The world is a dangerous place, and democracy, freedom, ideas, and innovation are under constant threat.
The Aspen Security Forum addresses the dangers, eminent attacks, and existential threats that menace the globe and peace itself. Organized by The Aspen Institute, this event brings together military leaders, White House officials, US Senators, congress members, representatives of the largest technology companies, and many more for amazing high-level discussions on critical national security issues facing society today.
The four-day forum kicked off with welcome remarks and a meaningful conversation concerning the “China Challenge” with Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, Under Secretary of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce Alan F. Estevez, Executive Director, Aspen Strategy Group and Aspen Security Forum Anja Manuel, Chair, Special Competitive Studies Project; Former CEO of Google Eric Schmidt, and moderated by U.S.-China Correspondent for the Financial Times Demetri Sevastopulo. The experts highlighted a broad range of strategic issues, including economic competition, technological advancements, military capabilities, and geopolitical influence, with the aim of helping the U.S. effectively navigate and respond to the complexities of this pivotal international relationship.
Some of my other favorite panels included a fireside chat with Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Jake Sullivan, gaining insider views into the Senate with Delaware Senator Chris Coons, Texas Senator John Cornyn, Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan, and National Security Reporter for The Washington Post and moderator Ellen Nakashima. I also learned a lot from the fireside chat with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and NPR Co-Host and moderator Mary Louise Kelly. I heard important remarks from Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth. There is no better way to learn the ins and outs of our government and policies than from the mouths of the people who shape it!
My takeaways include how united Republicans, Democrats, and many people worldwide who love democracy are lined up against Russia and continue to support Ukraine. Leaders understand that we must do more than only protect NATO countries in Europe and other border countries to Russia. No borders in the world are safe if any of the 50 nations that have lined up to defend Ukraine step away – especially the United States.
Another hot topic was that we need to continue to strengthen ties in the Pacific and deter China from their stated goal of essentially a Russian-style attack on Taiwan, which would be a calamity. The world needs to unite to keep Chinese leadership, or I should say THE leader, from waking up and saying, “Today is the day.” Instead, they must say, “NOT today!”
Technology was another prominent subject, and the importance of cybersecurity could not have had a more profound example than when CrowdStrike caused outages for Microsoft-powered systems worldwide on the final day of the conference.
Conversations surrounded artificial intelligence, machine learning, regulations, and more from around the world. Regarding our enemies, we require a continued focus on resilience. We, as civilians, our homes, our businesses, political leaders, and especially our technology companies, have to be vigilant and work cooperatively in these areas towards a common purpose.
I enjoy events like the Aspen Security Forum because they help create effective security policies and foster collaboration among government, military, academics, and the private sector. It’s very inspiring to be in the same room with such bright minds and global leaders who work every day to keep our country safe and advancing. Hearing from top minds and innovators at this powerhouse event was truly eye-opening and has given me food for thought about the current state of our nation and our world – and where we are heading in the near future.
It’s impossible to cover all of the ground discussed at the forum, but luckily, there are online presentations that outline the pertinent and interesting details. Spreading knowledge is one of the most powerful weapons we have against very real threats to our systems and democratic nations. As Secretary of State Blinken said, “Hope is good, but hope is insufficient.”
Let’s work together to go BEYOND hope and make society safer!
