Professional Documents
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SPECTACULAR
BIG IDEAS, IMPACT, SECURITY,
AND CELEBRATIONS OF 2017
THE
ISAACSON
ERA 14 YEARS OF
TRANSFORMATION
DA VINCI
DECODED
INSIDE THE MIND OF THE
ORIGINAL RENAISSANCE MAN
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IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 1
DEPARTMENTS 6
6 | W H AT I S T H E I N S T I T U T E ?
11 | A R O U N D T H E I N S T I T U T E
Ascend launches a new fellowship; US mayors take on income
inequality; Champions for Change goes local; Aspen Words
bets on literature; Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan
Dan Bayer
sound off on the law; and much more.
7 2 | FA C E S
Behind the scenes at Institute events.
7 8 | FA C T S
Get to know the Institutes programs.
90 | CO N N E C T WI T H U S
Contact our program directors; get in touch on
social media.
9 2 | PA R T I N G S H O T
Riccardo Savi
Walter Isaacson heads into a new future after guiding the
Institute through one of the most productive eras in its history. 11
FEATURES
34 | A YEAR OF IDEAS
The third edition of Spotlight Health and the 13th annual Aspen
Ideas Festival brought together genius, innovation, art, and
science at the Institutes Aspen Meadows campus. Over ten days,
the city of Aspen pulsed with discussions about everything from
hip-hop to DNA sequencing. And with a new administration 28
in office, vital topics like health care reform, religious freedom,
and executive power also shaped the dialogue.
52 | SECURE YOURSELVES
The 2017 Aspen Security Forumthe premier event for experts
to engage on the most pressing threats to the United States
was exceptional. For the first time in the forums eight-
year run, the conversation exposed a rift between the intelligence
community and current US leadership as the specter of Russian
intervention in the 2016 election loomed over the proceedings.
58 | BELIEVING IN LOVE
At the Summer Celebration, the Institute presented its Public
Service Award to trial lawyers David Boies and Theodore
Olson for their tireless dedication to the fundamental values of
democracy.
SUMMER
SPECTACULAR
BIG IDEAS, IMPACT, SECURITY,
AND CELEBRATIONS OF 2017
ON THE COVER
Photos by Dan Bayer
THE
ISAACSON
ERA 14 YEARS OF
TRANSFORMATION Aspen Institute President and CEO
DA VINCI
DECODED Walter Isaacson at the 2017 Aspen Ideas
Festival (Photo by Dan Bayer)
INSIDE THE MIND OF THE
ORIGINAL RENAISSANCE MAN
58 60
At Nestl Waters, we believe that access to clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental human right.
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Photos by Dan Bayer
I D E A S onSAmericas
*Nestl Waters North Americas Perspectives P E C I A L IWater
S S U E study, 5
2 0 1 7 2017
WHAT IS THE ASPEN INSTITUTE?
Dan Bayer
The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization headquartered in Washington,
DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue
for dealing with critical issues. The Institute has campuses in Aspen, Colorado, and on the Wye River
on Marylands Eastern Shore. It also maintains offices in New York City and has an international
network of partners.
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EDITOR'S LETTER
WALTER ISAACSON
President and Chief Executive Officer
ELLIOT F. GERSON
Executive Vice President, Policy and Public Programs; International Partners
NAMITA KHASAT
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administrative Services;
Chief Financial Officer; Corporate Treasurer
Dan Bayer
ERIC L. MOTLEY, PhD
Executive Vice President, Institutional Advancement;Corporate Secretary
The picture above isnt about heads, though it does illustrate just PETER REILING
Executive Vice President, Leadership and Seminar Programs;
how rapt the attention was at this years Aspen Ideas Festivalparticularly Executive Director, Henry Crown Fellowship Program
when the speakers included New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu shortly
RAJIV VINNAKOTA
after he had galvanized the country with his eloquent explanation of the Executive Vice President, Youth & Engagement Programs
moral rightness of removing Confederate monuments. He was on stage
CINDY BUNISKI
when this was taken, speaking with a group typical for its currency to the Vice President, Administration; Executive Director, Aspen Wye Campus
national conversationa conversation heard across the Aspen Meadows N
campus for the packed summer months.
JAMES M. SPIEGELMAN m
Vice President, Chief External Affairs Officer; Deputy to the President
I include the picture to show off the T-shirts that two friends and
fans of IDEAS were wearing: this years version of the shirts we distribute EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER CORBY KUMMER
every summer to the people who make the campus hum. Because this EXECUTIVE EDITOR SACHA ZIMMERMAN
MANAGING EDITORS NICOLE COREA, ALISON DECKER
would be Walter Isaacsons last summer presiding, and because this ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER DOUGLAS FARRAR
was a summer of trying to understand shifting historical forces, we SENIOR EDITOR JEAN MORRA
chose a phrase from DESIGN DIRECTOR KATIE KISSANE-VIOLA
Walters Benjamin CREATIVE DIRECTOR PAUL VIOLA
Franklin: History is a DESIGNER MICHAEL STOUT
tale not of immutable EDITOR EMERITUS JAMIE MILLER
MANAGING DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS PHERABE KOLB
forces but of human ADVERTISING CYNTHIA CAMERON, 970.948.8177, adsales@aspeninstitute.org
endeavors. CONTACT EDITORIAL ideas.magazine@aspeninstitute.org
I saw proof that GENERAL The Aspen Institute,
we are the sum of One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036
our choicesand 202.736.5800, www.aspeninstitute.org
that our choices can
BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN: James S. Crown
change historyat a
midsummer reunion of Henry Crown Fellows at the Resnick Aspen BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Madeleine K. Albright, Paul F. Anderson, Donna Barksdale, Mercedes T. Bass, Miguel Bezos,
Action Forum. Of course these are impressive leaders. But seeing Richard S. Braddock, Beth A. Brooke-Marciniak, William D. Budinger, William Bynum, Stephen L. Carter,
firsthand their joy at seeing each other again, and hearing updates on Troy Carter, Cesar R. Conde, Phyllis Coulter, Katie Couric, Andrea Cunningham, Kenneth L. Davis, John Doerr,
their action pledges, brought Walters observation to life. Thelma Duggin, Arne Duncan, Michael D. Eisner, L. Brooks Entwistle, Alan Fletcher, Henrietta H. Fore,
Ann B. Friedman, Juan Ramn de la Fuente, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Mircea D. Geoana, Antonio Gracias,
Three Fellows in particular struck me: two from the Middle East Patrick W. Gross, Arjun Gupta, Jane Harman, Kaya Henderson, Hayne Hipp, Ivan Hodac, Mark S. Hoplamazian,
and one from Asia. Because their home Gerald D. Hosier, Robert J. Hurst, Walter Isaacson, Natalie Jaresko, Salman Khan, Teisuke Kitayama, Michael
countries frown on or outright forbid Klein, David H. Koch, Satinder K. Lambah, Laura Lauder, Yo-Yo Ma, James M. Manyika, William E. Mayer,*
Bonnie P. McCloskey, David McCormick, Anne Welsh McNulty, Diane Morris, Karlheinz Muhr, Clare Muana,
travel between them, these Fellows must Jerry Murdock, Marc B. Nathanson, William A. Nitze, Her Majesty Queen Noor, Jacqueline Novogratz,
discuss their projects either in neutral Olara A. Otunnu, Elaine Pagels, Carrie Walton Penner, Margot L. Pritzker, Peter A. Reiling, Lynda Resnick,
countries or, best, in Aspen. You can bet Condoleezza Rice, James Rogers, Lewis A. Sanders, Ricardo B. Salinas, Anna Deavere Smith, Michelle Smith,
Javier Solana, Robert K. Steel,* Shashi Tharoor,** Laurie M. Tisch, Giulio Tremonti, Eckart von Klaedan,
I plan to feature them and their work Roderick K. von Lipsey, Vin Weber
in an upcoming issue. Its the kind of
*Chairman Emeritus **On Leave of Absence
collaboration that comes about
uniquely at the Institute LIFETIME TRUSTEES CO-CHAIRMEN: Berl Bernhard, Ann Korologos*
Albert H. Small, Andrew L. Stern, Paul A. Volcker, Leslie H. Wexner, Frederick B. Whittemore, Alice Young
*Chairman Emeritus
The Aspen Institute sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner.
