Treptow-Köpenick + Global Trade Risks + Russia’s Nuclear Drills + Shifting Power in Eurasia + Global Peace Index + UN at 80
Dear Readers,
Welcome to Diplomacy Berlin’s Newsletter.
As Berlin continues to evolve as a capital of ideas and exchange, diplomacy is increasingly being shaped not only in conference halls but also across neighborhoods, communities, and cultural encounters. This week, we speak with Oliver Igel, District Mayor of Treptow-Köpenick, about how Berlin’s largest and greenest district connects local identity with global dialogue from its GDR-era diplomatic legacy to its modern role as a hub for science, business, and international exchange.
Our “Learn” section brings a sobering insight from the Global Peace Index 2025, which shows global peace declining for the tenth consecutive year a reminder that stability, once assumed, must now be actively safeguarded.
And as the United Nations marks its 80th year, our “Know” section revisits why the UN’s convening power for dialogue, mediation, and development remains irreplaceable.
Beyond Berlin, the world’s attention is drawn to the shifting architecture of global order: the UN warns of a trading system under strain, Russia’s latest nuclear drills renew strategic anxieties, and the Global Peace Index 2025 reminds us that peace itself can no longer be taken for granted. Yet amid these challenges, voices at the UN’s 80th anniversary continue to make the case for dialogue, cooperation, and multilateral resolve.
Finally, as we mark upcoming national days for Hungary (23 October), Zambia (24 October), Kazakhstan (25 October), Austria (26 October), and the Czech Republic (28 October), we are reminded that every celebration of independence is also a celebration of shared values – identity, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of peace.
As always, thank you for joining us. If you would like to contribute articles, event coverage, or press releases for upcoming editions, please reach out at editorial@diplomacy.berlin.
With best regards,
Sigrid Arteaga M.
Treptow-Köpenick on the World Stage: Oliver Igel on Diplomacy, Community, and Berlin’s Green Borough
Born in 1978 in Köpenick, Oliver Igel has been District Mayor of Treptow-Köpenick since 2011, overseeing civil services, finance, real estate, and the local economy. A graduate of the Free University of Berlin in literature, history, and political science, his career has spanned research, journalism, and public service. Deeply rooted in community life as vice-chairman of the Heimatverein Köpenick and member of several local associations, Igel combines a focus on the district’s history with a commitment to international openness and cultural exchange.
Treptow-Köpenick is Berlin’s largest district – a place where history, diplomacy, and innovation intersect. From the Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park to the Vietnamese and Belarusian embassies, from the legacy of East German industry to the future-driven science and technology hub of Adlershof, the district reflects Berlin’s role as both a city of memory and of transformation. We spoke with Oliver Igel, District Mayor of Treptow-Köpenick, about how local identity and global diplomacy meet on his home turf.
Mr. Igel, Treptow-Köpenick was a center of international diplomacy during the GDR era. How does this legacy still shape the district’s identity today?
As an outer district of Berlin, we have had two embassies here for decades the Vietnamese and the Belarusian which brings a touch of internationality and capital flair to our borough. In this way, a municipality suddenly moves onto the stage of foreign policy. Especially during GDR times, the close relationship with Vietnam had a very tangible influence on everyday life in the district.
To what extent can this historical experience be used for Berlin’s international cooperation today?
Encounter and exchange are the foundations of understanding and peace. That begins on a small scale including right outside the embassy gates. It is always enriching when embassies present their culture to the outside world: at festivals, at events, or by opening their own premises. Of course, this also depends on the overall political situation and the current state of relations between the countries which means this kind of openness can be more or less intense.
How do you experience the neighborhood between diplomatic missions and the local population? What role does the district play in creating trust and spaces for dialogue between diplomatic institutions and society?
Embassy staff often live right here in our district and are well integrated. Their children attend kindergartens and schools alongside German children, and parents get to know and appreciate each other. In the case of the Vietnamese embassy, we are fortunate to also have a historically grown, large Vietnamese community in Treptow-Köpenick. Traditional Vietnamese celebrations, such as the Moon Festival, are now a fixed part of the district’s festival calendar. It is wonderful to see how Vietnamese culture is presented here with great passion and joy in music, dance, and cuisine. And for the artists it is a special gift when the ambassador or another embassy representative even attends the festivities.
What opportunities arise for diplomats who choose Treptow-Köpenick as their office or place of residence? What strategies does the district pursue to balance security, openness, and international presence?
Unlike the bustling inner city, Treptow-Köpenick is characterized by forest and water. Many diplomats already use the district as a place of recreation and discover corners they would never expect in a capital. That is why Treptow-Köpenick is also popular as a place of residence – while at the same time the inner city and the embassies are quickly accessible. Naturally, embassies have special security interests, but these can be discussed and solved together.
Could Treptow-Köpenick once again profile itself more strongly as a diplomatic location? And what role do you see for the district in the context of Berlin’s international identity between history, innovation, and foreign policy?
