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SUMMER

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

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CONTENTS

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

THE JOURNAL OF IDEAS

66 | FEDERALISM MAKES A COMEBACK


Federalism has long been a rallying cry for conservatives. But
66
liberals, too, are now turning their attention to state-level policy
wins, Meryl Chertoff writes. What does this mean for the 68
judiciary?

68 | THERES A PATCH FOR THAT


US elections are riggedbut not by voter fraud or biased media
coverage. Rather, Michael Klein argues, outdated and
unfair systems like the Electoral College and gerrymandering
distort democracy.

70 | EUROPES NEW WORLD ORDER


The US and Europe have had strained relations before, but
the Trump presidency poses new challenges to the alliance.
Anna Kuchenbecker and Rdiger Lentz lay out the stakes
as the European Union attempts to act with strength while also
maintaining its partnership with the United States.
70

2 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


Riccardo Savi Dan Bayer
CONTENTS

FEATURES

28 | THE ISAACSON ERA


Walter Isaacson led the Aspen Institute into an age of
unprecedented growth and creativity. As Isaacson prepares to
leave the Institute, we look back at his remarkable achievements
and how he positioned the Institute for continued success.

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.

55 | ANSWERING THE CALL


The Resnick Aspen Action Forum gathered hundreds
of leaders from across the Aspen Global Leadership
Network to do one thing: make a difference. The Forum asked
participants, most of them successful entrepreneurs, to
make pledges to enact a significant and positive impact on the 34 52
world. This year, many of the action pledges focused on poverty
and health care.

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.

60 | MASTER OF SCIENCE, MASTER OF ART


At a three-day festival, the Society of Fellows celebrated the
worlds original Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci, who saw 55
science and art as equals in the human imagination.

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

4 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


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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*

and the kind that will keep LIFETIME TRUSTEES


Keith Berwick, James C. Calaway,*
this summers T-shirt
Lester Crown, Tarun Das, William H. Donaldson, Sylvia A. Earle, Richard N. Gardner, David Gergen,
current through any Alma L. Gildenhorn, Jacqueline Grapin, Gerald Greenwald, Irvine O. Hockaday Jr., Nina Rodale Houghton,
political season. Anne Frasher Hudson, Jrme Huret, William N. Joy, Henry A. Kissinger, Leonard A. Lauder,*
Frederic V. Malek, Robert H. Malott, Olivier Mellerio, Sandra Day OConnor,
Hisashi Owada, Thomas R. Pickering, Charles Powell, Jay Sandrich, Lloyd G. Schermer, Carlo Scognamiglio,
Corby Kummer
Roman Cho

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.

8 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


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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.

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 11


AROUND THE INSTITUTE

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

12 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


Dan Bayer

Scholars at the Aspen Ideas Festival

PACK YOUR BAGS


Scholarship resources make it possible for people from many simply offers a unique perspective not represented around the
backgrounds and experiences to connect with the Institute table, all scholarship recipients deeply enrich the conversations
community and each other. Every year, approximately 1,000 in which they participate. To learn how you can support scholars
scholars attend Institute seminars, roundtables, and events across please contact Katherine Eklund, the Institutes senior associate
the United Statesthere were 345 at this years Aspen Ideas for philanthropic partnerships and campaigns, at
Festival alone. Whether a scholar needs financial assistance or Katherine.Eklund@aspeninst.org or call 202.736.3511.

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

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 13


AROUND THE INSTITUTE

MAYORS TACKLE INCOME VOLATILITY


This summer, the Expanding Prosperity Impact Collaborative
or EPIC, part of the Institutes Financial Security Program
launched the multicity Finance Forward event series. This
series brings together mayors, other elected officials, business
leaders, community advocates, and nonprofit directors to look
for solutions to income volatilitya growing financial challenge
that is destabilizing the incomes of millions of Americans. Mayor
Steve Benjamin of Columbia, South Carolina, kicked off the
event with a panel of national experts and local leaders to discuss
the most promising answers to income swings and unpredictable
finances. We have solutions in this room that, together with
technology, will solve these issues, Benjamin said. Finance
Forward is working in several additional cities throughout the
fall, including St. Louis, Missouri, and Oakland, California.

Katie Bryan
aspenepic.org and financeforward.org
Benjamin

Lori Severens
The first class of Ascends Health and
Human Services Fellows in Aspen

MAKE COLORADO THRIVE


What would it take to make Colorado the best state to raise a billion in public resources. Fellows met in Aspen last May for
child and sustain a healthy, thriving family in? To find out, the the first of four forums. This investment in leaders in rural and
Institutes Ascend program launched the new Children and urban counties across the state is a smart way to strengthen the
Families Health and Human Services Fellowship for 20 leaders systems that serve our communities, Colorado Governor John
in the field, including experts in policy, early childhood, and Hickenlooper said of the program. We look forward to seeing
trauma-informed care as well as the state directors of Medicaid the impact this inaugural class will have on Colorado children and
and other public-health initiatives. These Fellows head up health families. The Fellowship is made possible through a grant from the
and human services systems in five rural and urban counties Ben and Lucy Ana Walton Fund of the Walton Family Foundation.
serving 1.4 million Coloradansand steward more than $1.2 aspeninstitute.org/ascend

14 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


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IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 15
AROUND THE INSTITUTE

A SPORTING RATE OF PLAY


CHANCE
The goal is simple: build healthy children and communities
Participating in sports can be a complicated maze for children,
parents, and coaches to navigate. The Institutes Sports & Society
Program tracks youth sports participation and physical-activity
rates through Project Play. projectplay.us

by growing sports and physical-activity rates among youth.


But getting there is difficult. Sports and activity rates among
American kids under 12 are currently either stagnant or in
declineand always at risk of falling further. All children need
access to a quality sports activity regardless of their zip code,
ability, or gender. Thats why the Sports & Society Programs
Project Play initiative is collaborating with 18 partners

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

in 2016, the fastest-growing sport


among 6- to 12-year-olds.

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.

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IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 17
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AROUND THE INSTITUTE

TWO AMERICAS, TWO GENERATIONS AT A TIME


As an often acrimonious political climate polarizes policy discussions Amber Angel and Marni
Roosevelt, both from
across government, the disconnect between coastal city dwellers Los Angeles Valley College
and the rest of the country has only grown. Middle America feels left
behind as a changing economy, increased globalization, and cuts to
vital social programs pose new challenges to its communities. In April,
the Institutes Ascend program went to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where it
brought together 200 leaders working in the service of children and
families from all over the country and across the political spectrum.
Along with CAP Tulsa, one of the largest anti-poverty agencies in
Oklahoma, Ascend held the first-ever 2Gen Practice Institute.
Participants represented a variety of organizations, including the
United Way, Catholic Charities, Goodwill, and Head Start. The
event focused on serving families through two-generation programs
that meet the needs of children and the adults in their lives together.
Most important, it was an opportunity to hear from Oklahoma
parents about the realities of their lives and what types of
supports would be most helpful. Rich dialogue in more than 20

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

LEFT: Acclaimed British sculptor


Andy Goldsworthy carving Stone River
into sandstone slab in 2006.

ABOVE: Doerr-Hosier Centers


www.shawconstruction.net Stone River complete.
Leigh Vogel

18 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


GINSBURG AND THE CIVILITY CHALLENGE
There were nine women in a class of over 500, Supreme Court
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said of her Harvard Law School class
before an audience of 235 Wye Fellows and Society of Fellows
members. The event took place under a tent overlooking the
Institutes Wye River campus on Marylands Eastern Shore. Getting
the first job was hard for women of my vintage, Ginsburg said. The
longtime justice discussed critical issues of equality before the law,
specifically womens rights. She also spoke of the pressing need for
civility in todays political arena and invoked her friendship with the
late Justice Antonin Scalia, whose interpretations of the law sharply
contrasted with her own. Ginsburg viewed their friendship as proof
that differing ideological views can be bridged through cordiality and
tolerance. There will be a day, Ginsburg promised, when people
from both sides, Republicans and Democrats, will really care about
our nation. aspeninstitute.org/wye-fellows

Getting the first job was hard


Melissa Grimes-Guy
Lori Severens

Ginsburg for women of my vintage.