This issue was printed by American Web on recycled fibers containing 10 percent postconsumer waste, with inks containing a blend of soy base. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council and
the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and it meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards.
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10
AROUND THE INSTITUTE
READY, SET, WORLD School is supposed to prepare young people to navigate a complex,
economically competitive, and global society. But the United States doesnt fully prepare students for this future. The current K-12
system emphasizes academics at the expense of social and emotional skills that are just as essential for students to thrive. With
the help of teachers, parents, and students in communities across the country, the Institutes National Commission on Social,
Emotional, and Academic Development is re-envisioning what constitutes success in schools.
For more visit aspeninstitute.org/sead.
75% 9 10
teachers believe social
OUT OF
and emotional skills can
be taught and that they
of the words that benefit students.
happy students
use to describe
how they feel at
school are
NEGATIVE. 4 in 5 teachers want
Students most more support to address
commonly students social and
report they are
emotional development.
TIRED,
STRESSED, employers say social and emotional skills
AND are the most important to success and yet
are also the hardest skills to find.
BORED.
SOURCES: Bridgeland, J., Bruce, M., and Hariharan, A.
Supporting students social- Integrating social and
emotional development
(2013). The Missing Piece. A Report for CASEL. Washing-
ton, DC: Civic Enterprises; Durlak, Weissberg, Dymnicki,
Taylor, and Schellinger. (2011). The Impact of Enhancing
emotional development
Students Social and Emotional Learning. Child Develop- produces an 11% gain with academic learning
in grades and
ment, 82(1): 405-432; Cunningham, W., & Villasenor, P.
(2016). Employer Voices, Employer Demands, and Implica-
returns $11 for every
test scores.
tions for Public Skills. Washington, DC: World Bank Group;
Learning Heroes. (2016). Parents 2016: Hearts & Minds of
$1 invested.
$1 $11
Parents in an Uncertain World. Washington, DC: Author;
Belfield, Bowden, Klapp, Levin, Shand, and Zander. (2015).
The Economic Value of Social and Emotional Learning. New
York, NY: Center for Benefit-Cost Studies in Education:
Teachers College, Columbia University.
REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS:
POWER TO THE STATES
Riccardo Savi
Isaacson, Bryant, Burgum, Fallin, Greitens, and Walker
Give the management and the money for health care over to the care. The best approach is to give full responsibility and resources to
states, a panel of Republican governors said at a McCloskey Speaker the states, he said, noting that although Wisconsin did not take the
Series event in August. Just when the health care debate returned to Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, the state does not
the Senate in late July, most of the nations 33 GOP governors were have an insurance gapthat is, few Wisconsin residents earn too much
attending the annual meeting of the Republican Governors Association to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to qualify for tax credits. Greitens
in Aspen. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, North Dakota Governor made the case for maximum flexibility so states can do what works for
Doug Burgum, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, Missouri Governor them. For example, he said, Missouri is a leading center for telemedicine,
Eric Greitens, and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker made time to which has lowered costs and expanded care in rural areas yet is restricted
speak with Institute CEO Walter Isaacson about health care, opioids, under Medicaid. And Bryant suggested just starting over from scratch
cybersecurity, and morepointing out their ability to get problems with health caredetermine a budget first, then borrow good ideas from
solved as debates over issues and budgets drag on at the federal level. the states. We need to stop politicizing this issue, Bryant said. Lives
Walker suggested states be given full-scale block grants for health depend on what we do. aspeninstitute.org/mccloskey
It is hard to think of another occasion when Ive had the opportunity to be surrounded by luminaries
Courtesy of US House of Representatives
in almost every field imaginable. I watched an amazing movement-art performance, listened to the top
Riccardo Savi
minds in the tech industry and tech policy, and met the nations leading immigrant-rights activists. The
collection of people and experiences is just unparalleled. Im particularly grateful to the Aspen Ideas
Festival scholars and events teams, who made my visit seamless.
Alvaro Bedoya, 2017 Aspen Ideas Festival scholar; executive director, Center on Privacy & Technology,
Georgetown University Law Center
Bedoya
Echaveste
As someone deeply involved in political and policy debates in our country, having the opportunity to
read some of the nations important, fundamental documentssuch as the Lincoln-Douglas debates,
the Seneca Falls Declaration, and Martin Luther Kings Letter From Birmingham Jailwas an intellectual
treat. The Socrates seminar provided a much-needed opportunity to wrestle with hard questions of
American identity and democracyand to do so with such thoughtful and different colleagues.
Maria Echaveste, 2017 Socrates Program scholar; policy and program development director, Chief
Leigh Vogel
Justice Earl Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy, Berkeley School of Law
Katie Bryan
aspenepic.org and financeforward.org
Benjamin
Lori Severens
The first class of Ascends Health and
Human Services Fellows in Aspen
HEIDI
HOUSTON
TEAM
Heidi Houston
Broker Associate
970.925.6866
compass.com
Real estate agents affiliated with Compass are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Compass. Equal Housing Opportunity. Compass is a licensed real estate broker located at 90 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Fl. NY, NY 10011. All
information furnished regarding property for sale or rent or regarding financing is from sources deemed reliable, but Compass makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy thereof. All property information is presented subject to errors,
omissions, price changes, changed property conditions, and withdrawal of the property from the market, without notice. To reach the Compass main office call 212.913.9058.
IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 15
AROUND THE INSTITUTE
17.5%
including the US Olympic Committee, Nike, and Major League
Baseballfor Project Play 2020. No one organization can fix LACROSSE PARTICIPATION INCREASED
youth sports on its own. Now, by working together, no one
organization needs to. projectplay.us
24.8%
of kids aged 612 are
considered active at
a healthy level and
beyond, down almost
4 percentage points
BAUHAUS REVIVAL since 2011.
