The Aspen Institute

In cooperation with Aspen European Strategy Group, the Aspen Strategy Group convened an inaugural meeting of this important track II dialogue.  Delegations from the U.S. and Europe met in Brussels, Belgium to discuss the, “Crisis Across the Atlantic: Preserving the Europe – U.S. Link.”

The meeting opened by focusing on the state of politics in Europe and the impact of populist movements on European democracies. From there, the delegations examined the Trump administration’s foreign policy, and also discussed the international threats and policies required to protect democracies from disinformation and manipulation. Finally, the delegates deliberated on looming transatlantic confrontations on trade and climate change. The group visited the new NATO Headquarters and spoke to several NATO delegates and ambassadors, including U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Soon after the meeting concluded, ASG Director Nicholas Burns, ASG member David Ignatius, and Steven Erlanger each published a piece reflecting on the themes discussed in the gathering. Nicholas Burns piece was published in the New York Times, “What America Gets Out of NATO,” as was Steven Erlanger’s piece, “As Summit Nears, NATO Allies Have One Main Worry: Trump.” David Ignatius’ piece was published in The Washington Post, entitled “Trump Hurls a Wrecking Ball at the Transatlantic Alliance.”