Is Berlin in Danger of Becoming a Normal City?

Show notes

In episode 5 of the difgl podcast LondonBerlinDemocracy, Dr. Robert Keeling @rokeeling and Sabine Pusch @spuschkin talk to renowned author and journalist John Kampfner about a city in transition.

John has lived in Berlin for many years and has formulated a very personal view of the capital in books such as “Auf der Suche nach Berlin” (In Search of Berlin). In this episode, he shares his pointed observations and his view on whether Berlin is losing its uniqueness.

What makes Berlin special (still)? What will be lost as the city moves closer to the global mainstream?

John Kampfner is an award-winning author, columnist, and foreign affairs expert. He is also the author of the acclaimed non-fiction books “Auf der Suche nach Berlin” (In Search of Berlin) and “Warum die Deutschen es besser machen” (Why Germans Do It Better).

John lives in Berlin and in this podcast he shares some personal observations on how the city has changed over the last 30 years, what makes it unique, and the debate about whether Berlin is becoming increasingly mainstream. Topics discussed include everyday life in the city, the use of the German language, and the fate of the Tacheles art house.

🎙️ A personal, provocative episode – straight from Berlin. 🎧 Listen now – wherever you get your podcasts.

A production by difgl – German Institute for the Good Life Executive Producer: Christoph Henseler, Katja Anclam

Hosts: Dr. Robert Keeling and Sabine Pusch Editor: Dr. Kerstin Lücker Sound production: Sasha Polivanov Music: Sebastian Winter Graphics: Ralf Henning, Greta Laux