Recap: Annual Meeting of the German Friends of LSE in Frankfurt a. M. from 10-12 October 2025

The German Friends of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) gathered this year in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Frankfurt am Main for the 2025 Annual Meeting. Frankfurt, with its blend of historic charm and global financial prominence, provided the ideal backdrop for a weekend of exchange and connection among LSE alumnae, alumni, and friends.

This year’s meeting was held in a particularly festive spirit as LSE celebrates its 130th anniversary - a milestone that highlights the School’s enduring impact and global community.

The event opened on Friday evening with an apple wine tasting and traditional Frankfurt buffet dinner at Frau Rauscher Apfelwein Wirtschaft in Alt-Sachsenhausen, setting a convivial tone for the days ahead.

On Saturday, 11 October, participants convened at the elegant Villa Bonn. The afternoon programme featured distinguished speakers from the LSE:

·       Professor Michael Cox, Founding Director of LSE IDEAS and Emeritus Professor of International Relations, delivered a brilliant and thought-provoking analysis in his talk “The World in the Age of Trump.”

·       Professor Kristina Spohr, Professor of International History at LSE, followed with a lecture on “NATO in the Unipolar Era.”

After Professor Cox’s talk, Professor Spohr led a lively discussion with him, followed by an engaging Q&A session. The alumni contributed thoughtful and high-quality questions, creating a buzzing atmosphere that reflected the intellectual energy of the LSE community. A second dynamic Q&A followed Professor Spohr’s own lecture, again demonstrating the alumni’s deep interest in global and historical perspectives, a true expression of the LSE spirit of open dialogue and critical debate.

Between sessions, alumni reconnected over coffee and lively conversation, carrying that same spirit of exchange into the evening’s reception and gala dinner at Villa Bonn. The dinner’s keynote address was delivered by Professor Eric Neumayer, Deputy President and Vice-Chancellor of the LSE, who shared insights on “LSE: Current State, Challenges and Strategic Priorities.” In his remarks, Professor Neumayer reflected on the School’s current developments, its strategic direction, and the vital role of alumni in shaping LSE’s global impact. His speech offered an inspiring perspective on the future of LSE and its community worldwide.

This year’s meeting also included a moment of remembrance for Professor Conor Gearty, Professor of Human Rights Law and former Director of the Centre for the Study of Human Rights at LSE, whose recent passing is a profound loss to the LSE community.

The weekend concluded on Sunday with a guided walking tour, “Best of Frankfurt,” exploring the city’s history from its medieval centre to its modern skyline, followed by brunch.

Warm thanks to all who joined us in Frankfurt for the stimulating conversations, the shared memories, and the enduring LSE spirit that connects us across borders!

👉 Read about last year’s 40th Anniversary celebration here.