CORRECTION APPENDED (SEE BOTTOM):Klauss Scharioth, the German Ambassador to the United States, spoke in Rapaporte Treasure Hall last Wednesday about Germany's priorities in the international political arena and its place in a greater European system.

His keynote presentation opened a series of events celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Brandeis Center for German and European Studies.

A self-proclaimed student of the United States for over 40 years, Scharioth earned his PhD from the Fletcher School for International Affairs at Tufts University and has since represented Germany in NATO and at the United Nations.

Scharioth began his presentation by calling the German people, "The children of the Enlightenment," and suggested the importance of Enlightenment ideals across Europe. "Values of the Enlightenment bind Europe together," he said.

He emphasized the need to enhance economic relationships within Europe and between continents because "the old balance of power. resulted in endless wars."

Scharioth went on to talk about Germany's agenda in the coming years and addressed "pillars" of German foreign policy, including European integration, enhancing transatlantic relations, achieving energy independence to combat climate change, multilateralism and Germany's "special role towards Israel."

Scharioth also called for a new global agreement to replace the Kyoto Agreement, due to expire in 2012, and laid out Germany's goals to cut carbon emissions in half by the year 2050.

"This is one of the subjects of this century," he said.

After his presentation, Scharioth opened the floor to a range of questions.

When asked about the rise of radical Islam in Germany, he cited a poll indicating that only 10 percent of German Muslims affiliate with an Islamic organization or mosque.

He responded to criticism of the European Union's democratic process, saying, "I don't think any other group of countries has put themselves under the jurisdiction of an outside court," and added, "All Council of Europe countries have signed the Declaration of Human Rights."

"I was impressed with how intent the German federation seems to be on working for a united Europe," Susan Paykin '11 said.

"He emphasized the collaborative nature of global politics today," said Sabine Von Mering, the executive director of the Center for German and European Studies.

Von Mering said the Center places Germany in a greater European context and focuses its study as such.

"As Brandeis becomes a more global institution, it is very important that we include a focus on Europe," Von Mering said. "[The Center is] a central place on campus to provide information about Europe and a place for discussion about events in Europe."

The article incorrectly stated that Sabine Von Merring is the assistant director of CGES. She is the executive director.
Scharioth is the second consecutive German Ambassador to the United States to visit Brandeis.

Wolfgang Ischinger spoke at Brandeis in October 2004, addressing issues of German-American relations in the post-Sept. 11 world.

This week's 10th anniversary celebration also included a panel discussion with Prof. Jytte Klausen (POL) and outside experts on "Spotlight on Muslims in Europe: Putting Aside Fear and Ignorance," a lecture on Jewish-German dialogue with Bill Niven, author of the Buchenwald Child: Truth, Fiction and Propaganda, and a symposium on safety in the modern world.