International Workshop

The international workshop focused particularly on the debate currently underway inside Russia, which sees various schools of thought playing a key role despite the regime’s tight control over political dissent and the media. There was a broad consensus among the participants regarding the main achievement of Putin’s presidency, namely, that of having consolidated the position of the central State and of having exploited energy revenues to increase the economic – and, in part, political – influence of the country on the international stage.

Evaluating the turnover between Vladimir Putin and Dmitri Medvedev at the presidency requires a recognition of the central role that Putin continues to occupy on the Russian political scene. It seems indeed clear that the structure of power in Moscow has remained fundamentally unchanged, although it is possible that Medvedev will walk the path of cautious liberal reforms.The next few years will see, in any case, further efforts to fully exploit the instrument of energy resources and currency reserves at the country’s disposal.

Discussion here touched on the significant slowdown of America’s economy. Theories to explain this turn of events abound: from the real estate bubble to the sub-prime housing crisis, to more general imbalances. Participants focused on the financial sector, but the dynamics of prices – both for the producer and for the consumer – were also a subject of interest.

This international workshop focused on the new role energy is playing in global relations, with particular attnetion to the complex relationship between Russia and the European Union as regards energy security. Participants pointed out the need, especially in the West, to diversify supply sources.

The discussion highlighted the speed at which China’s role as a world power is evolving: its influence is growing visibly, although in the presence of undeniable macroeconomic imbalances (internal and external) that are of serious concern for the future.\r\nFrom a strictly economic point of view, a change of perspective is underway, from the prominence of export to investment and partnership – a development fostered by the sizeable liquid assets available to Chinese operators.

Discussion opened with an evaluation of the historic Marshall Plan: its origins, the postwar conditions behind its development, the underlying philosophy of US aid to Europe, the inevitable political and security implications that led to a strong reaction from the USSR. Much was said about the farsighted, multilateral approach taken by the United States at that time, despite its obvious military and economic superiority. American awareness that a complex and flexible international economic system could only be based on cooperation as well as competition was also crucial.

The international workshop on “Securing the European Homeland” was held in Rome last Febraury 2nd. The meeting focused on the threats to internal security in EU countries and on what is currently being done in Brussels and in EU capitals to respond to the risk of terrorism. From the discussion it emerged that steps have been taken in the direction of defining possible threats, to the levels of coordination of safety measures and in terms of security legislation, although there are still great difficulties in determining the dynamics of transnational criminal trends.

The conference opened with a reflection on the Italian and the German economies, their differences and similarities. The priority for Germany is to strengthen domestic demand, given their good performance on international markets and a restructured private sector. Italy needs to become more competitive and to guarantee greater discipline in its fiscal policy. The two countries face some of the same challenges, especially as regards reforming their respective pension systems and health sectors.

The workshop, a novelty for the Institute, was made up entirely of female participants of the utmost authority and prestige. Various issues were discussed: repression of women in Arab countries, social and cultural changes needed to improve conditions and strengthen the economic development of women around the world. Participants highlighted certain obstacles hindering women’s aspirations, such as diverse interpretations of Islamic law, illiteracy and, most of all, poverty.

This workshop, held in Aspen’s Rome offices on the eve of Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi’s trip to India, involved authoritative members of India’s English-speaking press. Participants considered conditions necessary for better economic and political relations between the EU and India. Special attention was dedicated to Italy’s role in reinforcing bilateral relations and in increasing trade and direct investment to a country that experts agree will soon represent a serious competitor on international markets.

Italy is the oldest country in Europe: two Italians out of ten are over 65; life expectancy is high and the birth rate is low; the pension system is particularly burdensome as many Italian workers retire earlier than their OECD counterparts – though productivity remains comparable since the older the worker, generally, the higher the salary. The country’s public debt is increasing while productivity is going down: Italy needs to modify its Welfare State. The contractual model demands tweaking so as to directly link salaries with productivity and to keep older workers on the job.

The International Workshop “Africa: our common interest” was organized at the Rome City Hall to present the Commission for Africa Report. British prime minister Tony Blair made a special appearance at the event, and was welcomed by Italy’s deputy prime minister (and Chairman of Aspen Italia) Giulio Tremonti.

This meeting, organized as an informal discussion among a small number of European and American experts, focussed in particular on the problem of the EU embargo on arms sales to China, in the broader context of economic and security challenges currently presented by the rapidly growing economic and demographic giant. Of the various issues that emerged, two regarding domestic policy stand out: political reforms and human rights, crucial criteria in evaluating Beijing’s progress since Tienanmen in 1989 – which gave birth to the embargo in the first place.

From the international workshop organized by Aspen Institute Italia at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emerged a proposal to draw up a “road map for the Balkans”. Participants met before an ample audience to discuss the “The Balkans in Europe’s future” and to consider strategies to help integrate southeastern Europe into the EU and other international organizations. The Balkans are relatively stable, military conflict has ceased, ethnic cleansing is a thing of the past, and free elections have been held.