An American in Berlin

The United States and Germany have long shared many important ties.

The United States established formal diplomatic relations with Germany in 1871, although the relationship between the two nations dates to 1797 when John Quincy Adams presented his credentials as the first Head of the U.S. Legation at Berlin, in what was then the Kingdom of Prussia. A quarter century later, he became the sixth president of the United States. There were two notable pauses in U.S.-German relations: from 1917 to 1921 during World War I and from 1941 to 1955 during World War II and its aftermath. Despite this, for over 150 years, the United States and Germany have generally enjoyed a largely open and cooperative relationship, with much of that goodwill fostered by the chief U.S. diplomat in Berlin (and for a time, Bonn). Today, that crucial post sits empty. Since the departure of Ambassador Amy Gutmann in July 2024, the embassy at 2 Pariser Platz has been led by Chargé d’Affaires Alan Meltzer, with no indication when the Trump administration will nominate a new ambassador. At a time of rising economic and political tensions between Berlin and Washington, it is important to remember the critical role played by American ambassadors throughout history.

William Dodd: Sounding the Alarm about Hitler’s Rise

On July 5, 1933, longtime history professor and newly-appointed Ambassador William Dodd set off for Berlin. Dodd’s motivation for the job had less to do with an interest in foreign affairs, and more of a desire to finish his compendium on the history of the American South from the cushy Ambassador’s residence on the edge of Berlin’s Tiergarten park. Dodd was aware of Hitler’s rise to power and the increasing threats to German Jews, but was under guidance from President Franklin Roosevelt to not officially involve himself in the persecution of Jews in Germany, unless they were American citizens.

Once in Germany, Ambassador Dodd quickly realized the dangers of the Nazi ideology, and became more outspoken in his public engagements and in his missives back to Washington. Dodd consistently avoided attending the Nazi Party’s annual rally despite increasing pressure from the State Department, until in 1937 he was overruled and forced to send a representative. Dodd himself had strategically planned to travel back to the U.S. during the event so that he did not have to attend. As predicted, Hitler promoted the attendance of representatives from the U.S., Britain, and France as a tacit endorsement of his policies. Dodd stepped down from his post in 1937, and spent the next several years warning against Nazi aggression—one of the earliest and most prominent American voices to do so.

Rozanne Ridgway: First Female Ambassador to (East) Germany

In 1974, the United States established diplomatic relations with the German Democratic Republic, as East Germany was known, 25 years after the communist state’s founding. In 1983, during the Reagan administration, career diplomat Rozanne Ridgway arrived in Berlin as the first female ambassador not only to East Germany, but to any German state. Ridgway had the difficult task of maintaining a relationship with the East German government that provided a sufficient balance of carrots and sticks. She issued informal invitations to party leaders, breaking protocol to establish personal connections. While in these meetings, Ridgway would offer incentives, such as access to U.S. politicians, in exchange for a deeper commitment from the East Germans to human rights. Ridgway’s straightforward approach to policy resonated with the East Germans, leading to incremental diplomatic gains until she left the post in 1985.

John Emerson: From Wiretapping to Trust Building

California businessman John Emerson was named in 2013 as the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, following a long career spanning law, industry, and stints in the Clinton and Obama White Houses. Shortly after Emerson’s arrival in Berlin, Wikileaks released documents detailing the National Security Agency’s (NSA) spying on German politicians and military. Two years later, the scandal was exacerbated by the revelation that the NSA had tapped phone calls involving Chancellor Angela Merkel. Emerson was summoned by Merkel’s Chief of Staff Peter Altmaier over the incident.

Emerson, known for quick wit and a straightforward, relaxed attitude, met the challenge head on. When Germans arriving at the Embassy had to lock up their phones at the security desk while the American staff kept their devices (as is protocol for all visitors), Emerson would beat them to the punch with a wry smile and let them know not to worry, no one is listening. In the next breath, Emerson would acknowledge the seriousness of the issue, maintain the commitment of the U.S. to Germany, but also emphasize that the job of the NSA is to spy, just like Germany’s own Federal Intelligence Service. At first, this direct approach ruffled some feathers, but over time, Emerson was able to smooth over this diplomatic rough patch with a mixture of earnestness, honesty, and pragmatism.

Each of these ambassadors have played a crucial role in maintaining diplomatic ties in times of crisis, contributing to the longevity and stability of the U.S.-German relationship. Despite the cadre of committed civil servants and foreign service officers now staffing the Embassy, for true diplomatic parity there must be a U.S ambassador in Berlin. As Germany finalizes its next government, now would be a prudent time for the Trump Administration to name an ambassador, to signify of its interest in maintaining channels of communication with one of America’s closest allies. Dialogue, even disagreement, requires there to be someone on the other end of the line.

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