Welcome to the October edition of 'The Lookout', leading with the questions facing today’s leaders -from national security to migration and public trust.
Welcome toTheLookout. This month we explorehow nations and communities are building resilience in a time of rapid change, from shared security challenges across the Tasman, to migration debatesthat shape public understanding and reflect the experiences of the people at their centre.
In Global Affairs, we revisit the recent Aspen-Otago National Security Forum 2025, where leaders examined how innovation and collaboration can strengthen resilience to today's complex security challenges. Critical Conversations turns to migration and democracy with Professor Alan Gamlen’s timely perspective on how nations can balance openness with stability amidst rising populism. And in Connected Communities Aspen NZ scholarship recipient Archie Ritchie reflects on his experience at the Global Changemakers Workshop in Bogotá, highlighting the human stories behind migration debates.
In December, we’ll host our second Socrates Seminar, Will We Ever Trust the News Again? where participants will step back from their every-day to examine what the future of trust demands from leaders. Limited places remaining.
We hope you enjoy this edition.
Ngā mihi - Christine and the Aspen Institute NZ team
Global Affairs
Complex Security Environment Requires Collective Awareness and Action
Leaders and experts from across Australia and New Zealand gathered in Queenstown for the Aspen-Otago National Security Forum 2025 to discuss what many regard as the most complex strategic environment since the Cold War. Discussions ranged from shifting geopolitics and foreign interference to the disruptive potential of emerging technologies. The public session ended with a forward-looking conversation on reframing national security, as a platform for innovation and shared civic responsibility to improve societal resilience. Read more and access the public session replay here.
Critical Conversations
Immigration, Democracy and the Politics of Fear
Across the globe, migration remains both essential and contested. In a recent article, Aspen NZ moderator Professor Alan Gamlen traces how a cascade of crises, from terrorism and financial shocks to pandemics and populism, has fuelled fear and distorted the immigration debate. He argues that while many democracies have struggled to manage this complexity, Australia’s strong institutions have helped maintain public trust and stability. His reflections speak to New Zealand’s own experience as a nation shaped by migration and navigating the same global headwinds. Read the full article here.
Connected Communities
Global Changemakers & Migration: Lessons on a Human-Centred Approach
At the recent Global Changemakers Workshop hosted by Aspen Institute Colombia in Bogotá, Aspen NZ scholarship recipient Archie Ritchie joined peers from across the Aspen International Partners network for a unique opportunity to engage with experts and fellow changemakers on the multifaceted challenges of migration. His article, A Human-Centred Approach to Migration, builds on Professor Gamlen’s global analysis to show how collaborative solutions can better respond to the human realities behind migration debates. Read Archie's full article here.
Coming Up - Local
Critical Conversations
2025 Socrates Programme
December 8-10 | Queenstown
Will We Ever Trust the News Again?
The Socrates Seminar returns in December with a critical conversation on media, trust, misinformation, and democracy - moderated by Aspen Digital’s Vivian Schiller, a former senior executive at NPR, The New York Times, and Twitter.
Held at Taramea, a purpose-built private meeting space in a rural setting, the seminar runs over 3 half-days and offers a rare chance to step away from daily demands and engage with leaders from across sectors, to challenge assumptions, explore solutions, and help shape the future of trust.
Debugging Decision Making is a fast paced, one day roundtable that helps participants uncover hidden assumptions, test values, and avoid the traps that distort well intentioned choices. Participants in this inclusive roundtable use real-world case studies, open dialogue, and a systematic decision framework to build stronger, more resilient decision habits. The result: turning good intentions into more possibilities for future actions, and better outcomes.
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