Over the course of a year, from July 2017 to June 2018, the
Institutes Paepcke Gallery will showcase The Poster Art of
Herbert Bayer from the collection of H. Kirk Brown and Jill
A. Wiltse. Bayer, the famed Bauhaus graphic designer and
typographer, moved to Aspen in 1946 as a consultant to Walter
Paepcke, a founding leader of both the city of Aspen and the
42
Institute. The exhibit, which is free and open to the public,
features a selection of Bayers posters from 1947 to 1981, when
rec centers remain in Baltimore,
the artist designedarchitecture and posters for the local Aspen
down from more than 130 in the
community.aspeninstitute.org/events/poster-art-herbert-bayer
1980s.
16 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017
Lifestyle. Luxury. Legacy.
WELL FIND YOURS.
RANKED
IN SALES
PER BROKER*
Melissa Grimes-Guy
breakout sessions over three days armed participants with new
Lori Severens
partnerships and tools, and with renewed purpose and ideas.
aspeninstitute.org/ascend
PROUDLY BUILDING
WITH THE INSTITUTE
FOR MORE THAN
20 YEARS
aspeninstitute.org/justice Kagan
Erin Baiano
them more of a role, more of a stake.
All agreed that President Trump should get tough on Russia and
secure a stronger negotiating position. They suggestedstrengthening the
US military in Europe, increasing the defense budget, and acknowledging
Russias election hacking. But, as Institute Trustee Condoleezza
Rice, also a national security advisor for Bush, pointed out, managing
confrontation begins at home. This isnt America first, a term I dont
like, she said. But it does start at home. It was a confident America
Riccardo Savi
that built the liberal order, and it has to be a confident America that
sustains it. aspeninstitute.org/hurst-lecture-series
Trust, and the Future of Journalism. Rebecca Blumenstein, deputy feud with the media, Lack said that news organizations are not the
managing editor of The New York Times, and Andrew Lack, chairman enemy of the people and that Trump actually loves the media
of NBC News and MSNBC, discussed the need for trusted news in his own inimitable way. Lack also talked about working with
sources given the amount of false information in circulation. The communities to increase access to credible news, explaining that
conversation also explored the 2016 presidential election and the local news deserts are often where fake news takes root. Many of
medias failure to understand the countrys mood. We took our us exist in a world where we are reading only those who agree with
optimismthe optimism of both coastsfor the way the rest of us, Blumenstein said. You need to be exposed to other views.
the country felt, Blumenstein said, adding that the media needs aspeninstitute.org/nyevents
Erin Baiano
Blumenstein, Lack
Amber Richardson
Cheyenne River Youth Project participants
ATD
Penney is much more than just a
real estate broker, she is also a great
connector to the Aspen community.
Lexi M.
Penney.Carruth@sir.com
IDEAS PenneyCarruth.com
SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 23
accuracy, and innovation. budgets, bipartisan tax bills, and a major report to the IRS. Then, in
2016, following a lawsuit by an open-data activist, the IRS released
electronically filed nonprofit tax forms in bulk as public, machine-
Form 990s reveal the workings of the multitrillion-dollar readable datafor free. These electronic documents comprise 60
nonprofit industry, comprising over 10 percent of private-sector percent of Form 990s and are now available on Amazon Web Services.
employment and over 5 percent of GDP. These public forms are More work remains. Paper-filed 990s are still unavailable as
chock full of information on the missions, governance, and finances open data, and the full potential of the Amazon files are not yet
of the organizations that educate our children, care for the elderly, realized. Still, PSI is moving nonprofit information into the 21st
and respond to natural disasters. But until recently, Form 990s century. Read about its efforts, including a Datathon to clean and
were available and sold by the IRS only as nonsearchable images. publish e-filed 990s, at aspeninstitute.org/psi.
Big-City Legal Services, Small-Town Practice Attorneys in Litigation & Transactional Law
Garfield & Hecht, P.C. is a proud sponsor of the Sandra Day OConnor Conversation Series
education. Its about leaving about. Unlocking Latino Civic Potential recommends concrete
actions in four key areas: voter engagement, immigrant integration
the community better than and naturalization, civic education, and leadership development. The
new fund provides a mechanism for activating local philanthropy,
you found it. which Katz and Funegra see as a critical link to unleashing Latino
potential. aspeninstitute.org/latinos-society
Michael Katz
Funegra
26
P R E C I S I O N
E X P E R T I S E
P A S S I O N
BRITTANIE ROCKHILL
Broker Associate
Luxury Sales & Rentals
O: 970.925.8810
C: 970.366.0891
brittanie.rockhill@elliman.com
brittanierockhill.com
630 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, Colorado 81611
@CasasAspen
NEW YORK CITY | LONG ISLAND | THE HAMPTONS | WESTCHESTER | CONNECTICUT | NEW JERSEY | FLORIDA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | INTERNATIONAL
L e lo M ep e n an P sp S o p e Id la
East mic Dev ip First ent Entr ge Excell icine Initiative stival A : Urban ey S hington Scho nt
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IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 29
1
THE ASPEN INSTITUTE
IN THE ERA OF
WALTER ISAACSON
2003
Walter Isaacson is appointed president
and CEO of the Aspen Institute.
IDEAS: The Magazine of the Aspen
Institute publishes its first issue, with
the support of Trustee Lynda Resnick
and Jessica Catto.
The Washington Ideas Roundtable
Series begins, now supported by
Michelle Smith and the Robert H.
Smith Family Foundation.
2011
Symposium on the State of Race
in America, an event directed by
the Communications and Society
Program, debuts at the Newseum in
Washington.
The Institute and the Asia Society
host the US-China Forum on Arts
and Culture in Beijing.
2012
The Institute hosts New York Ideas
at the New-York Historical Society
in partnership with The Atlantic.
Ive described Walter as the Benjamin Franklin of our timeexcept with somewhat more
hair and much less credibility when it comes to early to bed, early to rise. But the truth is
The Institutes Commission to
Reform the Federal Appointments that no one can compare to Walter as a leader, thinker, writer, and friend. And no one has
Process plays an important done more to unlock the potential of the Aspen Institute as a force for good in the world.
role in passing the Presidential Under his leadership, Aspen has grown into a global institute with a powerful impact
Appointment Efficiency and
Streamlining Act. on culture and world affairs. He made the theory of relativity sexy again and drew
The Hurst Lecture Series begins on
inspiration from Einstein to conceive of the Aspen Ideas Festival. He also built the Aspen
the Aspen Meadows campus with Global Leadership Network, created myriad policy programs on foreign and domestic
the support of the Hurst Family issues, and brought new emphasis to youth leadership and engagement. He has also been
Foundation.
a prolific fundraiser, to the benefit of the Institutes financial health and to the detriment
of many of our bank accounts.
