The Aspen Institute, a global non-profit think-tank committed to “realizing a free, just, and equitable society”, has significant ties to the defense industry through shared board membership with General Dynamics director Robert K. Steel. Steel is also a member of the Aspen Economic Strategy Group. Additionally Kathy Warden, CEO of Northrop Grumman, was the Vice Chair of the Aspen Cyber Security Group.
In March 2024, pro-Palestine protesters who were flyering outside of an Aspen Institute event in Miami were met with police and forced to relocate.