KAGAN AND THE 4-4 CHALLENGE


Two Supreme Court justices spoke in Aspen this summer,
Elena Kagan and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, aiming to leave
audiences with faith and confidence in the American
judiciary in these roller-coaster political times. For the
inaugural event of the Sandra Day OConnor Conversation
Series, Kagan provided insight into the challenge the
Court faced after Justice Antonin Scalias sudden death,
in February 2016. For more than a year, the Court had an
eight-member body, until Justice Neil Gorsuch was sworn
in to fill the vacancy in April. That nearly two-term period
had a silver lining, Kagan explained: the eight remaining
justices stayed committed to doing their job, which is to
decide cases. Every four-four decision, where we throw up
our hands and uphold the decision of the lower court, is a
failure on the part of the Court, she said. So we worked
very hard to reach consensus and to find ways to agree that
might not have been very obvious. I hope we continue to
go the extra mile to build bridges across differences and
to develop more consensus. At a time when many are
discouraged about US democracy, Ginsburg said wryly,
Of all three branches, the judiciary comes out way ahead.
Leigh Vogel

aspeninstitute.org/justice Kagan

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 19


AROUND THE INSTITUTE

OUR WORLD IS NOT ZERO-SUM


Four former national security advisors, from both Republican and
Rice
Democratic administrations, agree: the world order is being challenged.
At aHurst Lecture Seriesevent in Aspen this August, these foreign-
policy experts focused on external threats to Americalike Russia.
Our role is and remains indispensable, Susan Rice, who served
under Barack Obama, said of Americas global leadership. Our
world has never been zero-sum. Rice added that relationships with
allies need to be renewed, with the understanding that US leadership
benefits the whole planet. Stephen Hadley, national security advisor
for George W. Bush, agreed but advised an adjustment to current US
strategy. If we want others to do more, he said, well have to give

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

UNITE THE MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT


With more than 1,000 acres on Maryland's Eastern Shore, privacy abounds on the grounds of
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20 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


TENDING TO DEMOCRACY
I often describe what I do as democracy-maintenance work, explained Norris, Ifill
Sherrilyn Ifill, the president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense
and Educational Fund, at an April talk that was part of the Conversations
With Great Leaders in Memory of Preston Robert Tisch series. Democracy
needs constant monitoring, Ifill said, before quoting James Baldwin:
I love my country and hold to the obligation to critique it. Joining
the conversation was Michele Norris, the executive director of The
Bridge, the Institutes new program on race, cultural identity, and
inclusion. The pair discussed the responsibilities of citizenship as well as
groundbreaking decisions and legislation like Brown v. Board of Education
and the Voting Rights Act. Ifill concluded by calling for a return to
Erin Baiano

talking about the narrative of what it means to invest in public life.


aspeninstitute.org/nyevents

MEDIA IS NOT THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE


In June, as part of the Conversations With Great Leaders series, to change the way it covers politics, which looks very different
Institute CEO Walter Isaacson moderated a discussion about Truth, from Ohio, Michigan, Alabama. As to President Donald Trumps
Riccardo Savi

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

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 21


AROUND THE INSTITUTE

Amber Richardson
Cheyenne River Youth Project participants

INDIAN COUNTRY AND THE POWER OF GOING LOCAL


One in two Native American children born today will develop diabetes River Sioux Reservation. It demonstrates the powerful impact of
in their lifetime. Thats a horrifying statistic, said Mariah Gladstone, Institute programs at the local, grassroots level across America.
a 23-year-old food-sovereignty advocate from the Blackfeet Nation That visit came just two months after Cheyenne River Youth Project
in Montana. Health disparities like these are far too common in Native Executive Director Julie Garreau traveled to Washington to observe
American communities. Thats why Gladstone created Indigikitchen, a Champ Week, which brings CNAY Champions for Change together
YouTube cooking show that features modern recipes that incorporate for a week of advocacy and leadership training. Champions meet with
traditional indigenous ingredients like bison, root vegetables, and rice to members of Congress, talk to policymakers, and network with national
promote healthy lifestyles among Native communities. advocacy groups. The experience teaches young Native leaders to talk
This year, the Institutes Center for Native American Youth named about their work with anyonefrom fellow grassroots organizers to
Gladstone a Champion for Change for her innovative cultural approach Capitol Hill officials. From the time I met the Champions until the
to improving Native lives. Each year, CNAY selects five Native youth day I left, I witnessed a remarkable transition, Garreau said. They
to become Champions. These young people are acknowledged for carried themselves with confidence and spoke with such assurance. The
using their own resourceshowever abundant or limitedto create a guidance CNAY provided was exceptional. Its another way to provide
positive impact. Now, CNAY is helping tribal communities themselves options, opportunities, and access.
build on the power of youth recognition. The federal governments long history of unfulfilled commitments
Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, CNAY began a partnership to Native people has created cycles of trauma on reservations that
this year with the Cheyenne River Youth Project to integrate the perpetuate struggles in virtually every arena, like health care, higher
Champions for Change model into its programming. The project, education, and economic advancement. Despite this, Native youth are
situated on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in Eagle Butte, working hard to pursue brighter futures. CNAY knows these young
South Dakota, provides Native children with a safe space to play, leaders, former Senator Byron Dorgan, the founder of CNAY, said.
learn about their culture, express themselves, and develop the skills to They tell us about the challenges theyre facing, and they share their
become leaders in Indian Country. The project also knows that to reach dreams and ideas for moving their communities forward.
their potential, Native youth must have their basic needs met: food to In phase two of this new project, CNAY will identify a second
eat, a warm place to sleep, and supportive mentors to counter negative community in which to develop a new youth-recognition program.
influences. After five years of being inspired by the national Champions for Change
This year, CNAY invited Institute leadership to join them for a program, we are eager to partner at the local level to support other
visit to the communities served by the Cheyenne River Youth Project. communities, CNAY Executive Director Erik Stegman said. When
A trip with CNAY to Indian Country is transformative, Institute we honor young people, they unlock enormous potential for change.
Executive Vice President Elliot Gerson said of his visit to the Cheyenne cnay.org

22 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017

ATD
Penney is much more than just a
real estate broker, she is also a great
connector to the Aspen community.
Lexi M.

Current Board Chair of


Aspen Public Radio

Sponsor APR coverage of the


McCloskey Speaker Series

Two-term President of the


Amber Richardson

Aspen Board of Realtors

Former Realtor of the Year

Aspen Institute Society of Fellows

Former President of Aspen Valley


Ski/Snowboard Club

Former Chairman of the Financial


Advisory Board for Pitkin County

Let me be your real estate connection to our community! Penney Carruth


970.379.9133

Penney.Carruth@sir.com
IDEAS PenneyCarruth.com
SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 23

ATD FP Aspen Idea Summer 2017 .indd 1 7/31/17 3:01 PM


AROUND THE INSTITUTE

PHILANTHROPYS DATA REVOLUTION


A few years ago, the Institutes Program on Philanthropy and Social That inefficient and costly system led PSIs Nonprofit Data Project
Innovation set out to revolutionize nonprofit data with a sharp focus to detail the urgent need for open Form 990 data in Information
on Form 990the tax form that nonprofits submit to the IRS. The for Impact: Liberating Nonprofit Sector Data. Funded by the Bill &
goal was to show how open data could improve the efficiency and Melinda Gates Foundation, the report detailed the benefits of open
creativity of US nonprofits. Now that vision is closer than ever. data, like increased transparency, improved speed and accuracy,
reduced fraud, and new opportunities for innovation.
Following Information for Impact, proposals for open Form 990
Open data means more speed, data were included in former President Barack Obamas last four

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.

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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

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24 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


LATINO CIVIC POTENTIAL UNLEASHED
In 2015, the Institutes Latinos and Society Program convened a the creation of the Latino Engagement and Achievement Fund, or
group of leaders to address the low rates of Latino civic participation. LEAF, a new endowed fund to support Latino civic organizations
As a result, the program released Unlocking Latino Civic Potential: in the DC metro area. The founders of LEAF are Paty Funegra, the
2016 and Beyond. This year, the reports recommendations led to founder of La Cocina VA, and Diana Katz, the co-founder of Giving
Circle of Hope. Civic participation is not just voting, volunteering,
and civic education, Katz says. Its about leaving the community
Civic participation is not just better than you found it. She says the 2016 report reflected
circumstances she saw in her community: It resonated with me
voting, volunteering, and civic because I experienced what the recommendations were talking

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

SCALING UP THE LATINO BUSINESS BOOM


Latinos are fueling new business growth nationwide. Even if they populations), and the limitations to scaling those businesses mean
lead in new ventures, they face challenges when it comes to scaling it is vital to the US economy that such ventures are optimized. I
up those businesses. This June, the Institutes Latinos and Society came into the program with a good understanding of the barriers
Program gathered 27 leaders at the Aspen Institute Forum on facing our business community, one participant said. But the
Latino Business Growth to find solutions that support Latino-owned discussion over our time here completely opened my eyes to different
businesses as they grow. The Latino population explosion (set to strategiespolitical, media, procurement. A report with the full set
reach one-third of the US population by 2060), record levels of of action-oriented solutions will be released in November.
new Latino-owned businesses (four to 15 times the rate of other aspeninstitute.org/latinos-society

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 25


AROUND THE INSTITUTE

BOOKS TO CHANGE THE WORLD


Over the past several months, publishers across the country have submitted book nominations for the Aspen Words Literary Prize, a
$35,000 award honoring an influential work of fiction that illuminates a vital contemporary issue. Books published in 2017 are eligible,
and the long list will be announced in December. In celebration of the inaugural prize, Aspen Words is crowdsourcing a virtual library of
perspective-shifting books that have changed the cultural dialogue and underscored literatures transformative power. Below are just a
few examples. aspenwords.org

Men Explain Things to Me | Rebecca Solnit


This book articulated an experience Ive had since I was a girl but didnt know that
I could or should put words tothe subtle tics of sexism through language.
STEPHANIE DANLER, Aspen Words speaker, workshop alumnus, and author of Sweetbitter

Fahrenheit 451 | Ray Bradbury


It was the first book I read that made me realize books could be something other
than an escapethat they could also be dangerous.
HANNAH TINTI, 2017 Aspen Summer Words speaker and author of The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | Mark Twain


We never fully come to the end of this books moral depths. Huck is brought up
in a slave state, and through his own moral instincts, he overcomes bigotry.
ADAM GOPNIK, 2017 Winter Words speaker and author of Paris to the Moon

Citizen | Claudia Rankine


It is an eye-opening and stunning example of how poetry can influence criticism
and how unrest can be translated into art.
COURTNEY GILLETTE, 2017 emerging writer fellow

Arctic Dreams | Barry Lopez


Lopez took a landscape that is marginalized and dismissed, and threw a door open.
He took me by the hand and ushered me through it.
KEVIN FEDARKO, 2017 Winter Words speaker and author of The Emerald Mile

White Teeth | Zadie Smith


I read White Teeth in high school, and it was the first book I had read that centered around
people of color. I thought, Wow, you can write books about brown people? It blew my mind.
HALA IQBAL, 2017 emerging writer fellow

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 is one of the


most professional,
thorough, energetic and
knowledgeable realtors in
the Aspen/Snowmass area.
She was faced with some
very challenging situations
over the course of our
listing. Each time she rose to
the occasion with our best
interests at heart. We are
grateful for all of her hard
work and persistence in
630 E. HYMAN AVENUE, ASPEN, CO 81611. 970.925.8810 2017 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

selling our home.