While theres no denying that Walter transformed the Aspen Institute, I think it is also
2013 fair to say that the Aspen Institute transformed him. He came into the job of president
The Aspen Challenge launches with
and CEO as a well-regarded journalist and author. He leaves not only as one of the
the support of the Bezos Family preeminent biographers of our time but also as a changemaker in his own right. This is
Foundation. what makes Walter so special: he is not just a dreamer; he is a doer. And what he has done
The Sports & Society Program hosts for Aspen, and with Aspen, has been nothing short of spectacular.
the first Project Play Summit. When I first met Walter in May 1999, I could not have known what the future had in
The Morris Series launches in San store for us, nor could I have predicted the close friendship I would forge with him and
Francisco with support from Trustee
Diane Morris.
Cathy. Getting to work with him, and watch him transform and lead this Institute, has
been one of the great and unexpected pleasures of my life. Walter, I speak for everyone
CityLab, held in partnership with
Bloomberg Philanthropies and The on the board when I say we are better for having known you and this Institute is better for
Atlantic, brings hundreds of leaders having been led by you. Thank you, from all of us, and best of luck on your next chapter.
together at its first summit, in
New York City. Madeleine K. Albright, Aspen Institute Trustee
2015
Spotlight Health, a three-day conference
preceding the Aspen Ideas Festival, begins on
the Aspen Meadows campus.
The Stevens Initiative is established to bring
young people in the United States and the
Middle East and North Africa together to
learn 21st-century skills.
The Forum for Community Solutions launches
the 100,000 Opportunities Initiative.
The Institute announces the creation of Youth
& Engagement Programs, a division that works
directly with youth ages 1424 to educate and
develop citizen leaders.
When Walter Isaacson took over as CEO of the Aspen Institute 14 years ago, he
ascended to the helm of a storied institution that, quite frankly, had lost the plot. The
2016
Institutes inspiring beginning had begun to wane. I remember just how worried many The Resnick Aspen Action Forum, formerly
called the Aspen Leaders Action Forum,
of us on the board were about the future. launches with the support of Lynda and
But when Walter walked in the door, he immediately made it clear that what hed bring Stewart Resnick.
to our story was a major rewrite. In short order, he took a failing, chaotic organization and The first Cambridge Cyber Summit is held
turned it into a citadel of order, reason, and hope. He revitalized the heart and purpose of in partnership with CNBC.
the Institute through his steady words and bold deeds, helping us believe our missionto
create a diverse generation of leaders committed to making the world a better placewas
actually doable.
2017
The Henry Crown Fellowship Program
Walter brought with him to the job a journalists sense of purpose, a statesmans sense celebrates its 20th anniversary.
of fairness, a biographers sense of history, and a CEOs sense of urgency. It was this
Leonardo da Vinci: A Celebration, held
combination of skills and experience that made him the right man for the Institute just for the Society of Fellows on the Aspen
when we needed him most. Like a truly great leader, he said what he intended to do and Meadows campus, is a three-day immersion
then he did it. The people and money followed without hesitation. Walter isnt someone into the life and work of Walter Isaacsons
most recent biography subject.
who needs to solicit donations; he inspires them.
Stewart and I will miss Walter dearly. Not just for the exciting and compelling
chapters he wrote in the Institutes story, but for the way he helped us find purpose in
our own lifes second act. I can think of no better way to honor his leadership than to
take what Walter taught so many of us and pass it on. One person, one community, one
world at a time.
Lynda Resnick, Aspen Institute Trustee
Dan Bayer
We have an epidemic of
gun violence in our country.
Its a public-health crisis,
and we have to look at a
deeper level of what causes
violence in the first place.
What makes a human being
want to visit harm upon
someone else?
VIVEK MURTHY,
former US surgeon general
Dan Bayer
Dancers are not Legos.
People dance their
consciousness. People
dance who they are.
ALONZO KING,
choreographer and artistic director
of Alonzo King LINES Ballet
Dan Bayer
Choosing Health
US Secretary of Health and Human
Services Tom Price talked about Americas
health care systemand how to fix it.
Price supports a system that relies on the
freedom to choose coverage rather than
mandates to buy insurance.
The system that we have right now is not really one system,
its five or six systems. Youve got Medicare for seniors.
Youve got Medicaid for low-income and disabled folks.
Youve got the employer-sponsored system, where most
folks get their coverage. Then youve got the VA health
system, the Indian Health Service, and the individual
and small-group market, which is where the focus of the
Affordable Care Act was. Its also where the focus of the
challenges are right now, with premiums significantly
increasingover 100 percent on averageand in some
states tripling. Youve got deductibles that are through the
roof, where folks have an insurance card but they dont have
any care, because they cant afford the deductible.
If you were to design a health care system from scratch, it
wouldnt look anything like the health care system weve
got. The goal we have as an administration is a system
that has heart. And for the president, that means making
certain every American has access to a health system that
they wantone that makes sure preexisting conditions are
covered and that there is a transition phase to any new plan,
so youre not pulling the rug out from anybody. Nobodys
talking about booting someone out of the nursing home. We
do envision that an individual ought to have the freedom,
the right, the privilege to purchase the kind of coverage
they want for themselves and their family, not what the
government forces them to buy. Thats how you get a
system thats responsive to patients.
Health care is something every single person in this nation
needs to have access to, and society has to decide how
that works. If you view it as the role of the government to
provide health care for everybody, thats a way you can
move. But there are consequences to that: decreasing
quality, decreasing affordability, and decreasing choices.
We want a system thats affordable for everybody,
accessible for everybody, of the highest quality, incentivizes
innovation, and empowers patients through accountability,
transparency, and choices.
Dan Bayer
In Living Color Before a rapt audience and covered in body paint by artist Alexa
Meade (center), dancers Charles Lil Buck Riley and Jon Boogz performed Color of
Realitya powerful live painting in which the set and dancers are painted as a work of
impressionism. The piece, which responds to police shootings of black men, initially uses
calming shades of blue, cream, and purple. The dreamy quality of the set makes the harshness
of the outside world in the pieces second half all the more vivid. Boogz and Riley are the
co-founders of Movement Art Is, an organization that uses dance to promote social justice.
Dan Bayer
Dan Bayer
Aspen Challenge Change-Makers
Aspen Challenge teams from Philadelphia and Chicago developed ingenious solutions to issues plaguing
their communities. Wendell Philips High School is improving police relations in Chicago, Sankofa Freedom
Academy and Northeast High School in Philadelphia are reallocating food waste to those in need, and
George Washington High School, also in Philadelphia, is creating a fitness program to replace the gym it lost.
Many students stop trying because There isnt anything in this world
they believe no matter how well that beats the feeling of knowing
they score on tests, or how well Im making a real change in my
they conduct themselves otherwise, community.
no one will give them a chance.
GAIL SLOH,
TONY PITSAKIS, student at George Washington High School
teacher at George Washington High School
Hal Williams
Dan Bayer
Leigh Vogel
We need to remember this
country was brown when the
Pilgrims came here.
DOLORES HUERTA,
community organizer, social-justice
activist, and president of the Dolores
Huerta Foundation
Dan Bayer
Everyone is against executive
power until they have it.
JON MEACHAM,
presidential historian, contributing writer to
The New York Times Book Review, and
contributing editor at Time
Dan Bayer
Im attracted to underdog
stories. Living inside an
underdog story is human
capacity and genius.
