The Aspen Institute

Are protectionist and nationalist economic policies hurting the American economy more than helping it? In his latest paper, Michael Strain, Director of Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute and a member of the Aspen Economic Strategy Group, critically examines the effects of trade wars and nationalist economic strategies since 2017. Strain argues that the shift towards protectionism—deviating from the longstanding bipartisan support for trade liberalization and free-market economic policies—has failed to deliver on its promises, raising important questions about the effectiveness of such policies. This paper is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the real impacts of economic policies on trade, employment opportunities, and growth. Take a deep dive into Strain’s analysis and explore compelling reasons for why protectionism might be doing more harm than good. https://lnkd.in/gBPT8R7s

"Climate policy is too often designed around how the world operates today, rather than how the world will operate tomorrow—or how, in our wildest dreams, it could operate." How do we break out of the status quo to implement the forward-looking policies necessary to accelerate toward a better climate future? Greg Gershuny and Catherine (Kitty) Pollack of The Aspen Institute Energy & Environment Program (EEP) share their thoughts in a new article for Nautilus Magazine. Read on at the link below.

??? We’re excited to announce our “Action and Impact” multi-city event series in conjunction with the Aspen Policy Academy’s launch! ???? As shared by The White House in July, the Aspen Policy Academy will build on the Hub's work by expanding its training of future policy leaders to domains beyond technology. ?? The Action and Impact series kicks off in DC on October 22 with "Empowering Policy Changemakers," followed by "Building Policy Capacity" in NYC on October 24 and "Policy at the Speed of Tech" in SF on November 14. ?? The events are free to the public, but space is limited. Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/gQwmcr3U ??? Don't see an event happening in your city? Don't worry! We are adding more events to the series lineup. Stay tuned to learn more by signing up for our mailing list here ??: https://lnkd.in/gzEyAWQQ

“We don't understand how simple poverty is, and we try to make it overcomplicated,” says Aisha Nyandoro, an Ascend at the Aspen Institute Fellow and founder of Springboard To Opportunities. “Poverty is really about a lack of financial resources and about systems that we have all allowed to be put in place because we all benefit from them." Nyandoro was just named to the?TIME100 Next list, recognizing 100 emerging leaders from across the world who are shaping the future. Learn more about her and her work below. https://lnkd.in/gva34HzP

We're really at a point in the climate crisis where I feel like art remains a very critical thread that needs to be tied into our solutions because the emotional pull of a creative practice is something that can unify different knowledges for us to take action and build for future generations,” says Orion Camero, a Fellow at the Future Leaders Climate Initiative at The Aspen Institute, in the latest episode of #AspenIgnites. Joined by fellow Future Climate Leader Yadira Capaz and our Creative Services Director Kristina Saccone, they explore how art can transform our approach to the climate crisis. From fostering human connections, vulnerability, and shared experiences to helping us process emotions like pain and grief, art offers a unique way to engage people with complex challenges like climate change. Yadira and Orion share how creative practices can stir conversations, create an open, emotional space for dialogue, inspire empowerment, and drive action in the fight for climate justice. Listen now to hear how their leadership and experience as future climate leaders have accelerated their work and connected them to a community driving positive change: https://lnkd.in/gdVBvJX3

Here’s something to cheer you up! Retirement account ownership jumped to 54% of U.S. households, increasing by nearly 4% between 2019 and 2022, improving retirement security for millions. This exciting news comes from the latest research by The Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, which highlights the positive impact of state-run retirement savings programs and a 16% growth in median retirement account balances. But there’s still work to be done. The report sheds light on significant racial disparities in retirement savings, with only 35% of Black households and 28% of Hispanic households holding accounts. While the wealth gap between white and Black households has decreased substantially over the years, it’s still not enough. #retirementsecurity #inclusiveeconomy #wealthequity Read more in the latest Pensions & Investments feature: https://bit.ly/3NxXLCt

Did you know students can drastically transform their college experience and set themselves up for success with just a mindset shift? In the latest episode of the #HigherEdSpotlight, our very own Dan Porterfield, President & CEO of the Aspen Institute, explores how adopting a growth mindset can unlock new learning pathways for students and help them thrive in today’s fast-evolving world, where technology and AI are reshaping industries and communities. Drawing from his extensive experience as an educator and mentor, Dan introduces different kinds of student mindsets like the "discoverer"— one fueled by curiosity and innovation, with the potential to spark breakthroughs. Tune in to hear Dan’s invaluable insights on creating a more equitable, growth-driven educational environment that prepares students for lifelong learning and success. ?? Listen now! #growthmindset #highereducation #studentsuccess #podcast https://lnkd.in/dUFqzmBv

Grab your headphones and check out the latest episode of "Pass the Calabash," hosted by Nachula Wilson, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Ashesi University, Ghana, featuring Em Ekong, the West African Regional Head of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE). Em shares the tools ANDE uses to help Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) thrive in Africa. Tune in to explore the challenges facing Africa's industrialization and discover the exciting initiatives underway to tackle these obstacles! https://iono.fm/e/1485518

46% of American adults said they've encountered a scam or cyberattack, according to the new Consumer Cyber Readiness Report?from Aspen Digital, Consumer Reports, and the Global Cyber Alliance. Learn more in Axios Codebook about how scams are becoming a part of nearly everyone's online experience, and how AI tools are making them easier to fall for.

Check out the just announced agenda for this year's Bloomberg CityLab, the preeminent global cities summit organized by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with the Aspen Institute. The event will convene over 500 mayors, policymakers, innovators, and creatives to surface and share scalable urban solutions. Featuring speakers like National Geographic Explorer Albert Yu-Min Lin, Ph.D., 108th mayor of New York City Mike Bloomberg, singer-songwriter and producer Elsa y Elmar, and many more, this year's programming will explore the urban advancements that cities all over the world have been making—from cutting-edge?digitization?to the reimagination of transportation, public spaces, economic development, climate mitigation, and youth engagement. Explore the agenda at the link below.