As in many cases, the choice of location for a diplomatic mission depends not only on security aspects but also on the availability of property. As a district we can only emphasize that we are very open to welcoming new embassies and are happy to cooperate especially to bring international flair into the community through events and partnerships. Embassies should not be perceived solely as visa offices, but as representatives of other cultures, which we want to encounter with curiosity.
If you had to introduce Treptow-Köpenick to Berlin’s diplomatic community in a single sentence what would your message be?
Treptow-Köpenick is a district that embodies a fascinating German-German history, is an internationally recognized center for business and science, and at the same time the greenest and most water-rich part of Berlin full of surprises at every corner.
Foto: Beate Laudzim
Global Trade System at Risk
On October 22, UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that the rules-based global trading system is in danger of “derailment” as protectionism rises, tariffs spread, and trust in multilateral institutions erodes. He pointed to a surge in trade disputes, the growing weaponization of economic policy, and the widening gap between developed and developing economies as threats to global stability. Berlin’s stakes are immediate: its prosperity as the world’s third-largest exporter relies on open markets and predictable trade rules. But this is not just a German story the erosion of multilateral trade governance affects everyone, from consumers facing higher costs to businesses navigating fractured supply chains. Germany’s reliance on open markets illustrates a broader reality: as multilateral trust weakens, the ripple effects touch every trading nation.
Read the full story here on Reuters.
Russia’s Nuclear Force Drills Raise Alarm
Last week, President Vladimir Putin oversaw large-scale drills of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces, involving submarine-launched missiles, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and long-range bombers. The exercises simulated the entire nuclear command chain, projecting Moscow’s readiness to escalate at a time of heightened confrontation with the West. Germany cannot treat this as distant theatre: as a NATO member hosting U.S. nuclear assets and allied command centers, Berlin is directly tied to deterrence strategy and nuclear burden-sharing. Berlin is at the heart of NATO’s eastern flank and contributes both politically and technically to European deterrence and arms-control structures. As the drills sharpen debates in Berlin it raise the stakes for Germany’s defence planning and military spending commitments and Europe’s security architecture. The drills are a reminder that Russia’s signalling never stops at its borders — its echoes shape both Germany’s defence posture and Europe’s collective security calculus.
Read the full story on AP News.
Diplomacy and Discourse: Power Shifts in Eurasia, Africa and Latin America
In the latest episode of Diplomacy and Discourse, host A.R. maps how global power is increasingly organized around regions rather than traditional blocs. The discussion spans Eurasia’s strategic alliances (BRI, EAEU, SCO), Africa’s rising role through the AU, ECOWAS and critical minerals, and South America’s balancing act between China, the U.S., and the EU. The podcast shows how infrastructure, media, and networks not just ideology are becoming the real levers of influence in 2025. This matters because Germany’s economy and diplomacy are deeply tied into these emerging networks, from critical minerals in Africa to supply chains in Latin America. The discussion highlights a broader point: for Germany and its partners, grasping these regional shifts is key to shaping strategy in an increasingly multipolar order.
Listen to the podcast on RSS.com.
The Diplomat - Season 3 on Netflix
The new season of The Diplomat is now streaming on Netflix, diving deeper into the high-stakes world of international diplomacy. Season 3 focuses on crises ranging from regional conflicts to global summits, exploring the complex interplay between national interest, multilateral negotiation, and public perception. Key episodes highlight emergency negotiations over trade disputes, cyber diplomacy in response to security breaches, and behind-the-scenes coordination at NATO and UN meetings.
The show also portrays the subtle art of protocol and trust-building: from arranging state dinners and ceremonial events to managing relationships with embassies and international delegations elements that echo real challenges faced by diplomats worldwide. Storylines touch on contemporary issues such as nuclear deterrence, economic sanctions, and climate diplomacy, making the series particularly resonant for Berlin’s diplomatic community.
We invite readers to reflect: how accurately does The Diplomat portray real diplomatic life, especially in the context of today’s challenges like global trade tensions, strategic deterrence, and multilateral negotiations? Share your thoughts at editorial@diplomacy.berlin, and selected insights may be featured in an upcoming edition.
- Netherlands at the Crossroads: Critical Election Highlights and Party Standings. devdiscourse.com
- Will Trump’s Russia Oil Sanctions Finally Sway Putin? foreignpolicy.com
- As Europe Rearms, Learn from the Pentagon’s Efforts to Modernize Civilian Protection. justsecurity.org
- The Risk of a New Ethiopian-Eritrean War Is Growing. foreignpolicy.com
- Japan has its first female prime minister, but not all women are celebrating. nbcnews.com
- The costs of Trump’s campaign to censor climate science. ft.com
Global Peace Index 2025: Germany Slips in Rankings
The Global Peace Index 2025 paints a sobering picture: global peace has declined for the tenth consecutive year, with militarisation, climate pressures, and internal conflicts driving instability. Germany dropped three places to 20th overall and ranks 14th within Western and Central Europe, reflecting a higher score in factors like political tensions and weapons exports. While Germany remains one of the more peaceful states globally, the findings highlight its vulnerability in a shifting security environment. Rising political tensions and its role as a top arms exporter weigh heavily against its image as a peace broker. The index underscores the tension between Germany’s identity as a champion of diplomacy and its realities as an industrial and military power. The index brings into focus a familiar paradox for Berlin: reconciling the pursuit of peace with the responsibilities and pressures of power.