Wendy Moore

BRITTANIE ROCKHILL
Broker Associate
Luxury Sales & Rentals
O: 970.925.8810
C: 970.366.0891
brittanie.rockhill@elliman.com
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@CasasAspen

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IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 27


elliman.com/colorado
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28 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


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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.

The foundation of the Institute paved the


way for other conveners, think tanks, and Every day since his arrival 14 years
policy-based associations. There were few ago, Walter has brought us his wisdom,
such organizations in the period after World balanced judgment, wide-ranging views,
War II, and the vision of Walter Paepcke and forward-looking lens, enriching this
was to establish a values-based, nonpartisan institution in far-reaching ways. We have
forum where thought leaders could assemble benefited from his erudite perspective
and discuss the meaning and value of the laced with his down-to-earth everyman
good life. This was the Institutes first overview.
Golden Age. Todays Aspen Institute is a product
2004 The Institutes second Golden Age has of all that is Walter. We have gained
and the larger community has gained
Einstein: A Celebration is held in been under Walter Isaacsons similarly
collaboration with the Aspen Center visionary leadership. Since Walter became tremendously from his illustrious work.
for Physics on the Aspen Meadows president and CEO, the Institute has grown Whether addressing pressing world issues
campus. in a forum of statesmen and leading
in eminence, reach, and accomplishment. It
The Alma and Joseph Gildenhorn remains a venue for leaders of diverse views thinkers or tackling challenges in his
Book Series begins.
and accomplishments to address some of the beloved New Orleans, Walter brings
wisdom to the greater good. We as a
2005 worlds most complex problems.
Walters vision, energy, and intellect have community, and the world at large, are
The inaugural Aspen Ideas Festival, driven the Institute to have a global footprint, better for having had this distinguished
held in partnership with The Atlantic, author, scholar, and lifelong defender of
features writers and leaders including
powerful impact, and to establish itself as a
Bill Clinton, Colin Powell, Toni trusted voice. On behalf of the entire Board exalted human values as our leader and
Morrison, and Jeff Bezos. of Trustees, I know we feel privileged and friend.
The McCloskey Speaker Series grateful to have had Walter as our leader for Robert K. Steel, chairman emeritus of
launches on the Aspen Meadows the past 14 years.
campus supported by the McCloskey the Aspen Institute Board of Trustees
Family Charitable Foundation. James S. Crown, chairman of the Aspen
Institute Board of Trustees

2006 When Walter joined the Aspen Institute in


The Socrates Program, an Institute early 2003, it needed a boost, on many levels.
program that offers three-day Walter brought hope, confidence, and a level
seminars on complex current issues
for emerging leaders, celebrates its
of energy I had not seen in a leader before.
tenth anniversary. Sure he was well connected and extremely
Institute Trustee Anne Welsh smart, but that is not enough. Walter is very
McNulty announces the creation of focused, persistent, and simply does not allow
the John P. McNulty Prize in honor failure. A remarkable aspect of Walters
of her late husband.
14-year tenure is that almost none of his
Actor and playwright and now
Institute Trustee Anna Deavere
initiatives have failed. That is not only great
Smith serves as the Institutes leadership; it is a form of genius.
inaugural Harman-Eisner Artist in
Residence. William E. Mayer, chairman emeritus of the
Aspen Institute Board of Trustees
30 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017
2007
The Doerr-Hosier Center on the
Walter Isaacson is a true visionary. Aspen Meadows campus opens its
doors, hosting the tenth anniversary
The marriage of this great man and this of the Henry Crown Fellowship
great institution was a dream come true. Program.
Having him lead the Aspen Institute The Resnick-Malek Health Center
with his long-range ideas of what we is refurbished and upgraded.
needed to do to make this a better
nation and, indeed, a better world will
last with us forever.
Leonard Lauder, chairman emeritus of
the Aspen Institute Board of Trustees

Walter has been an extraordinary leader


for the Aspen Institute. He has brought
energy, focus, and clarity to its mission. The
2008
best that can ever be said of a leader is that The Aspen Environment
Forum launches.
he left an institution better than he found it.
That can be said emphatically of Walters
tenure. We will miss him, but I know that
he will stay involved and committed to the
2009
The Atlantic and the Institute host the
Aspen Institute and its work. inaugural Washington Ideas Forum at
the Newseum.
Condoleezza Rice, Aspen Institute Trustee
The Aspen Global Leadership
Network debuts as a community of
entrepreneurial leaders from business,
Walter Isaacson is one of the most government, and the nonprofit sector.
fascinating men I have ever encountered. The Aspen Writers Foundation,
He is my idol! He reinvented the Institute, Colorados oldest nonprofit literary
center, becomes an Institute program
and with his unfailing vision and vigorous now known as Aspen Words.
stamina, he broadened its scope and Conversations With Great Leaders in
raised it to its current height. Thanks to Memory of Preston Robert Tisch, the
Walters brilliance and perseverance, the Institutes flagship discussion series
in New York City, launches with the
Aspen Institute is today one of the most support of Institute Trustee Laurie M.
influential institutions in the world. I am Tisch and the Tisch family.
very lucky to have served on the Board Lester Crown receives the Walter
under Walters leadership. He taught me a Paepcke Memorial Award, and the
lot. I shall miss him and Cathy terribly. Paepcke family is honored at the
Institutes 60th Anniversary Summer
Mercedes T. Bass, Aspen Institute Trustee Celebration.

Walter is a seeker of deep intellectual


insight. He constantly amazed me with
the depth he sought in every endeavor he
undertook and the joy he took in bringing
it to fruition. He is an ideas man, yesbut
of ideas that brought people together so
they could be better by being together. He
has been an extraordinary leader of the
Aspen Institute, and I feel unbelievably
privileged to be part of what he created.
Margot Pritzker, Aspen Institute Trustee

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 31


2010
The renovated Walter Paepcke
Memorial Building opens.
The Aspen Security Forum, now
held in partnership with NBC News,
debuts at the Aspen Meadows
campus.
The Institute launches Partners for
a New Beginning in partnership with
the US Department of State.

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

32 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


2014
As an Aspen Institute Trustee who lives in The first AspenX virtual-learning series
launches on the Khan Academy platform.
our nations capital, it has been my great
pleasure to work with Walter. His energy, Aspen Across America begins.
intellect, and creativityas well as his The Aspen Journal of Ideas, a digital collection
of analyses and essays, debuts.
pragmatismare unique and formidable
complements. Walter inspires respect The Murdock Mind, Body, Spirit Series
launches on the Aspen Meadows campus with
and admiration as a collaborator, and it the support of Gina and Jerry Murdock.
has been my enormous privilege to also
consider him a friend.
Michelle Smith, 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

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 33


SUMMER AT ASPEN

34 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


A
t first blush, Aspen in the summer can seem like an idyllic quiet town
nestled in the mountains. The Aspen Institute campus, however, is
brimming over with excitement, overflowing with leaders from
around the worldeach of whom is charged with tackling the
ideas and issues that shape our lives and challenge our times. Throughout
the summer season, the Institute is a hub of intellectual dynamism. First,
the Aspen Ideas Festival presents 200 sessions where 350 speakers and 3,000
attendees examine everything from the morality of autonomous weapons to
the health benefits of jazz.
But thats just the beginning. The Aspen Security Forum hosts Cabinet
officials, government experts, and industry leaders, who take on critical questions
of national security. Then the Resnick Aspen Action Forum invites Aspen
Global Leadership Network Fellows to campus for a chance to retreat from busy
careers, refresh their perspectives, and make plans to change the world. Next,
the Institutes annual Summer Celebration honored trial lawyers David Boies
and Theodore Olson with its Public Service Award. The pair successfully fought
for same-sex marriage in the Supreme Court by defining it not as a liberal or
The Aspen Ideas Festival, the conservative issue but as a matter of basic human rights.
And this year, the summer calendar included one more special event
Resnick Aspen Action Forum, the
Leonardo da Vinci: A Celebration of Wonderthat celebrated the talented
Aspen Security Forum, a Summer and relentlessly curious original Renaissance man. The three-day event
Celebration, and a tribute to Leonardo explored da Vincis life, his most significant works of art, and his stunning
scientific discoveries. Participants were encouraged to take a fresh look at
da Vincithe summer of 2017 was the
the power of curiosity in their lives. At the Aspen Institute, we know that the
Institutes most vibrant yet. biggest, boldest ideas come from values and curiosity. >>

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 35


SUMMER AT ASPEN: SPOTLIGHT HEALTH

Imagine if all men could exercise


the power we hold no matter our
race, religion, or station in life:
the power to betray patriarchy.
We could become traitors to that
birthright of male privilege.
WILLIE J. PARKER,
board chair, Physicians for Reproductive Health,
and reproductive-justice advocate

