Bertelsmann Foresight Conference 2025. Partners or Pariahs: Transatlantic Relations and the New International Order

On May 6th, several students from the dual degree program in International Relations and Business Administration (E6) at the Comillas Pontifical University participated, along with other students from the Carlos III University of Madrid and the Complutense University, in a session organized by the Bertelsmann Foundation. The goal was to introduce the RANGE geopolitical foresight tool.

In a highly engaging session, the students used the tool in several case studies focused on the question: Will EU countries have to recalibrate their relationship with the United States in 2025 and beyond? This general question was broken down into more specific foresight questions, such as the likelihood of a fiscal union within the EU in 2026; or the likelihood of a common European army in that same year. Through deliberative group work, the students reflected on indicators to assess the probabilities of these events and subsequently shared their conclusions. The day concluded with a presentation and discussion on the new transatlantic "insecurity" and the EU-US relationship in a volatile world. The discussion featured Enrique Barón and Erika Rodríguez, with comments from Bernardo Navazo (senior security and defense expert), David del Val (senior economist), and Pola Cebulak (professor of EU Law at the Vrije Universität Amsterdam). Peter Walkenhorst of the Bertelsmann Foundation moderated the event.

We are extremely grateful to the Bertelsmann Foundation, and in particular to Vicent Climent, for inviting Comillas Pontifical University to participate in this event and for their enthusiasm in disseminating this tool. Thank you very much!