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Writer's pictureThe Aspen Strategy Group

The Weekly Leaf - December 9

 

David Cameron, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, United Kingdom

Moderator: Jennifer Griffin, Chief National Security Correspondent, Fox News


Today there is "a war in Europe, a crisis in the Middle East, an aggressive China, and an unbelievably aggressive Russia... And I think the first thing to realize in this different world is just how much has changed and how unlikely it is for things to snap back."

- Secretary David Cameron


In his first international appearance since being named Foreign Secretary, David Cameron stressed the importance of working with allies and partners to support Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression, urged the U.S. to continue delivering military aid, and underscored the need to remain aligned in the strategic competition with China.

 

Katherine Tai, 19th U.S. Trade Representative

ModeratorDavid Westin, Wall Street Week Anchor, Bloomberg


“What we do internationally has to be connected to what we are doing, talking about, and what our objectives and challenges are at home." - Ambassador Katherine Tai


In a broad discussion about U.S. trade policies, this fireside chat covered topics such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, data flows, and climate change.

 

General Anthony Cotton, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command

Jim Risch, U.S. Senator for Idaho

ModeratorDavid Sanger, White House and National Security Correspondent, The New York Times


“The Cold War was like a checkers game and this is like a Rubik’s cube.” - Senator Jim Risch


General Anthony Cotton and Senator Jim Risch joined David Sanger for a conversation about strategic competition and deterrence, touching on U.S.-China relations, the war in Ukraine, and the importance of strengthening relationships with allies and partners.

 

Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Egypt

ModeratorSteve Clemons, Founding Editor at Large, Semafor


"Egypt has every vested interest, from a humanitarian perspective and from a security perspective, to provide the Palestinians in Gaza… support.” - Minister Sameh Shoukry


In this fireside chat, Minister Shoukry answered questions on Egypt’s role in supporting Palestinians in Gaza, the Sisi government, and the regional strategic landscape.

 

Anne Neuberger, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies

Anja Manuel, Executive Director, Aspen Strategy Group and Aspen Security Forum

Moderator: Ryan Heath, Global Technology Correspondent, Axios


"AI presents tremendous promise and significant peril… The first question I always get when I travel internationally is about the role of deepfakes in elections and how we think about that.”

- Anne Neuberger


Anne Neuberger and Anja Manuel sat down with Ryan Heath to discuss the rapidly evolving technological landscape and the implications of AI development for national security.

 

Aaron David Miller, Senior Fellow, American Statecraft Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Shibley Telhami, Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development, University of Maryland

ModeratorMary Louise Kelly, Host, All Things Considered, NPR


“A ceasefire would work if in fact it was a ceasefire based on mutual and reciprocal concessions…Negotiations work under one or two conditions. If there's enough pain on each side and/or there's prospects of gain...It's true of Putin and Zelenskyy, it's true of Arabs and Israelis, it's been true for decades. You need pain plus gain. We have plenty of pain, but how do you add to the gain?”

- Aaron David Miller


This panel thoughtfully assessed the Biden administration’s response to the war between Israel and Hamas, questioned the plausibility of and requisite conditions for a potential ceasefire, and set realistic expectations for the path forward.

 

Megan Ristine Bellingham, Business Information Security Associate, Bridgewater Associates

Matthew Peppers, Security Data Analyst

Kelly Piazza, Associate Professor of Political Science, U.S. Air Force Academy 

Keome Rowe, Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State

Carissa Smith, Vice President of Government Relations, FOX

Moderator: Niamh King, Director, Aspen Strategy Group and Aspen Security Forum


Read "On the Rise: Perspectives on Foreign Policy," a collection of policy papers by the Rising Leaders Class of 2023 here.


Applications for the Class of 2024 close at 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, December 10. Apply here!

 

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As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Aspen Institute is nonpartisan and does not endorse, support, or oppose political candidates or parties. Further, the views and opinions of our guests and speakers do not necessarily reflect those of the Aspen Institute.


 


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