BRIAN GRAZER,
founder and chairman of Imagine
Entertainment
Ian Wagreich
Dan Bayer
We need a breakthrough climate solution that
bridges the partisan divide and can overcome
seemingly insurmountable barriers to progress. If
we cant find a plan that all sides are comfortable
with, we arent going to succeed. Our goal
collectively must be to solve the climate problem
at the required scale and speed. To do that,
nation-states must lead.
TED HALSTEAD,
founder, president, and CEO of the
Climate Leadership Council
Dan Bayer
Dan Bayer
Most states that have strong
economies have remarkably
diverse populations and have had
huge amounts of immigration.
Our success comes from that
diversity of ideas and skills.
JOHN HICKENLOOPER,
governor of Colorado
Kelly
Secure
Yourselves
A
fghanistan policy, cybersecurity, and conversation with NBCs Andrea Mitchell. We should only
Russian hacking were among the many provide more capability on the ground if its in the context
topics covered during three and a half of a broader strategy that has a chance of being successful,
summer days in Aspen, when experts he said. The purpose of those additional forces would be
grappled with the increasingly diverse and to train Afghan security forces who are actually the ones
complex geopolitical threats facing the United States at responsible for security and the ones fighting every day.
home and abroad. Speakers at the 2017 Aspen Security What was remarkable about this years forum was
Forum included Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff the degree to which administration officials, when asked
General Joseph Dunford, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, pointed questions by moderators, had answers that
Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and appeared to diverge with the views of their boss, the
Counterterrorism Thomas Bossert, US Cyber Command mercurial Donald Trump.
Commander and National Security Agency Director The president has repeatedly questioned the
Mike Rogers, Director of National Intelligence Daniel intelligence communitys conclusion that the Russians
Coats, and thenSecretary of Homeland Security conducted cyber-attacks against the Democratic
John Kelly, who kicked off the event in an interview with National Committee during the 2016 election. But
NBCs Pete Williams. Pompeo declared the Russians to be a dangerous
Kelly, who shortly after speaking was named the adversary that required a strong response. He appeared
White House chief of staff, strongly defended the Trump frustrated at having to answer for the presidents tweets.
administrations support for a laptop ban on airplanes. He Just look, this is the 19th time you all have asked, he said.
argued that smart, sophisticated people out in the world are Im happy to answer for the 20th time. Its quite easy: I
spending their time thinking about how to blow up planes in am confident that the Russians meddled in this election as
flight. He added that government tests show that one way is the entire intelligence community, yes.
to do it is with laptop-sized explosive devices. Coats agreed that the intelligence community was
Weeks before it was announced, Dunford illuminated unanimous in its assessment of Russian hacking, saying,
the new administration policy on Afghanistan in a There was no dissent, and I have stated that publicly.
Bossert went even further. When asked if the Russians had paid a
big enough price for their intervention in the 2016 election, he said:
Theyre not paying anything. Its a very cheap exercise [cyber-attacks]
for them and a very high reward, and so no. Bossert also announced
a preliminary vision of a cybersecurity deterrence policy whereby the
United States and its allies would pursue sanctions against countries
conducting offensive cyber-attacks. Once a set of standards on cyber-
attacks has been formulated, Bossert suggested, any country in violation
of those norms would then face further sanctions from a bilateral or
multilateral group of nations. Thats not just blocking somebodys bank
account, he said. Thats blocking their ability to do business in other The New York Times Bret Stephens and Pompeo
In a world that seems more perplexing by the day, the more than
300 Fellows at this years Resnick Aspen Action Forum needed
space to thinkand to reconnect.
By Zach St. Louis | Photography by Dan Bayer
I
dont know about you, but Im feeling a little Now in its fifth year, the event brings together
bit confused with the world right now, Peter international business leaders and provides them with
Reiling, the Institutes executive vice president a space to pause, reflect on their values, and develop
for leadership, said at the opening of this years ideas to create positive changeAction Pledges to
Resnick Aspen Action Forum. The timing of this address a challenge in their societies. With over 230
event could not be better. I believe that more than a pledges made this year alone, including committing to
few of us need this moment just to be still, to exhale, transforming health care in 1,000 public hospitals in
and to think. India by 2020 and reducing the number of children
Each July, hundreds of Fellows from the Institutes living in poverty in Detroit by 50 percent by 2022,
Aspen Global Leadership Network gather in Aspen. Fellows are determined to move society forward.
Sanjayan, Carlo Viviani, Mangan, Wayne Franklin, and CNNs Suzanne Malveaux Reiling and the Action Forums managing director, Tom Loper
multiple times over the course of two years. But the Resnick Aspen reconnect with myself and my dreams, and make new friends who
Action Forum is the singular event at which leaders across all of the enlighten my thoughts. Each year, I return home to Lebanon full of
fellowships come together and learn from one another. The value hope and ideas to put into action.
for leaders is to get a diversified perspective on issues that affect Fellowships are a gift, Henry Crown Fellow Rebecca
your business and your strategic thinking, Brian Wong, the vice Blumenstein, the deputy managing editor of The New York Times,
president of Alibaba Group and a member of the China Fellowship said. Were at a point where government and politics are almost
at a complete paralysis, so were seeing business play a greater role point that particularly resonated with Henry Crown Fellow Jocelyn
in affecting events around the world. But as a business leader, its Mangan, the chief operating officer of Snagajob. We should be
easy to get too comfortable. Youre not meeting people who are able to live a fulfilling life if were working 40 hours a week, she
fundamentally different than you are. Thats a special magic of the said. The basic values of I work hard and therefore I can pay my
Action Forumyou come across people you never would otherwise. bills and I can come home and spend time with my children, those
It stretches you. are all under threat.
Its quite a rare combination of people with strong business Fellows remain hopeful about the futurea future they aim to
acumen who are trying to deliver a social dividend as well as a make better and more equitable for everyone through their Action
commercial one, said Joshin Raghubar, the executive chair of iKineo Pledges. Optimism is their nature. Henry Crown Fellow Lisa Skeete
Ventures and a member of the Africa Leadership InitiativeSouth Tatum, the president and CEO of Landit, shared her vision of what
Africa. This is where we have our tribebusiness people and social a true reset would look like. I imagine a world where everyone is free
leaders who are trying to do just that. to bring the full measure of their talent on their terms, she said.
Other Fellows shared what they view as todays biggest Imagine what that world could be.
international challenges, including climate change, the global
migrant crisis, and changes to the traditional concept of worka Zach St. Louis is a public affairs associate at the Aspen Institute.
er
China Fellowship Program Fellow Leong Cheung Middle East Leadership Initiative Fellow Al-Zain Al-Sabah
Aspen Institute Trustees Margot Pritzker, Anne Welsh McNulty, and Lynda Resnick Fellows from the United States, Middle East, Central America, India, and China
Dan Bayer
Believing in Love
In August, the Institute presented trial lawyers David Boies,
the chairman of Boies, Schiller & Flexner, and former
establishing same-sex marriage as a fundamental right.
