cultural exchange. As well as building partnerships, this also serves to safeguard its own interests.

In the ‘new era of great powers’ (Friedrich Merz), this concept is openly challenged by a new authoritarian drive for great-power status. This manifests itself in tariff disputes, threats of occupation and new wars. Soft power is regarded as a sign of weakness. Within Europe, there are calls for the expansion of hard European power politics. Can this succeed? And what will be lost as a result of this reorientation?

The 2026 Willy Brandt Lecture examines the role of soft power in the 21st century.

Does it offer an alternative in the face of military escalations and new trade wars? It focuses in particular on European-African relations, which are shaped by colonial history, intensive exchanges and new competition for influence.

The panellists include Federal Minister for Development Reem Alabali Radovan (SPD), Alexander Stroh-Steckelberg from the University of Bayreuth, and Josephine Apraku, known for her podcasts and non-fiction books.

• Moderator: Harald Asel, rbb24 Inforadio.

The opening address will be delivered by the Managing Director of the Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt Foundation, Dr Wolfram Hoppenstedt.

• Registration required

The Willy Brandt Talk will also be streamed live.

• The event will be recorded and broadcast on 11 October 2026 at 11.00 am (repeat at 9.00 pm).

IN GERMAN