WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 20, 2024) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) welcomes five new members to the Human Rights & Freedom (HRF) Program Advisory Council.
The new council members are:
- Elliott Abrams, Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, Council on Foreign Relations
- Shanthi Kalathil, Former Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Democracy and Human Rights, National Security Council
- Brittany Bramell Punaro, Partner, Steer PR and Former Director of Public Affairs, Central Intelligence Agency
- John Raidt, Former Legislative Director for Senator John McCain and Former Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
- Dr. Daniel Twining, President, International Republican Institute
“I am thrilled to welcome five new advisory council members to join our mission of protecting and advancing fundamental rights and freedom around the world,” said McCain Institute Human Rights & Freedom Program Director Corban Teague. “As our program continues to expand its focus – while maintaining its important work to combat human trafficking – these individuals will be valuable additions bringing unique insights, experience, and expertise.”
The HRF Program, previously the Combatting Human Trafficking Program, was launched earlier this year. In addition to continuing its efforts to fight human trafficking, the HRF Program works to promote a strong American foreign policy that protects and advances fundamental rights and freedom around the world, especially against efforts by revisionist regimes like China, Russia, and Iran to reshape the global order to undermine individual liberty.
Learn more about the McCain Institute’s HRF Program HERE. View the HRF Advisory Council member biographies HERE.
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.