In conversation with Walter Isaacson at the Summer
Solicitor General Theodore Olson, a partner at Gibson, Dunn Celebration, Boies and Olson said that a crucial part of their
& Crutcher, with its Public Service Award, which is given to those work was disagreeing in a civil manner, and doing so respectfully.
who professionally and personally exemplify the fundamental We recognize, when we have conversations, Boies said, that
values of democracy. Each was for decades a stellar lawyer who there will be things we disagree on. But even when we disagree, we
had argued dozens of cases before the US Supreme Court. Each recognize that as part of a good-faith process you go through in a
was strongly associated with a political worldview: Boies liberal, democracy. The reason you have elections is that people disagree.
Olson conservative. The two first faced off in 2000, arguing But you dont have to be disagreeable to disagree.
opposite sides in Bush v. Goreand first joined forces nine years We had to try to change public opinion, Olson said. We
later as co-counsels to overturn Californias Proposition 8, seeing were going to present this as not a conservative or liberal issue, nor
same-sex marriage not as a liberal or conservative issue but one a Democrat or Republican issue but a constitutional issue. An
of basic human rights. Recipients of the Public Service Award American issue. Boies agreed, noting that the issue of same-sex
have a record of coalition building and strongly representing the marriage was a particularly exemplary chance to work across the aisle.
timeless ideals of tolerance, justice, and respect for open-minded The thing about marriage equality is that almost everybody
dialogueexactly what Boies and Olson did in paving the way believes in love, Boies said. Believes in family. Believes in
for the 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, equality. And that, I think, is what the case was about.
David Boies and Theodore Olson explain why they crossed the
aisle to fight for marriage equality. | By Alison Decker
MASTER OF SCIENCE
MASTER OF ART
A THREE-DAY CELEBRATION OF LEONARDO DA VINCI SHOWED WHY CURIOSITY ABOUT
BY DOUGLAS FARRAR
H
is curiosity and his quest to understand the gear, a tank, and a helicopter. Some of those ideas were on
world around him, Walter Isaacson said, are 3-D display, in the form of remarkably crafted wooden models
the virtues I hope can provide an example to all on loan from Da Vinci Machines, a touring and immensely
of us about how to love learning and seek a popular international exhibition. Participants had the chance
fulfilling life. to see up close what astounding and, at the time, far-fetched
Isaacson, the author of the new Leonardo da Vinci, was greeting ideas Leonardo dreamed up.
guests at one of his last official events as Institute CEOa One was his attempt to achieve perpetual motion.
celebration of the original Renaissance man. The three-day Leonardos design was made with a simple wooden wheel and
event, the first in a projected series of summer symposia staged 12 tracks, each with a ball bearing so the weight was evenly
by the Society of Fellows, delved into the life and world of distributed throughout the device. Though the movement of
Leonardo, his scientific and military inventions, his personal the balls along the curved tracks constantly shifts the center of
life, and the history of the Renaissance and its impact on our gravity and thus the wheel, perpetual motion is never actually
lives today. It brought together a cadre of the worlds leading achieved: as the wheel rotates, it slows over time until it finally
scholars on Leonardos life, art, and science, many of whom are stops. Still, that a man with no engineering training, using
cited or acknowledged in Isaacsons new book. Some had not just the natural materials at his disposal, could make such an
seen each other in a long whileor met Isaacson, though they elegant and clever attempt at an impossible feat of physics is
had corresponded. So the event served as a reunion of sorts for testament to his creative genius.
Leonardo scholarship. Ross King provided the historical and contemporary
Leonardo was an adept courtier, speakers explained, able to context for The Last Supper, a fresco that has become so
Dan Bayer
find patrons in the Court of Milan willing to support not only his familiar to us that it has entered into our public consciousness
works of art but also his ideas for warfare, including scuba-diving and our DNA, he said. Its as familiar as the boot shape
F R O M L E O N A R D O D A V I N C I
Dan Bayer
rather than for Francesco del Giocondo. He never delivered the painting and,
judging from his bank records, never collected any money for it. Instead, he kept
Moderator Elliot Gerson on a three-hour Art of the Natural World walk it with him in Florence, Milan, Rome, and France until he died, 16 years after he
began. Over that period, he added thin layer after layer of little glaze strokes as he
of Italy. The image has been replicated by numberless artists
perfected it, retouched it, and imbued it with new depths of understanding about
including Andy Warhol, who called it Leonardos dining
humans and nature. Some new insight, new appreciation, new inspiration would
scene. King said that its iconic status obscures the conditions strike him, and the brush would alight gently on the poplar panel yet again. As it
under which it was made, and that the fresco, to be viewed was with Leonardo, who became more profoundly layered with each step of his
by Milanese monks during their silent refectory dinners, was journey, so it was with the Mona Lisa.
not designed to be seen by hundreds, let alone millions, of
people. I call it his accidental masterpiece, he said. (As for the
accidents and loss that Leonardos typically innovative painting
methods caused, participants had the chance to try their
hand at classic fresco painting on large plaster tiles, in a kind
of summer-camp-comes-to-the-Renaissance experiment that
showed them just how fresh and irreversibly instantaneous LESSONS FROM
the technique must be.)
Combining technical study with artistic appreciation, Martin LEONARDO
Kemp, a pre-eminent Leonardo scholar, demonstrated how
Mona Lisas smile is both elusive and optical. Leonardo used What made Leonardo a genius, what set him apart from people who are
his knowledge of the way the human eye perceives light and merely extraordinarily smart, was creativity, the ability to apply imagination
imagery to leave us constantly wondering: just what is she smiling to intellect. His facility for combining observation with fantasy allowed him,
about? The Mona Lisa, he said, having begun as a commissioned like other creative geniuses, to make unexpected leaps that related things
B Y W A L T E R I S A A C S O N
Cathy Isaacson
Muscles and veins of the arm, c. 1510-1511 Isaacson examines the original Vitruvian Man in Venice
Respect facts. Leonardo was a forerunner of the age of observational Collaborate. Genius is often considered the purview of loners who
experiments and critical thinking. When he came up with an idea, he devised retreat to their garrets and are struck by creative lightning. Like many
an experiment to test it. And when his experience showed that a theory was myths, that of the lone genius has some truth to it. But theres usually
flawedsuch as his belief that the springs within the earth are replenished the more to the story. The Madonnas and drapery studies produced in
same way as blood vessels in humanshe abandoned his theory and sought Verrocchios studio, and the versions of Virgin of the Rocks and Madonna
a new one. This practice became common a century later, during the age of of the Yarnwinder and other paintings from Leonardos studio, were
Galileo and Bacon. It has, however, become a bit less prevalent these days. If we created in such a collaborative manner that it is hard to tell whose hand
want to be more like Leonardo, we have to be fearless about changing our minds made which strokes. Vitruvian Man was produced after sharing ideas
based on new information. and sketches with friends. Leonardos best anatomy studies came when
Procrastinate. While painting The Last Supper, Leonardo would sometimes he was working in partnership with Marcantonio della Torre. And his
stare at the work for an hour, finally make one small stroke, and then leave. most fun work came from collaborations on the theatrical productions
He told Duke Ludovico that creativity requires time for ideas to marinate and evening entertainments at the Sforza court. Genius starts with
and intuitions to gel. Men of lofty genius sometimes accomplish the most individual brilliance. It requires single vision. But executing it often
when they work least, he explained, for their minds are occupied with their entails working with others. Innovation is a team sport. Creativity is a
ideas and the perfection of their conceptions, to which they afterwards give collaborative endeavor.
form. Most of us dont need advice to procrastinate; we do it naturally. But
procrastinating like Leonardo did requires work: it involves gathering all the
possible facts and ideas, and only after that allowing the collection to simmer. Copyright 2017 by Walter Isaacson. Used with permission.