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

36 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: SPOTLIGHT HEALTH

If more members of Congress


could get pregnant, we wouldnt
be fighting about birth control and
Planned Parenthood.
CECILE RICHARDS,
president of Planned Parenthood Federation of
America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund

Spirituality gives you context


and meaning. When you have
fortitude within the chaos, you
can create. You can also give
and love better. And love is the
greatest form of service.
JON BATISTE,
The Late Show bandleader and
artistic director at large of the
National Jazz Museum in Harlem

When we left the doctors office, I


could feel my eyes welling up. I cried
all the way home, thinking of all the
ways my daughters life would be
different than mine because she had
access to a [polio] vaccine.
MINDA DENTLER,
AIG director of multinational operations and the
first female wheelchair athlete to complete the
Ironman World Championship
Photos by Dan Bayer

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 37


SUMMER AT ASPEN: SPOTLIGHT HEALTH

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

38 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

Ive always been passionate about Hip-hop, jooking, poppingthey all


what I do in movement. I want to came from struggles in the urban
create something that people can ghetto areas of America. But these
really feel, and understand where dances are for us to share with the
Im coming from. world. Open your mind.
CHARLES LIL BUCK RILEY, JON BOOGZ,
movement artist, choreographer, and co-founder movement artist, choreographer, and co-founder
of Movement Art Is of Movement Art Is

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

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 39


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

Robots cant understand context


or deal with anything unexpected.
Those are skills that are going to
remain human for a long time.
KATE DARLING,
research specialist at MIT Media Lab and fellow
at the Harvard Berkman Klein Center

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

40 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

Become the protagonist of


If you have a powerful movement the narrative of the American
and a powerful message, the first dream you want to see.
thing people opposed to you are WAJAHAT ALI,
going to do is to provoke violence, lawyer, playwright, and
because they want the violence to op-ed contributor to
obscure your message. The New York Times
CLARENCE B. JONES,
writer-in-residence at the Martin Luther King Jr.
Research and Education Institute of
Stanford University

Empathetic people are punitive


because theyre more sensitive to
the suffering of victims. Empathy is
Clockwise from top: Ian Wagreich, Dan Bayer, Riccardo Savi

a moral train wreck. It leads to bias,


poor decisions, and cruelty.
PAUL BLOOM,
professor of psychology and cognitive science at
Yale University and author of Against Empathy:
The Case for Rational Compassion

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 41


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

Town Hall on Wheels


When Republican US Representative Will Hurd and Democratic US Representative
Beto ORourke discovered that their flight out of Texas to Washington had been
cancelled, they decided to go in on a rental car and embark on a bipartisan road trip.
Millions of social-media followers later, the unlikely pair gained a new respect for each
other and for the American people.

Some of the cynicism had at least It was a 35-hour trip31 hours in


temporarily broken down and we the car, 1,700 miles, 29 hours live-
were just people. It was really a streamed, and were constantly
beautiful moment. taking questions. We talked about
BETO OROURKE,
health care for eight hours. We
US representative talked about every issue imaginable.
Ultimately, one of my takeaways
from this was that we showed
you can disagree without being
disagreeable and that we were willing
to listen to each other.
WILL HURD,
US representative

Dan Bayer

42 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

The internet is changing the national


security calculus in the US. It has
brought about the democratization
of information as a weapon. The
better connected your citizenry
and your infrastructure to the
internet, the more vulnerable you
are. The United States is much more
vulnerable to cyber-attacks than
North Korea.
YASMIN GREEN,
director of research and
development at Alphabet

The paradox is that Americans


care very deeply about their
digital privacy, and yet we are
constantly opting in to downloads
and apps. Because thats what it
takes to be a human being in this
modern world, to be in touch.
MANOUSH ZOMORODI,
host and managing editor of WNYC Studios
Note to Self podcast

If you thought the Iraq War was


tough, welcome to the second
Korean War. North Korea is armed
Clockwise from top: Riccardo Savi, Riccardo Savi, Leigh Vogel

to the teeth, and they can hold


Seoul hostage. It will be
extremely bloody.
FAREED ZAKARIA,
host of CNNs Fareed Zakaria GPS and
columnist for The Washington Post

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 43


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

Refugee camps are meant to be


temporary, but refugees end up getting
stuck in them for 18 years. The average
stay is two decades. If youre in that
environment, and you dont have the right
to work, and you dont have resources,
youre effectively being warehoused.
ALEXANDER BETTS,
professor and director of the Refugee
Studies Centre at Oxford University

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

44 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

When we have conflicts that are difficult to


resolve, we have to seek redress that leaves
open the possibility of reconciliation with
the people we disagree with.
MICHELE MOODY-ADAMS,
professor of political philosophy and legal theory at
Columbia University
Dan Bayer

There is a beautiful verse in


the holy Koran where God says,
As the creator of everything, in
the heavens and the Earth, I could
have created you all as one, but
I didnt want this. I created you
different. So we must celebrate
diversity and difference, and not
treat it as a division. Thats why I
wanted to be an American. Secular
democracy and civic space in this
country are amazing. With all its
flaws and defects, 200 years of
experimentation here in the
United States is one of the most
successful attempts to practice
the words of the Koran.
ABDULLAH ANTEPLI,
chief representative of Muslim
affairs at Duke University
Dan Bayer

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 45


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

Think about your life: How capable


are you of thinking about multiple-
variable calculus or federalism at
7:30 in the morning if you are also
hungry? We have to meet students
life needs before their academic
needs. Hungry kids dont learn.
NATE BOWLING,
teacher at Lincoln High School in
Tacoma, Washington

There is a revolution happening. Five


of the most valuable companies on
the planet are platform companies
Apple, Amazon, Alphabet [Google],
Microsoft, Facebook. Theyre so
valuable because they catalyze
ecosystems of other successful
organizations. If you curate that
successfully, you can create
unimaginable wealth and value.
ERIK BRYNJOLFSSON,
director of MITs Initiative on the Digital Economy
and professor at the MIT Sloan School of
Management
Photos by Riccardo Savi

46 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

Its important to get into other


peoples shoes, and imagine how
different people will be impacted by
and benefit from a building. There is
a narrative quality to it: a story that
you construct in your mind as this
building will unfold.
JEANNE GANG,
founding principal of Studio
Gang Architects
Riccardo Savi

Data is destiny, and right now data can


be biased. But because we know bias can
be embedded into technology, lets do
better: at the design, development, and
deployment stages of any technology
youre creating, think with the mind-set of
full-spectrum inclusion.
JOY BUOLAMWINI,
founderand leaderof theAlgorithmic Justice League and
a graduateresearcher atMIT Media Lab
Riccardo Savi

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

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 47


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

You can make changes that are very precise,


down to a single change to a single letter in the
three billion base pairs of the DNA of a human
cell. Changes that are made to the DNA become
part of the entire organism. And those changes
can be passed on to future generations, so it
becomes a permanent alteration. Its changing
the evolution of that species.
JENNIFER DOUDNA,
professor at UC Berkeley and investigator at Howard Hughes
Medical Institute

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

48 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

You have to love America:


they wont give me a green The people fighting terrorism on
card, but they gave me an the ground are Muslims, so dont
honorary degree. tell us, Where is your courage?
JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS, We are bleeding. And we are being
Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist, filmmaker, blamed at the same time.
and media entrepreneur RABIA CHAUDRY,
attorney and writer focused on extremism, civil
rights, immigration, and criminal justice
Dan Bayer (left), Leigh Vogel (right)

I have enough confidence in my


own faith that Im not afraid to
listen to other people.
ADAM HAMILTON,
founding pastor of the United Methodist
Church of the Resurrection in
Leawood, Kansas
Riccardo Savi

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 49


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

Latino evangelicals are complicated. We are not


Republicans. We are not Democrats. The Republicans
have an issue with race. The Democrats have an
issue with faith. And both need to engage with this
community. We are the fastest-growing demographic
group in America, and I predict Latino evangelicals will
be the largest independent voting bloc.
SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ,
president of the National Hispanic
Christian Leadership Conference

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

Refugees dont come to Leigh Vogel

the United States due to


economic hardship. They are
seeking freedom. A life where
they are not persecuted.
QUTAIBA IDLBI,
senior consultant with Pechter Polls and
researcher at the Global Policy Institute
Riccardo Savi

50 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL

When Justice Confronts


the White House
Former Acting US Attorney General
Sally Yates spoke about threats to the rule
of law and her short tenure in the Trump
administration after refusing to defend the
presidents travel ban against citizens of
seven majority-Muslim nations.

I concluded that defending this travel ban would require me


to send Department of Justice lawyers into courtrooms to say
this ban had nothing to do with religion, that it was all based on
national security. I did not believe that to be a defense grounded
in truth. Which left the dilemma of: Do I just resign at this point,
or do I direct the department not to defend the travel ban? The
bottom line was, I didnt feel like I would be doing my job if I
said: Im out of here. You guys figure this out, and make a defense
that were not comfortable is truebut at least I wont be a part of
it. It wouldnt have been doing my job. So I issued a directive to
my office that unless and until I was convinced it was lawful, we
would not be defending the travel ban. Not unexpectedly, I got a
letter at nine oclock that night firing me.
At the core of the Department of Justice is equal application
of the law. The department should not be applying law with any
kind of outside influence, particularly not political influence.
The law should not be used to punish political enemies or to
protect political friends. This is not provided in the Constitution
or by statute. Its part of the fabric of the rule of law that has
developed through the norms.
There is a time-honored concept of drawing a line between the
Department of Justice and the White House. Its absolutely
essential that that tradition be protected, not just to ensure
that decisions are not politically impacted but that theres not
the appearance of itbecause that can destroy the publics
confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the Department
of Justice. If the public loses confidence in its own criminal-
justice system, then were in a world of hurt.
Dan Bayer

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 51


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN SECURITY FORUM

Kelly

52 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN SECURITY FORUM

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.

