The Divan Centre organized a Black Coffee session on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, in the Library of the Waldorf Astoria Berlin, featuring Ambassador Rolf Nikel, Vice President of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) and a former senior German diplomat with extensive experience in Russia, European security, arms control, the Balkans, and the Iranian nuclear file. The event attracted strong interest from the diplomatic community and was attended by several ambassadors, diplomats, representatives of think tanks, researchers, academics, and students.
Drawing on his recently published book, Ambassador Nikel discussed Germany’s evolving foreign and security policy, arguing that effective diplomacy must be underpinned by credible economic and military strength. He reflected on Germany’s past Russia policy, the war in Ukraine, the future of European security and NATO, EU enlargement, Russia–China relations, arms control, hybrid threats, and the implications of artificial intelligence for international security.
On the Middle East, he addressed the Iranian nuclear programme, the war in Gaza, and broader regional security developments. He also praised Qatar’s mediation efforts, describing the country as a credible and effective mediator that has earned the trust of diverse international actors.