Read the full report on Vision of Humanity’s website.
The UN at 80: Why Its Role in Peace and Security Still Matters
In the final episode of Brookings’ Foresight Africa podcast series from the 80th U.N. General Assembly, host Landry Signé spoke with policymakers and experts about how the United Nations continues to uphold its founding mission of preserving peace and security. Guests highlighted the UN’s work with fragile and marginalized states, from least developed to landlocked and small island nations, and its ability to provide platforms for negotiation, peacekeeping, and development support. Voices like Abdoul Salam Bello stressed the UN’s enduring relevance for 193 member states, while Commonwealth Assistant Secretary General Luis Franceschi underlined the need to defend multilateralism against polarization. Media perspectives, represented by Yinka Adegoke, reminded listeners that the UN’s convening power also shapes global narratives, while Gyude Moore emphasized energy access as a priority where consensus can still be forged. The discussion made clear that while multilateralism is under stress, the UN’s role as a forum for dialogue and peace remains irreplaceable.
Germany’s foreign policy identity is inseparable from this framework: its ability to influence international debates depends on strong multilateral institutions. The podcast most importantly helps highlight not only the UN’s role in global peace but also why Germany continues to anchor its diplomacy in defending and reforming the multilateral order.
Listen to the full podcast on Brookings.
Aspen Institute Germany
The Aspen Institute Germany, based in Berlin, fosters transatlantic cooperation and global dialogue by convening policymakers, business leaders, and scholars to address pressing challenges, including digital transformation, climate policy, and geopolitical shifts. By publishing sharp analyses, hosting exclusive roundtables, and offering strategic networks, the institute acts as a bridge between Germany’s national interests and wider international agendas. For readers of Diplomacy Berlin, following the Aspen Institute Germany provides an inside view of how Berlin navigates complex transitions, both domestically and globally, and shapes meaningful partnerships.
Berlin Foreign Policy Forum 2025 – Germany’s Choices in a Fragmented World
On 25 November 2025, the Berlin Foreign Policy Forum, hosted by the Körber-Stiftung, returns as one of Germany’s leading platforms for debate on international affairs. This year’s edition comes just months after the German federal elections, making the stakes even higher. The forum examines how domestic polarization, economic pressures, and global instability intersect and what that means for Germany and Europe’s role on the world stage. Key questions include how to reconcile internal challenges with international commitments, how Europe can strengthen its global standing, and whether resilient partnerships are still possible amid geopolitical fragmentation. To know more details, visit Körber-Stiftung website.
AutomotiveIT car.summit 2025 – Engineering meets IT
Scheduled for 11-12 November 2025 at Hochhaus Süddeutscher Verlag in Munich, the automotiveIT car.summit brings together engineering experts, IT specialists, automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and tech innovators under one roof. With the theme “Engineering meets IT,” the event dives into the convergence of classic automotive engineering and software-defined systems, exploring topics such as autonomous driving, connected services, collaborative data spaces, and artificial intelligence. Leading voices from BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Bosch, and more will deliver insights, making it one of Europe’s key forums to track the future of mobility and digital transformation. Registration and further info are available on the summit’s website.
Ei-12437-B – Modern German Classics in Plänterwald
Tucked away in the historic Eierhäuschen along the Spree, Ei-12437-B serves refined, sustainable versions of German pub classics from bratwurst with sharp mustard to seasonal ragouts and craft beer. The restaurant sits in Plänterwald, part of Treptow-Köpenick the very borough we explore this week in our interview with District Mayor Oliver Igel. Known as Berlin’s greenest and most water-rich district, Treptow-Köpenick offers a surprising mix of history, diplomacy, and culinary gems like Ei-12437-B. A perfect spot to see how the borough combines tradition with modern Berlin flair. To make reservations visit their website. To make reservations visit their website.
Deko Behrendt — Berlin’s Halloween Wonderland
If you’re looking to bring some spooky atmosphere into your home or office this season, Deko Behrendt in Berlin is the place to go. Known as the city’s go-to store for carnival, theater, and party supplies, it transforms into a full Halloween paradise each October. From eerie masks and life-size skeletons to cobwebs, fog machines, and elaborate costumes, the shop has everything to stage a proper fright night. For Berliners and visitors alike, it’s more than a store it’s part of the city’s festive culture. Whether you’re hosting a themed party or just want to get into the seasonal spirit, Deko Behrendt makes sure Halloween in Berlin is anything but ordinary. Find the store at „The Playce“ (Potsdamerplatz)