The Aspen Security Forum remains the leading venue for US


national security policymakers and experts to discuss the most
critical threats of the day. This year, the conversation exposed
unusual divisions between the US president and his own security
and intelligence community.

By Douglas Farrar | Photography by Dan Bayer

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 53


SUMMER AT ASPEN: ASPEN SECURITY FORUM

Former Government Communications Headquarters Director Robert Hannigan,


Rogers, and The Washington Posts David Ignatius

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

banks in countries that do dollar-denominated transactions.


Many former administration officials were more unsparing and, at
times, searing when it came to the new president and national security. Clappers sentiments served as a metaphor for this Security
Former CIA Director John Brennan urged members of Congress to Forum. At many points, the usual conversations on the robustness
take action against the administration should Trump fire Special Counsel of US security policy and evaluations of foreign threats were eclipsed
Robert Mueller, who is investigating possible collusion between Russia by the Trump-Russia investigation, which found its way into nearly
and the Trump campaign. I really hope that our members of Congress, every panel. Attendees were certainly heartened by hearing from the
elected representatives, are going to stand up and say, Enough is thoughtful and competent senior government officials dedicated to
enough, he said. Stop making apologies and excuses for things that keeping us safe. Yet they might also have been alarmed by both the
are happening that really flout our system of laws and government. complexity and difficulty of the threat environmentand the policy
CNNs Wolf Blitzer asked former Director of National Intelligence decisions and rhetoric from the White House. With the blistering
James Clapper if he thought Trump took the threat of Russia seriously. pace of change in the national security environment, next years
Its hard to tell, Clapper said. I sometimes wonder whether what forum, from July 18 to 21, promises to be even more fascinating.
hes about is Making Russia Great Again. I really wonder about that
sometimes, whether he does take it as seriously as clearly I think Dan Douglas Farrar is the senior manager for communications and public
Coats and Mike Pompeo both do. And thats a real concern. affairs at the Aspen Institute.

54 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: RESNICK ASPEN ACTION FORUM

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

Answering the Call

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.

2017 Resnick Aspen Action Forum

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 55


SUMMER AT ASPEN: RESNICK ASPEN ACTION FORUM

Sanjayan, Carlo Viviani, Mangan, Wayne Franklin, and CNNs Suzanne Malveaux Reiling and the Action Forums managing director, Tom Loper

In only a year, Fellows had witnessed major global shifts:


American and British citizens shocking the world at the ballot
box; growing instability in the Middle East; China increasing its
investment across Asia. Called The Great Re-Set, this years
Action Forum gave Fellows an opportunity to consider how best to
respond without losing sight of integrity, compassion, civility, and
respect. A feeling of uncertainty about the world was a common
sentiment this year. Ive always thought that the society we live
in here gives you endless possibility and reasons to believe, Catto
Fellow M. Sanjayan, the CEO of Conservation International, said
between sessions. But there is in the depth of my heart some
doubt creeping in now.
Fellows meet in small groups throughout the five-day event for
deep discussions centered on a relevant theme. Some conversations
use essays or poetry as a jumping-off point; others start with brief Program, said. One of the things I have learned is that diversity is a
presentations on topics like national service, personalized learning, strength. Having people from Africa, Latin America, the US, Asia,
and artificial intelligence. Fellows often leave these sessions with the Middle Eastits an amazing opportunity to get feedback on
their horizons broadened and a new perspective on a difficult topic. your ideas.
Laughter is a given. Tears are not uncommon. Walking across campus at the Action Forum, you may see two
Each of the 300 Fellows from 30 countries who gathered Fellows wandering down a path in intense conversation or chairs
this summer was drawn from of one of 14 distinct fellowship haphazardly pulled together in the Marble Garden so a group can
programs within the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Some of keep the discussion going. Henry Crown Fellow Chadia El Meouchi,
the fellowships are specific to a region, like the Central America the co-founder of the Middle East Leadership Initiative and a
Leadership Initiative; others are specific to a vocation, like the managing partner at Badri and Salim El Meouchi, said, Coming to
Health Innovators Fellowship. Individual classes of 20 Fellows meet the Action Forum is magical opportunity to reunite with loved ones,
Credit

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

56 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: RESNICK ASPEN ACTION FORUM

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

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 57


SUMMER AT ASPEN: SUMMER CELEBRATION

Boies and Olson

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

58 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: DA VINCI CELEBRATION

MASTER OF SCIENCE
MASTER OF ART
A THREE-DAY CELEBRATION OF LEONARDO DA VINCI SHOWED WHY CURIOSITY ABOUT

THE WORLD IS AN ENDLESSLY RENEWING PRINCIPLE IN LIFE.

BY DOUGLAS FARRAR

60 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: DA VINCI CELEBRATION

The Da Vinci Experience, an


immersive multimedia display, at
the Resnick-Malek Health Center

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

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 61


SUMMER AT ASPEN: DA VINCI CELEBRATION

F R O M L E O N A R D O D A V I N C I

THE MONA LISA


What began as a portrait of a silk merchants young wife became a quest to portray
the complexities of human emotion, made memorable through the mysteries of a
hinted smile, and to connect our nature to that of our universe. The landscape of
her soul and of natures soul are intertwined.
That said, the painting became more than a portrait of a silk merchants wife
and certainly more than a mere commission. After a few years, and perhaps from
the outset, Leonardo was painting it as a universal work for himself and for eternity

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

Royal Collection Trust


portrait of a standard kind, has through both science and poetry seen to things unseen. Talent hits a target that no one else can hit, wrote the
become a perfect balance between the poetry of the spiritual German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. Genius hits a target no one else
can see. Because they think different, creative masterminds are sometimes
world and the science of the material world.
considered misfits. But in the words that Steve Jobs helped craft for an Apple
Leonardo indeed thought of himself first as a scientist and advertisement, While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.
engineer, Isaacson explained, and then as a painter and artist. It Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world
follows, then, that outside The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, no are the ones who do.
work of Leonardos is more iconic than Vitruvian Man, the worlds The fact that Leonardo was not only a genius but also very humanquirky
most famous drawing and a focal point of the conference. The and obsessive and playful and easily distractedmakes him more accessible. He
drawing pays homage to Vitruvius, the ancient worlds most was not graced with the type of brilliance that is completely unfathomable to us.
respected architect and civil engineer. In De architectura, Vitruvius Instead, he was self-taught and willed his way to genius. So even though we may
describes the human body as the principal source of proportion never be able to match his talents, we can learn from him and try to be more like
in architecture. Using extensive and ancient texts, Leonardo and him. His life offers a wealth of lessons.
Start with the details. In his notebook, Leonardo shared a trick for
several of his peers attempted to create the perfect image of
observing something carefully: do it in steps, starting with each detail. A page
proportion Vitruvius described. Only one was able to draw the
of a book, he noted, cannot be absorbed in one stare; you need to go word
image to exact proportions. by word. If you wish to have a sound knowledge of the forms of objects,
Its the most memorable drawing in human history, Leonardo wrote, begin with the details of them, and do not go on to the
Isaacson said. It captures the essence of Leonardo and of second step until you have the first well fixed in memory.
ourselvesand of the humanist theme of the Renaissance that Get distracted. The greatest rap on Leonardo was that these passionate
probes timeless questions by combining art and science. pursuits caused him to wander off on tangents, literally in the case of his math
inquiries. It has left posterity the poorer, the art historian Kenneth Clark
Douglas Farrar is the senior manager for communications and public lamented. But in fact, Leonardos willingness to pursue whatever shiny subject
affairs at the Aspen Institute. caught his eye made his mind richer and filled with more connections.

62 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SUMMER AT ASPEN: DA VINCI CELEBRATION

B Y W A L T E R I S A A C S O N

Covering Lisas hair is a gossamer veil, worn as a mark of virtue (not


mourning), which is so transparent that it would be almost unnoticeable were it
not for the line it makes across the top of her forehead. Look carefully at how
it drapes loosely over her hair near her right ear; it is evident that Leonardo
was meticulous enough to paint the background landscape first and then used
almost transparent glazes to paint the veil over it. Also look at where her hair
comes out from under her veil at her right forehead. Although the veil is almost
transparent, the hair underneath is painted to look a tiny bit gauzier and lighter
than the hair flowing from underneath it and covering her right ear. When
the unveiled hair cascades over her chest on both sides, Leonardo is back to
creating the swirling curls he adored.
Depicting veils came naturally to Leonardo. He had a fingertip feel for the
elusive nature of reality and the uncertainties of perception. Understanding that
light hits multiple points on the retina, he wrote that humans perceive reality as
lacking razor-sharp edges and lines; instead, we see everything with a sfumato-
like softness of the edges. This is true not only of the misty landscape stretching
out to infinity; it applies even to the outlines of Lisas fingers that seem so close
we think we can touch them. We see everything, Leonardo knew, through a veil. The Mona Lisa original and algorithmically color-corrected version
Royal Collection Trust

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.

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 63


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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.

