“The MSC is proud to award this year’s John McCain Dissertation Award 2025 to Tim Heinkelmann-Wild for his outstanding academic achievements in the field of transatlantic relations. Heinkelmann-Wild’s thesis ‘After Exit: Alternative Leadership and Institutional Resilience after Hegemonic Withdrawal’ examines how international institutions and treaties were affected by US withdrawal. His dissertation and its conclusion that in such cases, European countries have often been able to maintain international cooperation, is of considerable policy importance at the current moment. The jury was profoundly impressed by the thoroughness and depth of his research.

The John McCain Dissertation Award is awarded annually to up to two outstanding doctoral dissertations dealing with an aspect of transatlantic relations. It consists of several components, including participation in Munich Security Conference events and activities, and a prize sum of up to 10,000 euros.”