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The Aspen Journal of Ideas offers thought-provoking analysis and
issue-defining information from the programs and partners of the
Institute. The digital magazine, updated weekly, is at aspen.us/journal.
66 FEDERALISM
A COMEBACK
MAKES
68 THERES
FOR THAT
A PATCH
70 EUROPES NEW
WORLD ORDER
Federalism has long US elections are riggedbut The US and Europe have
been a rallying cry for not by voter fraud or biased had strained relations
conservatives. But now media coverage. Rather, before, but the Trump
liberals are also turning Michael Klein argues, presidency poses new
their attention to state- outdated and unfair systems challenges to the alliance.
level policy wins, Meryl like the Electoral College Anna Kuchenbecker and
Chertoff writes. What and gerrymandering distort Rdiger Lentz lay out the
does this mean for the democracy. stakes, as the EU attempts to
judiciary? act with strength while also
maintaining its partnership
with the United States.
Enter Donald Trump. The new US presidents view of the a mistake. But waiting out the current US administration and
world differs strikingly from his predecessors. Until now, all US hoping things go back to normal in 2020 is also not an option.
presidents have valued European nations as strong partners in In other words, Europe must strike a delicate balance.
a transatlantic alliance based on shared principles and values. Europe needs an active and engaged United States to keep
But the Trump administration doesnt seem to care much about NATO alive and ready to act, to help manage relations with
Americas traditional partners or common principles. Trump Russia, and to deal with growing instability in the Middle East
instead stands for America first and promotes a winner- and North Africa. Europe also has a major interest in being
takes-all approach in which compromise and cooperation are involved in US-China relations: peace in East Asia is vital
seen as weaknesses. to the European economy. At the same time, Europe must
This unprecedented development puts Europeand strengthen and increase its own defense capabilities, especially
particularly Germanyin a very uncomfortable position when against the rising threat of Russia toward the Baltic states and
it comes to US leadership and its commitment to Europe. As Eastern Europe. But even here, the EU still needs US nuclear-
German Chancellor Angela Merkel put it after the G7 summit deterrence capabilities so that it doesnt become a battleground
in Italy: The times when we could totally rely on others for other world powers.
are gone. ... We Europeans have to take our destiny in our The uncertainty of the US commitment to the international
own hands. order confronts Europeans at a time when the European
It was a turning point in US-Germanand US-European Union itself is struggling on many fronts: the Russian conflict
relations. The shift in Merkels stance toward the United States in Ukraine, Russian cyberwarfare, an autocratic Turkey, an
marked a new and far more cautious approach. The chancellor ongoing refugee crisis in the Middle East and North Africa,
urged Europe to take responsibility for its own defense and to Brexit, terrorist attacks that threaten a free society, and the
move toward a common European security policy. rise of illiberal governments in Hungary and Poland. So until
This, of course, isnt the first time that there have been Europe can replace the United States as the leader of the free
strains in US-German relations. In 2002, Chancellor Gerhard world, it will need to keep the United States engaged in key
Schrder refused to join President George W. Bushs coalition areas, like free trade and multilateralism.
of the willing to invade Iraq. And in 2011, Merkel abstained Trump sees the European Union as a competitorespecially
from the UN Security Councils resolution to impose a no- Germany, with its high trade surplus. As a result, his America-
fly zone over Libya, a measure President Barack Obama first approach favors protectionist measures. With simplistic
supported. Both decisions tested Germanys alignment with slogans like Buy American and promises to create new tariffs,
the United States, but the fundamental values of the pairs Trump hopes to turn back the US trade deficit. However,
relationship were kept intact. Europe is Americas biggest trading partnera fact that can
The current division goes much deeper. Trumps threat of be used as leverage. Europe also needs to make clear to Trump
a trade war with Europe, his persistent attacks on Germanys that the transatlantic relationship is not about the United States
trade surplus, and his criticism of the European Unions providing unilateral support to Europe. In fact, Europe has
insistence on open markets have become more than just an supported US economic growth and stability for decades.
irritation. Populist parties and movements in Germany are To keep the Trump administration invested in strategic
fueling anti-American sentiment. The state of the US-German transatlantic multilateralism, Europe should focus on common
relationship could even sway the German elections. threats: fighting terrorism and ISIS and retaining a common
strategy on Russia, particularly vis--vis Ukraine, where
escalation is still a possibility. But Europe must also act from a
So, what is Europe to do? position of strength. The Trump presidency is a wake-up call
In March 2017, as part of the Aspen European Strategy to renew the foundation of the EU as a potent, capable union
Group, Aspen Germany invited more than 30 European and committed to Western values.
American experts to assess the repercussions of the new Trump
administration on the future of transatlantic relations. Writing Anna Kuchenbecker is the deputy director of Aspen Germany. Rdiger Lentz
off the United States as a major European partner would be is the executive director of Aspen Germany. Learn more at aspeninstitute.de.
James Fallows
Andrea Mitchell
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The Aspen Executive Seminar challenges leaders in every field to clarify the Values and Society & Leadership, Globalization,
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The Society of Fellows (SOF) is a national community of the Institutes closest
friends whose support plays an instrumental role in advancing the mission of
the Aspen Institute. Fellows enjoy unparalleled access to Institute programs,
most notably exclusive discussion receptions, luncheons, and multiday
symposia, all featuring policy and issue experts. Fellows are the first to know of
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SOF membership is tax-deductible.
To learn more, visit aspeninstitute.org/society-fellows.
The Socrates Program provides a forum for emerging leaders from a wide range of
professions to explore contemporary issues through expert-moderated roundtable
dialogue. aspeninstitute.org/socrates
MODERATORS: DAN GLICKMAN, the executive director of the Institute's Congressional Program;
BILL HOAGLAND, the senior vice president of the Bipartisan Policy Center
MODERATORS: J. WELBY LEAMAN, the senior director for Latin America at Walmart;
DAN RESTREPO, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress
LEADERSHIP
Dan Bayer
THE ASPEN GLOBAL LEADERSHIP NETWORK
Each Aspen Global Leadership Network program, inspired by the Henry Crown Fellowship Program, is developing a new generation of high-integrity,
civically engaged men and women by encouraging them to move from success to significance and to apply their entrepreneurial talents to addressing
the foremost challenges of their organizations, communities, and countries. Today, there are more than 2,500 Fellows in more than 50 countries.
Contemporary 5 bedroom, 6 + 2 half baths, over 10,000 sq ft West End home situated on a corner lot with deep setbacks. Exterior
and roof deck lounges, skylights, 2 outdoor spas, fitness area, media/rec room and energy-efficient features.
