Carlson Lecture Series: Helmut Schmidt - The U.S.-Soviet Standoff, A European Perspective

October 16, 1984 - Helmut Schmidt, former chancellor of West Germany, speaking at Carlson Lecture Series in Northrop Auditorium. Schmidt’s address was on the topic “The U.S.-Soviet Standoff: A European Perspective.” Following speech, Schmidt answered audience questions. Schmidt, a Social Democrat, was chancellor from 1974 to 1982. During his tenure he gained renown as a tough-minded pragmatist and a skillful manager of economic affairs. Schmidt adhered to the policy of "Ostpolitik" (reconciliation with the Communist countries of Eastern Europe) while also seeking stronger ties with the United States. A strong believer in arms control, Schmidt encouraged negotiations between the superpowers. He promoted economic cooperation among Western European nations and was one of the founders of the annual Economic Summits, which began in 1975. Domestically, Schmidt employed stringent measures to combat unemployment and to safeguard West Germany's position as the country with the lowest inflation rate and the largest trade volume in Europe. The Carlson Lecture Series was established by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.