The Aspen Institute 1d ago

For decades, the specter of global nuclear conflict felt like a relic of the previous century. Today, with the collapse of historic arms control treaties, arsenal modernization in China and overt threats from Russia, the risk of nuclear escalation has returned with a vengeance. Panelists examine whether traditional concepts of Mutually Assured Destruction still hold weight, and what it will take to prevent the unthinkable. The Aspen Ideas Festival is the Aspen Institute’s signature summer public event. From June 25-July 1, 2026 business and civic leaders, innovators and artists, fellows, scholars, and attendees from around the world gathered in the Rocky Mountains. Engaging discussions unified by the Festival’s theme “Declarations of Independence” explore the issues of today, challenge perceptions of the past, and shape our shared future. #AspenIdeas For more information about the Aspen Ideas Festival, visit https://www.aspenideas.org.