The Aspen Institute

While the polarization of our current moment may feel unprecedented, its root causes are fundamental to the human condition.

In part 1 of the 2021 Resnick Aspen Action Forum, discuss what is new and old about the conflicts which communities and organizations find themselves, how technologies of the 21st century have helped the advancement of some while harming many others, and look at the possibilities of building trust among people and institutions with leaders on the frontlines of the challenges.

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Featured Topics

Why Are We So Polarized?

What are the causes of conflict and polarization? Are they fundamental to human nature or byproducts of the systems we have engineered for ourselves? In this discussion, explore the root causes of high conflict situations and learn how you can transcend them in order to have more sustainable relationships and “better arguments”.

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Leading Through a Pandemic of Disinformation

We are living through a time where faith and trust in our institutions – and each other – are actively being eroded. Vivian Schiller, Executive Director of Aspen Digital, moderates a discussion with members of the Aspen Commission on Information Disorder and Aspen Global Leadership Network Fellows to explore the crisis of disinformation and how we can combat the pandemic of “truth decay”.

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Spark Conversation: Financial Security and Social Stability

What is the link between financial security and social stability? In this spark conversation, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth Founder Shamina Singh (Henry Crown Fellow) and newly elected St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones (Rodel Fellow) talk about the connections between financial security – for individuals, households, and small businesses – and the imperative to build more equitable, sustainable and stable communities. Inclusion happens by design, not by default, and it matters very much who the designers are. We will hear from two AGLN Fellows who are working to design more inclusive economic growth.

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How Do We Build Trust?

The social fabric in many of our societies has been stretched to its limit. In some cases, it is completely torn. How do we weave it back together and build trust among our communities? In this conversation, explore the solutions that are helping to build the kind of societal trust that is fundamental for a more free, just, and equitable world.

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This conversation took place at the 2021 Resnick Aspen Action Forum’s Opening Plenary on Trust, Conflict, and Polarization. Explore other dialogues on the social change ecosystem, what it takes to lead collectively, and scaling for impact.