- November 17, 2025
- , 9:00
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- November 19, 2025
- , 12:00
The Aspen Socrates Seminar, a space for stimulating dialogue, values-based introspection, and dynamic debate, is coming to the Western Balkans. The expert-led dialogue will delve into threats to democracy and ponder how they impact political, economic and civil-society commitment to a fully functioning democracy, both now and in the future. The seminar provides a forum for leaders from various professions to convene and explore contemporary issues. “Democratic Backsliding – Rule of Law or Rule by Law?“ will allow participants to reflect on the goals and ideals of democracy and the threats to democratic governments and cultivate an internal compass on the rule of law and the tools to be stronger decision makers for a more democratic future.
In recent years, many leaders around the world have faced insurgencies of actors attacking the rule of law and democratic institutions, posing a threat to democracy itself. In particular for regions such as the Western Balkans and its pathway toward EU membership, these challenges have slowed the process. A strong commitment to values-based leadership can support leaders in their opposition to challenges and attacks, supplying tools to enforce the rule of law and contest anti-democratic policies. At the same time, geopolitical factors, especially in the Western Balkans, have the potential to push decision makers in the region and beyond away from policies that would strengthen their pathway towards stronger democracy. In this context and united in their commitment to values-based leadership and democratic resilience across the region, Aspen Germany and Aspen Romania believe that now is the time to bring the Aspen philosophy through the Socrates Program to the Western Balkans. With a focus on the rule of law, participants will analyze the philosophical origins of democracy and justice, the role that principled governments and civil society should play, and how a just and values-based democracy can operate and function for its citizens and residents.
Aspen Germany’s and Aspen Romania’s seminars enable participants to reflect deeply on the foundations of their own decisions in light of developments in the past, present, and future. As non-partisan, non-profit convening platforms, Aspen Germany and Romania are part of the global Aspen network and remain committed to building bridges among diverse stakeholders. The first Socrates Seminar gathered participants in 1996 to discuss “Dilemmas of the Digital Age.” The seminars continue to gather participants to explore current, pressing global challenges. Discussions are built around contemporary texts and are led by expert moderators who encourage participants to share their views with a diverse group of peers. The Aspen Institute Romania has become since its foundation in 2006 the prime Romanian organization for leadership education, strategic reflection and a major convening platform for non-partisan policy debates. Similarly, Aspen Germany’s Leadership Program is dedicated to values-based leadership across politics, business, and civil society. It provides a space to discuss contemporary challenges of leadership against the backdrop of an ever-changing world. Moreover, it is an important aspect of these two Aspen Institutes at the heart of Europe to work toward strengthening values-based leadership and the good society, bringing this seminar to regions crucial for the future of Europe.