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 65


FEDERALISM
MAKES A COMEBACK
New York, California and Washington Say Theyll Stick to
Paris Deal as Trump Backs Out CNBC, June 1, 2017
Conservatives and liberals
have made common cause of a Sanctuary City Mayors Vow to Defy Trumps Immigration
Order The New York Times, January 25, 2017
longtime conservative bulwark:
states rights, the laboratories Hawaii Challenges Trump Stance on Supreme Court Travel
Ban Ruling Politico, June 29, 2017
of democracy that can serve as
tempering forces and alternate Everyone has read these headlines. But if I say that they all
are based on the concept of federalism embodied in the US
models of governance. Constitution, many people react with MEGO syndrome (My
Eyes Glaze Over). Yet federalism is one of the most impor-
By Meryl Chertoff tant structural safeguards of liberty woven into the Constitu-
tion by the Framers; their geometric minds envisioned it as a
means of achieving balance and order. In the nations infancy,

66 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


Alexander Hamilton in Federalist 17 speaks of the rivalship As Yale Law School Dean Heather Gerken noted in a talk
of powers between the central government and the states, at the Aspen Ideas Festival this summer, federalism at its best
echoing the famed phrase in Federalist 10 on the balance of protects minorities and dissenters: their voices, when or-
powers between the branches, ambition countering ambi- ganized, have a bigger megaphone in the smaller state arena
tion. Federalism emphasizes that the defined limitations of than in the larger, dilute federal one.
central government have real meaning, and that states re- Yet during the past eight years, with the conviction that
tain autonomy in a broad range of policy areasserving, their leaders never would be in the party out of power, pro-
as Justice Louis Brandeis put it, as the laboratories of de- gressives moved to strip states of their coordinate power
mocracy. But the party in power in Washington, at least with the federal government. Many viewed states rights
since the New Deal, always has sought to expand its reach in as the province of Southern racists seeking to avoid civil-
dominating the states. rights laws. When the Obama administration sued the state
These distributions of power show up in the Constitu- in Arizona v. United States, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that
tion itself: they include the tautological phrase in the Tenth enforcement of immigration law at the US southern border
Amendment stating that all powers not delegated to the fed- was a matter of foreign policy, properly administered only
eral government are retained by the states. That phrase is by federal authorities. That worked well for states like Cali-
modified by the Commerce Clause, which gives the federal fornia and New Mexico, whose state policies jibed with the
government primary authority in those matters affecting in- Democratic administrations policy of a soft approach to il-
terstate commerce. And it has given rise to a broad category legal entry. But when the Trump administration announced
of case law on preemption, in which only the federal govern- an intent to adopt a harsher tack, states began to realize they
ment may act in certain areas (war powers, international re- were all now stuck with a rule that allows for no state co-
lations) or, in cases where the federal government and states ordination or for more compassionate approaches by state
both act, in which conflicting approaches are resolved in fa- authorities.
vor of the federal government. More heartening is the approach taken by the Supreme
For the last generation, federalism was the rallying cry Court majority in the lesser-noted part of the decision in
of conservatives. The powerful policy organization that sup- the Affordable Care Act case. While liberals marveled at the
plied its intellectual firepower on judicial and constitutional opinion by Justice John Roberts on the individual mandate,
theory named itself the Federalist Society. Yet today, Ameri- the other half of the opinion had to do with sanctions against
cans are seeing a progressive federalism, as liberals turn their states that chose not to expand Medicaid. The ACA envi-
attention to addressing policy at the state level. Trading plac- sioned that the sanction against states that did not expand
es with the conservatives, liberals now are in a position they would be to withhold part of the federal share of Medic-
never thought theyd be in, and they have discovered federal- aidup to 100 percent. This is an example of what is called
ism as a tempering force: a repository for more power in the coercive federalismthat is, the federal governments
states, a perch to create alternate models of governance, and effort to exact uniform policy from the states individually
even a bunker to challenge federal policies through litiga- when a separate constitutional or legislative mandate would
tion brought by state attorneys general, who often build cases preclude directly requiring it. In a surprise, several of the
around state policy in conflict with federal law. liberal justices joined the portion of the opinion stating that
The same-sex marriage movement is a useful example for the sanction went too far and intruded on state autonomy
those seeking to examine how federalism can shape policy since Medicaid spending is in many states not only the lions
nationwide. Advocacy groups in that effort adopted a multi- share of the health budget but of the state budget as a whole.
pronged strategy. While some litigation entailed high-stakes The sanction, would, for many states, blow a hole through
battles in federal courts, more often the battle was state by the state budget, and in doing so, intrude too much on the
state, with efforts made to change legislation, amend state retained powersautonomythat the Tenth Amendment
constitutions, or to find a right to marriage in existing state refers to.
constitutionsas the Massachusetts Supreme Court did In an effort to explore the wide range of perspectives re-
through the landmark Goodridge case, in a decision written by garding federalism, in November scholars from the Berkeley
thenChief Justice Margaret Marshall. By the time the US School of Law and the Pepperdine University School of Law
Supreme Court took up same-sex marriage in Obergefell, the will meet at Berkeley for a symposium on federalism con-
climate of public opinion around the nation was far more vened in cooperation with the Aspen Institutes Justice and
favorable to a decision that only a few years before might Society Program. A meeting the following spring at Pepper-
have seemed radical. dine will continue the conversation. Hopefully, fresh perspec-
In the field of climate change, too, states can push policy. tives on federalism will emerge from these two symposia.
When California sets strict emission standards, Detroit takes
notice if it wants to sell cars there. So do food vendors when Meryl Chertoff is the executive director of the Institutes Justice and
it comes to animal welfare and product labeling. Society Program.

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 67


THERES A
PATCH FOR THAT
Unrigging elections, reversing In the last US presidential election, then-candidate Donald
Trump described the electoral system as rigged. He offered
biased gerrymandering, protecting several explanations, mostly allegations of voter fraud and media
voter equalitywe have a reporting of alternate facts. Whatever one thinks about those
allegations, they are sadly misdirected. Nevertheless, Americans
simple security system in place: do have a rigged political system. But the rigging flows from the
constitutional amendments. unique features of the US Constitution, features that cumulative-
All it takes: the will of the people. ly undermine Americas claim to be the worlds greatest democ-
racy. Some of these features are very familiar, some less so.
US presidents, of course, are not democratically elected, in form
By Michael Klein or substance. The current president was elected notwithstanding

68 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


that 2.8 million more voters cast ballots for his opponent than for How to correct the idiosyncrasies of the Constitution and
him. That was because the Constitution provides that the president what they enable? Return to the countrys founding documents
and vice president are elected not by the ballots cast by citizens on and to the process for amending the Constitution. Americans
Election Day but weeks later by representatives of each state, through have done this before, and for the reasons stated in the Declara-
the bizarre virtual institution called the Electoral College. The Con- tion of Independence:
stitution provides that Electors, selected by the states through vary-
ing systems, are to be proportionate not to the numbers of each We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created
states actual or eligible voters but equal to the number of each states equal, endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights,
senators and congressmen. So forget one man, one vote. among them, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to
Adding to the Electoral College distortion, the Constitution secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriv-
assures each state of two senators, no matter its population. The ing their just powers from the consent of the governed. That when
result: each voting citizen of Wyoming, with a population of less any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is
than 600,000, has over 60 times more voting power than citizens the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new
of California, with a population of over 38,000,000, for the presi- government, laying its foundations on such principles and organiz-
dent and their senatorial representation. This undemocratic allo- ing its powers in such form as shall seem to them most likely to
cation rigs the election of the executive branch and the composi- assure their safety and happiness.
tionand thus deliberationsof the Senate. It is plainly at odds
with the idea of America as a democracy with a purported com- Americans have amended the Constitution at least six times
mitment to one man, one vote. over the past 150 years to democratize the electoral processes. In
As the US population has shifted geographically and ideologi- 1868, the 14th Amendment eliminated racial barriers to voting. In
cally, the state-centric peculiarity of the Constitution has deprived 1913, the 17th Amendment replaced legislative election of sena-
government of its representative quality. It enables officials rep- tors with direct citizen voting. In 1920, the 19th Amendment gave
resenting a minority of the citizenry, with political attitudes quite women the right to vote. In 1964, the 24th Amendment eliminated
different from the majority, routinely and regularly to frustrate the poll taxes. In 1961, the 23rd Amendment gave the District of Co-
will of a majority on a variety of issues, as reflected in the wide- lumbia representation in the Electoral College. And in 1971, the
spread consensus conclusion of many polls that the federal gov- 24th Amendment changed the voting age from 21 to 18.
ernment is dysfunctional. Ive written in these pages about the necessity and simplicity
The anti-democracy aspects of the US political system do not of adding a new amendment to eliminate voter disenfranchise-
stop there. Gerrymanderingmanipulating the design of con- ment: Neither the Congress nor any State shall deprive or inhib-
gressional districts to distort the representative nature of the dele- it the right of any native born or naturalized adult Citizen to vote
gation from the stateshas resulted in a House of Representatives in any duly called election. Here are the next two amendments
that, as some have observed, chooses its citizens rather than one in American leaders should take the time to propose and pass:
which the citizens choose their representatives. That is because the The President and Vice President shall be elected by a ma-
federal Constitution left it to the statestheir legislatures, which jority vote of citizens voting in elections held every four years.
are the actual gerrymandering instrumentsto set congressional The boundaries of each Congressional District from which
districts. Today, state legislatures use increasingly sophisticated members of the House of Representatives are elected shall be
computer modelling not only to gerrymander for partisan objec- drawn to employ the fewest possible perpendicular lines, shall be
tives but frequently to implement racial and ethnic biases. determined by a commission made up of an equal number of
Then there is voter suppression. You would think that the con- persons associated with each political party active in the State,
stitution of any democracy worthy of that label would have in it and shall not be designed to favor or disfavor any political party,
provisions necessary to protect, facilitate, and encourage, not to candidate, racial or ideological group.
repress and discourage, its citizens most fundamental rightto A thirdwhy not?addressing the power of Citizens United:
vote. But America does not. While the First Amendment assures Congress and the States may regulate the amount of po-
rights intended to make voting meaningfulprohibiting abridg- litical contributions and expenditures so long as they do not
ment of freedom of speech and of the pressthe Constitution discriminate amongst any political parties, candidate, causes or
itself does not contain a provision that assures all adult citizens that ideologies.
their right to vote will not be abridged. As a result, Americans have As Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg recently remarked at the As-
suffered from persistently partisan and often racially motivated ef- pen Institute while speaking of her own early experience fighting
forts to create obstacles to voter registration and voting. for gender equality, Constitutional amendments are powerfully
And all this ignores the recently unconstrained influence of hard to pass in the United States. Yet for all the difficulties the ef-
money in politics, enabling the rich and powerfulmany of whom fort involves, we have been there before. We can go there again.
not coincidentally are most often supporters and beneficiaries of
all the previously mentioned anti-democratic peculiaritiesto ex- Michael Klein, the chairman and co-founder of the public-interest Sunlight
ert outsized influence on the entire political system. Foundation, is a Trustee of the Aspen Institute.