Contemporary and classy remodel just completed at this downtown Aspen townhome. Four bedrooms with ensuite baths. Views,
roof deck, elevator, garage, pool. Create compound with neighboring 132 N. Spring St.
$10,995,000 West End
This 4 bedroom, fully furnished home sits on a prime corner lot. Nothing was overlooked. Well-thought finish details throughout,
easy to use smart technology, fabulous rooftop deck and a summer stream that flows along the property.
Penthouse in the heart of downtown, with nearly 2,000 sq ft of one level living and a deck that captures an additional 1,220 sq ft.
Enjoy views of Red Mountain, private elevator, garage, walk-to-everything location and fully furnished.
Craig Morris
970.379.9795
Craig.Morris@sir.com
CraigMorris.com
FACTS/PROGRAMS
POLICY Policy programs and initiatives serve as nonpartisan forums for analysis,
consensus-building, and problem-solving on a wide variety of issues.
Steve Johnson
Energy and Environment event on carbon pricing
ASPEN INSTITUTE LATINOS AND SOCIETY PROGRAM ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
aspeninstitute.org/latinos-society aspeninstitute.org/ee
CENTER FOR NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH PROGRAM ON PHILANTHROPY AND SOCIAL INNOVATION
aspeninstitute.org/cnay aspeninstitute.org/psi
CONGRESSIONAL PROGRAM
aspeninstitute.org/congressional
POLICY PROGRAM
FELLOWSHIPS
Born from the policy programs
at the Aspen Institute, Policy
Leadership Programs seek to
empower exceptional individuals
to lead with innovation in their
chosen fields. These individuals
then become more effective
change agents who caninfluence
the institutions and fields in which
they work and lead to create better
outcomes for society.
Floral Arts
for Weddings, Events & Everyday
970.920.6838 ~ www.sashae.com
NEW VOICES FELLOWSHIP
300 Puppy Smith St. ~ Aspen, CO
Founded by the Institutes Global Health and
Development Program, the New Voices Fellowship
cultivates compelling experts to speak on
development issues.
aspennewvoices.org
Dan Bayer
ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL ASPEN SECURITY FORUM
This weeklong, large-scale public eventco-hosted by On the Institutes campus in Aspen, the Aspen Security Forum convenes
The Atlanticbrings some of the worlds brightest minds and leaders to leaders in government, industry, media, think tanks, and academia to explore
Aspen every summer for enlightened dialogue on the planets most key national homeland security and counterterrorism issues.
pressing issues. aspensecurityforum.org
aspenideas.org
SOCRATES PROGRAM
Executive Director
Cordell Carter
202-736-2922
cordell.carter@aspeninstitute.org
aspeninstitute.org/sof
HERITAGE SOCIETY
To learn more about planned giving
C2 Photography
opportunities, please call
Kris Robinson
202.736.3852
aspeninstitute.org/heritagesociety
TO CONTACT INSTITUTE LEADERS MEDIA INQUIRIES
SEMINARS ASPEN COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Managing Director, Communications
Director Vice President, Aspen and Public Affairs
Todd Breyfogle Director, Aspen Community Programs Pherabe Kolb
202.341.7803 Cristal Logan 202.736.2906
todd.breyfogle@aspeninstitute.org 970.544.7929 pherabe.kolb@aspeninstitute.org
aspeninstitute.org/seminars cristal.logan@aspeninstitute.org
aspeninstitute.org/community
HENRY CROWN
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM PUBLIC PROGRAMS
OFFICES
Managing Director, Vice President HEADQUARTERS
Henry Crown Fellowship Program Aspen Ideas Festival, Director Suite 700, One Dupont Circle, NW
Tonya Hinch Kitty Boone Washington, DC 20036-1133
202.736.3523 970.544.7926 202.736.5800
tonya.hinch@aspeninstitute.org kitty.boone@aspeninstitute.org
aspeninstitute.org/crown aspenideas.org ASPEN CAMPUS
1000 North Third Street
DONATIONS, SPECIAL EVENTS, Vice President, Director Aspen, CO 81611
AND BENEFITS Jamie Miller 970.925.7010
Director of Development Events and Donor 202.736.1075
Relations jamie.miller@aspeninstitute.org WYE RIVER CAMPUS
Leah Bitounis 202.736.2289
2010 Carmichael Road, P.O. Box 222
leah.bitounis@aspeninstitute.org ASPEN ACROSS AMERICA Queenstown, MD 21658
Executive Vice President, Institutional Advancement 410.827.7168
ASPEN GLOBAL LEADERSHIP NETWORK and Corporate Secretary
Dep. Director, Operations & Partnerships Willow Eric L. Motley NEW YORK OFFICES
Darsie 202.736.3545 202.736.2900 477 Madison Avenue, Suite 730
willow.darsie@aspeninstitute.org eric.motley@aspeninstitute.org New York, NY 10022
aspeninstitute.org/leadership
212.895.8000
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
POLICY PROGRAMS Jonathon Price, Director
Director of Administration, 202.736.1077
Policy and Public Programs jonathon.price@aspeninstitute.org
Donna Horney aspeninstitute.org/international
202.736.5835
donna.h@aspeninstitute.org
aspeninstitute.org/policy-work
PUBLICATIONS
THE ASPEN JOURNAL OF IDEAS
To find Institute publications, some of which are
available for purchase or downloadable for free, go The Institutes digital collection of thought-
to aspeninstitute.org/publications. provoking analyses and opinions on critical issues is Find some of the Institutes longer
at aspeninstitute.org/journal. publications, including the magazine, at
scribd.com/aspeninstitute.
Dan Bayer
SWAN SONG
Walter Isaacson's touch is everywhere at the Aspen Institute, from the myriad policy and
leadership programs that took root under his watch to the flourishing public programs that
bring the Institute's ideas to the world. Even IDEAS: The Magazine of the Aspen Institute was
his brainchild. Now he and Cathy Isaacson, who leaves her own indelible touch, are ready
to start their next chapter with some New Orleans jazz. But when they do, the Institute
will make sure their name is always in the air: in 2018, the Aspen Meadows Center will be
named the Walter Isaacson Center. Who knows how many ideas will take shape there?
Ideas: The Magazine of the Aspen Institute is published three times each year by the Aspen Institute and distributed to Institute constituents, friends, and supporters.
To receive a copy, call (202) 736-5800. Postmaster: Please send address changes to The Aspen Institute Communications Department, Ste. 700, One Dupont Circle NW, Washington, DC 20036
or ideas.magazine@aspeninstitute.org.
The opinions and statements expressed by the authors and contributors to this publication do not necessarily reflect opinions or positions of the Aspen Institute, which is a nonpartisan forum. All rights reserved. No
material in this publication may be published or copied without the express written consent of the Aspen Institute. The Aspen Institute All rights reserved
CHRIS SOUKI
970.948.4378 | chris@masonmorse.com
IF OUR
BEDS ARE FILLED, IT MEANS
WEVE FAILED.