The first Allianz Distinguished Visitorship was a pilot program established in 2010-2011 by Allianz SE with the possibility of continuation upon review. It was established with the objective of bringing a prominent US expert in finance, economics, or politics to Berlin. For a short-term visit of one week, on average, the Allianz lecturer embarks on a full itinerary that allows him or her to engage with German counterparts as well as targeted audiences through a series of meetings, roundtable discussions, lectures, and other programs. The purpose of these activities is to encourage dialogue and the exchange of ideas between influential parties in Germany and the United States. In addition, the Allianz SE donation is used to organize joint lectures on an ad-hoc basis over the course of the year. The Allianz Distinguished Visitorship was inaugurated by the financier Steven L. Rattner, who visited the American Academy from February 28 until March 4, 2011. We are grateful to Allianz AG for their yearly contribution towards this Distinguished Visitorship.