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 69


EUROPES NEW
WORLD ORDER
Nations across the West are The Cold War is long over, but a new battle for power and
supremacy is emerging. Today the front lines are no longer
reacting to Americas latestand between the East and the West but between liberal democracies
most unusualpresident. and repressive states. Unfortunately, ideological elements
of those repressive states are gaining traction in Europe and
By Anna Kuchenbecker and America, which in turn has led to more isolationism and
Rdiger Lentz defensiveness on the world stage.

70 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


The uncertainty of the US commitment to the international
order confronts Europeans at a time when the European
Union itself is struggling on many fronts.

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.

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 71


FACES: Aspen Ideas Festival
Laurie Tisch
Katie Couric
Kitty Boone

Donna Barksdale, All


an Golston

Colin Jost, Mich


ael Che

James Fallows

Jackie and Mike Bezos


Lynda Resnick, Barbra Streisand

Andrea Mitchell

Dan Bayer, C2 Photography, RIccardo Savi, Leigh Vogel

Michele Norris, Mitch Landrieu

72 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


FOR!YOUR!NEXT!MEETING"
UNITE!THE!MIND"!BODY!AND!SPIRIT

Inspiring Surroundings
Exceptional Meetings
Our thoughtfully designed,
40 acre campus, is the perfect place
for your organization to connect
stimulating ideas with a!ainable actions.
Dan Bayer, C2 Photography, RIccardo Savi, Leigh Vogel

845 Meadows Road, Aspen


800.452.4240
www.AspenMeadows.com
FACES: Socrates Program
Sarayu Srin
ivasan, Lars
lter Isaacson , Jerry Hosier Miethke
Annie Hosier, Wa

Kay Bucksbaum

Gary Lauder, Madeleine Albright

Darius Jones, Alexan


dra Davis, Elisabeta
Saadia Sultan, Shizu Din
Okusa, Jonathan Qu u,
arles

t,
eleine Albrighfrey
Ramirez, Mad Win
e, Cher yl Johnson, Monicaadiya Figueroa, Rashida
Gayle Barg ungu, N
ale, Thuli Mhl
Laura Taylor-K

Bill Budinger

Seth Goldman, Laura Lauder, Ronit and Bill Berkman

Madelein
eA
Jim Crow lbright,
n
Sawyer
Ken and Erin
Leigh Vogel

74 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


SAVE THE DATE
JULY 18 21, 2018 ASPEN, CO

THE NINTH ANNUAL ASPEN SECURITY FORUM


will bring together top-level government officials, industry executives, leading thinkers, diplomats,
noted journalists, and concerned citizens for three days of in-depth discussion on the major issues
of the day in the fields of national and homeland security, such as cyber-security, intelligence, and
counterterrorism strategy.

CONTACT MORE INFORMATION


John Hogan, john.hogan@aspeninstitute.org www.aspensecurityforum.org

ASF 2017 PRESENTED BY SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2017 SPONSORS


FACES: Summer Celebration

Diane Mor
Alireza Ittihadieh ris
Ann Nitze, Francis Najafi,
Katherine Farley, Nancy Crown, Gillian Steel
Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Annie Hosier

Mike Klein, Joan Fab


ry, Elaine Pagels

Bob Steel, Lynda and


Stewart Resnick

Paula Crown, Mark Hoplamazian

Richard and Sylvia Kaufman

Walter Isaacson, Madeleine Albr Roy Bostock, Ken Hubbard


ight, Margot Pritzker
Leigh Vogel and Riccardo Savi

Bobby McDuffie
Mercedes Bass Amy Crockett and Anne McNulty
Dan Bayer

76 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


FACES: Da Vinci Celebration
Laurie Tisch Mary Mochary
Bob Steel

ein
Richard and Susan Finkelst

Lynda Resnick, Jan Greenberg

Bill Mayer, Peggy Culver


Stefan Edlis
Dionne Najafi, Doren Pinnell,
Karen Amadon

hary
ith, Mary Moc
Michelle Sm
Leigh Vogel and Riccardo Savi

Mike Bezos
Dan Bayer

Anne McNulty, William Wallace

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 77


FACTS/PROGRAMS

SEMINARS Executive leadership seminars explore the tensions among values


that form our conception of a Good Society and effective leadership.

Dan Bayer
THE ASPEN EXECUTIVE SEMINAR ON LEADERSHIP, OCTOBER 2629, 2017 | RONDA, SPAIN
VALUES, AND THE GOOD SOCIETY ASPEN ITALIA SEMINAR
The Aspen Executive Seminar challenges leaders in every field to clarify the Values and Society & Leadership, Globalization,
values by which they lead and to think more critically and deeply about their and the Quest for Common Values
impact on the world in a moderated, text-based Socratic dialogue. In collaboration with Aspen Italia, these concurrent seminars explore
aspeninstitute.org/aspenseminar the cultural challenges of leadership in a European context, deepening
partcipants' understandings of the values by which they lead even as those
MARCH 1016, 2018 | ASPEN, CO values are tested by the demands of globalization.
APRIL 713, 2018 | ASPEN, CO
ASPEN ROMANIA LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
APRIL 28MAY 4, 2018 | WYE RIVER, MD
In collaboration with Aspen Institute Romania, this seminar explores the
MAY 1925, 2018 | WYE RIVER, MD specific leadership challenges facing business, government, and civil society
JUNE 28, 2018 | ASPEN, CO
in a post-communist environment.
aspeninstitute.org/romaniaseminar
AUGUST 1824, 2018 | ASPEN, CO
SEPTEMBER 2228, 2018 | ASPEN, CO
WYE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
In a longstanding collaboration with the Association of American
OCTOBER 1318, 2018 | WYE RIVER, MD Colleges and Universities, these seminars engage faculty, senior academic
administrators, and college presidents in an exchange of ideas about liberal
LEADERSHIP AND CHARACTER arts education, citizenship, and the global polity.
Leadership and Character takes up where the Aspen Executive Seminar aspeninstitute.org/wyeseminars
leaves off, looking at the internal context of making leadership decisions and
exploring the competing tensions that form our internal moral compass. WYE FACULTY SEMINAR
aspeninstitute.org/characterseminar JULY 1520, 2018 | WYE RIVER, MD
OCTOBER 1215, 2017 | ASPEN, CO aspeninstitute.org/wyefaculty

NATURE, SOCIETY, AND SUSTAINABILITY CUSTOM SEMINARS


Nature, Society, and Sustainability provides both updated content and a Custom Seminars enable organizations and companies to benefit from
values framework as we balance the tensions between a vibrant human, social, personalized one-day or multi-day seminars that foster community building
and economic ecology and environmental sustainability. and leadership development. aspeninstitute.org/customseminar
aspeninstitute.org/natureseminar

ASPEN ESPAA SEMINAR


Transatlantic Values at a Crossroads:
Contemporary Leadership Challenges
In collaboration with Aspen Institute Espaa, this seminar probes the FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE SEMINARS,
European context of modern leadership in the midst of the uncertainties in PLEASE CONTACT KALISSA HENDRICKSON AT
democratic capitalism, nationalism, and culture. KALISSA.HENDRICKSON@ASPENINST.ORG
aspeninstitute.org/espanaseminar

78 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


Dan Bayer

HAWTHORN HOUSE

HAWTHORN HOUSE, ASPEN | The architecture of this distinctive contemporary home seamlessly
compliments the interior design. The living space boasts unbeatable views ranging from Independence Pass
to Shadow Mountain. The reecting pool at the entry engages the senses while the 20 by 20 sunken garden
brings nature and light to the entertainment area on the lower level. Interior nishes including limestone, rich
walnut wood, white quartzite and Taj Mahal slabs provide richness and warmth. $29,500,000
Web Id# AI146961

Chris Souki
970.948.4378 | chris@masonmorse.com

514 E. Hyman Avenue, Aspen 970.925.7000 www.masonmorse.com


FACTS/PROGRAMS

JOIN THE SOCIETY OF FELLOWS

Dan Bayer
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
offerings, and they receive special invitations to programs in Aspen; New York;
Washington, DC; San Francisco; and elsewhere across the country. Those who
wish to engage deeper with the Institutes work are encouraged to join. An
SOF membership is tax-deductible.
To learn more, visit aspeninstitute.org/society-fellows.

