As an institutional partner for the 2024 NATO Washington Summit, the McCain Institute at ASU convened leaders in Arizona to discuss NATO’s important role protecting global security and democracy.
The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) today hosted a panel discussion at ASU’s Tempe Campus highlighting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its critical role protecting security and democracy both abroad and in the United States. The McCain Institute is an institutional partner for the upcoming NATO Public Forum 2024 taking place July 9-11 in Washington, D.C.
Today’s event, “Frontlines of Freedom: NATO, Arizona, and the Fight for Democracy,” featured former U.S. Ambassador to NATO and former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison; Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis; and U.S. Navy Reserve Aviator and McCain Institute Board Member Jack McCain. McCain Institute Chief Program Officer Kristen Abrams moderated the discussion.
“The upcoming NATO summit in Washington, D.C., has far-reaching impacts for the future of global security and democracy,” said McCain Institute Chief Program Officer Kristen Abrams. “Senator John McCain was an ardent supporter of NATO and believed when a new country was admitted, Russia’s influence was diminished. That is still true and is more important than ever.”
Panelists discussed the expansion of NATO, including the introduction of Sweden and Finland as new members, and the Alliance’s important role in defeating Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attempts to defeat democracy and spread authoritarianism around the globe.
“For over half a century, NATO has been America’s unbreakable bridge to Europe, a shield of democracy that is essential for our shared security and prosperity,” said Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis.
“My dad spent his life supporting causes greater than himself – one of the greatest being the fight for democracy,” said McCain Institute Board Member and U.S. Navy Reserve Airman Jack McCain. “Dad said that any great cause could only be won when people from all sides work together. He would be proud to see Sweden and Finland join the Alliance, and glad NATO’s importance is being discussed in Arizona.”
This event is part of the official civil society engagement for the NATO summit. It is also the McCain Institute’s second event in a two-part series honoring the 80th anniversary of D-Day and 75th anniversary of NATO. Video of last week’s event in the U.S. Senate is available HERE.
Learn more about the McCain Institute’s Democracy program HERE.