NOVEMBER 1, 2017 SOF DISCUSSION RECEPTION


PRIVATE HOME | NEW YORK CITY
Freedom of Speech on College Campuses
Former Duke University President Richard Brodhead

NOVEMBER 34, 2017 SOF AND WYE FELLOWS SYMPOSIUM


HOUGHTON HOUSE | WYE RIVER CAMPUS
The American Presidency
The University of Virginia's Sidney Milkis and Barbara Perry

DECEMBER 12, 2017 MORRIS SERIES LECTURE


WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM | SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Technology and Man
Reid Hoffman and Andrew McAfee
80 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017
THE SOCRATES PROGRAM

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

OCTOBER 1215, 2017


SOCRATES SEMINAR IN OTSU | OTSU, JAPAN
TOPIC: ORDER AMID CHAOS: MAJOR TRENDS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY,
BUSINESS, AND SOCIETY
MODERATOR: WILLIAM POWERS, the author of The New York Times bestseller Hamlets Blackberry

OCTOBER 2729, 2017


SENATE SOCRATES | WYE RIVER, MD
TOPIC: POLITICAL CIVILITY AND THE ROLE OF CONGRESS

MODERATORS: DAN GLICKMAN, the executive director of the Institute's Congressional Program;
BILL HOAGLAND, the senior vice president of the Bipartisan Policy Center

NOVEMBER 1719, 2017


SOCRATES SEMINAR IN PUEBLA | PUEBLA, MEXICO
TOPIC: US-MEXICO RELATIONS

MODERATORS: J. WELBY LEAMAN, the senior director for Latin America at Walmart;
DAN RESTREPO, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 81


FACTS/PROGRAMS

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.

HENRY CROWN FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM FINANCE LEADERS FELLOWSHIP


aspeninstitute.org/crown aspeninstitute.org/flf
INNOVATION
AFRICA LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE (ALI) HEALTH INNOVATORS FELLOWSHIP The Aspen Institute Center for Urban
*including programs in East Africa, West Africa, and the country
aspeninstitute.org/hif Innovations mission is to harness the
of South Africa
africaleadership.net; ali-wa.net innovative power of cities to make them great
KAMALNAYAN BAJAJ FELLOWSHIP places for all of their residentsespecially
*formerly the India Leadership Initiative those in underserved neighborhoodsto
ASPEN INSTITUTE-RODEL FELLOWSHIPS IN
anantaaspencentre.in/intro_leadership.aspx
PUBLIC LEADERSHIP live, work, and flourish. The Center for
aspeninstitute.org/rodel Urban Innovation is designed to be a place
LIBERTY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
where smart, passionate, creative people
libertyfellowshipsc.org
CENTRAL AMERICA LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE ask the next generation of questions and
(CALI) find the answers together. We connect and
MIDDLE EAST LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
centralamericaleadership.net
(MELI) support leaders from government, business,
aspeninstitute.org/meli nonprofits, and philanthropy to better
CHINA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
understand the needs and challenges of urban
aspeninstitute.org/china
PAHARA-ASPEN EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP innovators from a range of disciplines.
pahara.org aspeninstitute.org/policy-work/
ENVIRONMENT LEADERS FELLOWSHIP
aspeninstitute.org/leadership center-urban-innovation

CENTER FOR URBAN


82 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017
Dan Bayer

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 83


$28,750,000 West End

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.

Two in-town classics re-envisioned.


$12,995,000 Aspen Core

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.

The finest of classic and contemporary.


$8,500,000 Aspen Core

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

ASCEND AT THE ASPEN INSTITUTE CYBERSECURITY AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM


ascend.aspeninstitute.org aspeninstitute.org/cyber

ASPEN FORUM FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM


aspeninstitute.org/solutions aspeninstitute.org/eop

ASPEN GLOBAL INNOVATORS GROUP EDUCATION AND SOCIETY PROGRAM


aspenglobalinnovators.org aspeninstitute.org/education

ASPEN INSTITUTE LATINOS AND SOCIETY PROGRAM ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
aspeninstitute.org/latinos-society aspeninstitute.org/ee

ASPEN NETWORK OF DEVELOPMENT ENTREPRENEURS GLOBAL ALLIANCES PROGRAM


aspeninstitute.org/ande aspeninstitute.org/global-alliances

ASPEN PLANNING AND EVALUATION PROGRAM FINANCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM


aspeninstitute.org/apep aspeninstitute.org/fsp

ASPEN STRATEGY GROUP HEALTH, MEDICINE, AND SOCIETY PROGRAM


aspeninstitute.org/asg aspeninstitute.org/health

THE BRIDGE HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM


aspeninstitute.org/bridge aspeninstitute.org/security

BUSINESS AND SOCIETY PROGRAM JUSTICE AND SOCIETY PROGRAM


aspeninstitute.org/bsp aspeninstitute.org/justice

CENTER FOR NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH PROGRAM ON PHILANTHROPY AND SOCIAL INNOVATION
aspeninstitute.org/cnay aspeninstitute.org/psi

CITIZENSHIP AND AMERICAN IDENTITY PROGRAM PROGRAM ON THE WORLD ECONOMY


aspeninstitute.org/citizenship aspeninstitute.org/pwe

COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM SERVICE YEAR ALLIANCE


aspeninstitute.org/college-excellence www.aspeninstitute.org/service-year

COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIETY PROGRAM SPORTS & SOCIETY PROGRAM


aspeninstitute.org/c&s aspeninstitute.org/sports-society

COMMUNITY STRATEGIES GROUP THE STEVENS INITIATIVE


aspeninstitute.org/csg stevensinitiative.org

CONGRESSIONAL PROGRAM
aspeninstitute.org/congressional

86 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


FACTS/PROGRAMS

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

THE ASCEND FELLOWSHIP


Founded by the Institutes Ascend Program,
the Ascend Fellowship targets diverse pioneers
paving new pathways that break the cycle of
intergenerational poverty. I have been a part of the
aspeninstitute.org/ascend Aspen community and
affiliated with the Aspen
FIRST MOVERS FELLOWSHIP Institute for over 30 years.
Founded by the Institutes Business and Society Having been trusted to
Program, the First Movers Fellowship helps corporate
develop and sell some of the
social intrapreneurs deliver financial value to their
most prestigious properties
company and positive social and environmental
outcomes for the world. in our area, it would be my
aspeninstitute.org/firstmovers pleasure to help you with
your real estate needs.
COLORADO CHILDREN & FAMILIES
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES FELLOWSHIP John Sarpa
Founded by the Institutes Ascend Program, the 970.379.2595
Children & Families Health &Human Services John@JohnSarpa.com
Fellowship invests in visionary Colorado leaders
committed to making Colorado the best place to
have a child and sustain a healthy, thriving family. History | Respect | Leadership | Results
aspeninstitute.org/colorado-fellows

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 87


FACTS/PROGRAMS

PUBLIC Public conferences and events provide


a commons for people to share ideas.

Malek Jandali performs at


Aspen Ideas Festival 2016

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

WASHINGTON IDEAS FORUM ONGOING PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK


Presented in partnership with The Atlantic, this Washington, DCbased The Institute hosts a variety of programs in New York City, from book talks
event features leading figures in public policy discussing the most important and benefits to roundtable discussions,
issues of the day. forums, and the Aspen Leadership Series: Conversations with Great Leaders
in Memory of Preston Robert Tisch.
aspeninstitute.org/nyevents
ASPEN WORDS
Throughout the year, Aspen Words encourages writers in their craft and
readers in their appreciation of literature by hosting festivals, readings, and ASPEN COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
other literary exchanges. The Institute offers residents of Aspen and the surrounding Roaring Fork
aspenwords.org Valley communities a variety of programs throughout the year, including
speaker series, community seminars, and film screenings.
aspeninstitute.org/community
ASPEN INSTITUTE ARTS PROGRAM
The Arts Program was established to support and invigorate the arts in America
ONGOING PROGRAMS IN WASHINGTON, DC
and to return the arts to the Institutes Great Conversation. It brings From September through June, the Institutes DC headquarters hosts the
together artists, advocates, educators, managers, foundations, and government Alma and Joseph Gildenhorn Book Series, featuring discussions with major
officials to exchange ideas and develop policies that strengthen the reciprocal recent authors. Concurrently, the Washington Ideas Roundtable Series focuses
relationship between the arts and society. aspeninstitute.org/arts on world affairs, arts, and culture.
aspeninstitute.org/events

88 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


CALENDAR
NOVEMBER 9, 2017
THE PLAZA HOTEL | NEW YORK, NY

ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER


Dr. Priscilla Chan, the co-founder of the Chan
Zuckerberg Initiative and the CEO of the Primary
School, will be honored with the Institute's Public
Left, Courtesy of Chan; Right: Hal Williams

Leadership Award. Institute President and CEO


Walter Isaacson will receive the Henry Crown
Leadership Award. For questions or to register,
please contact Natasha Little at 202.736.3503.
Chan

IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 89


CONNECT WITH US
THE SOCIETY OF FELLOWS
Director
Peter Waanders
970.544.7912
peter.waanders@aspeninstitute.org
aspeninstitute.org/sof

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
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90 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


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IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 91


PARTING SHOT

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.
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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

92 IDEAS SPECIAL ISSUE 2017


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