WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 7, 2024) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) led a high-level expert delegation to Kyiv and Lviv, Ukraine, from October 26 to November 1, to demonstrate solidarity with the country’s struggle for its sovereignty and freedom and to assess democratic reforms. The delegation included McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas and Senior Director of Global Democracy Programs Laura Thornton along with the U.S. Institute of Peace’s Catherine Dale, Cornell University’s Thomas Garrett, New America’s Candace Rondeaux, and National Endowment for Democracy’s Kenneth Wollack.
“Senator McCain was dedicated to the people of Ukraine and their determination to live in a free and democratic society. Having visited Ukraine three times in the last year, I am proud to carry the torch and stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. This latest trip underscored the importance of Ukraine joining NATO and the EU in order to defeat Vladimir Putin and the spread of authoritarianism around the globe. This should be the urgent priority of the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration,” said Dr. Farkas.
“I was impressed by the efforts of Ukrainians to continue to prioritize democratic reforms, even in times of war. There was a commendable understanding that security and good governance go hand-in-hand and more participatory decision-making will support, not thwart, the victory effort,” said Thornton.
The McCain Institute and delegation members issued the following readout from the trip. The views expressed in this statement are not necessarily those of the delegation members’ affiliated organizations.
During meetings with leaders from Ukrainian civil society, media, government, and political parties, delegates heard about the complications of democratic processes during war and suggestions for how the U.S. can focus its assistance effectively to help Ukraine realize its goal of EU and NATO membership, essential for a just and lasting peace. Although the delegation members included thought leaders and practitioners from different backgrounds and perspectives, they came to similar conclusions.
The delegation was inspired by the depth of Ukrainian resolve and resilience in the face of this unjust war. They were also struck by the toll the war continues to take and the sense of urgency Ukrainians have to ensure Ukraine wins, an intention shared by everyone with whom the mission met. The delegation was reminded that the fight to restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine and ensure that it remains protected is not simply a matter of geography but also a guarantee that millions of Ukrainians will not live under a dictatorial foreign power.
Without the continued support of the United States and Europe, Ukraine will not meet this goal. Ukrainians described troubling Russian gains on the battlefield, indiscriminate night air raids against the civilian population of Kyiv, and deliberate crippling of energy infrastructure. One interlocutor pointed out that while Russia has “friends” like North Korea prepared to put boots on the ground, Ukrainians feel they lack similar support. To secure a just and lasting peace, NATO membership is a crucial step.
Security and governance should not be sequential, but simultaneous. The foundations of future governance in Ukraine are being laid now. The stronger — and more participatory and resilient — those foundations, the better the prospects for a future lasting peace. As one Ukrainian leader explained, democracy in Ukraine has deep, unmovable roots, but the branches and trunk are under stress.
More inclusive decision-making can promote shared responsibility, which, in turn, can maintain national unity, particularly during times of crisis. Pluralism and diversity of opinion also mitigate risk for the government through more analysis and information sharing. President Zelensky’s recent consultation with civil society is an important step in this direction, one that would be helpful to repeat regularly.
The delegation also learned that in addition to Ukraine’s Victory Plan targeted at external partners and actions for support, there have been discussions of a domestic National Victory Plan, which includes democratic reform. The delegation applauds this proposal – the adoption of an inclusive national agenda focused on effective governance is necessary and urgent, as the external threats posed to national unity must be met by all citizens, not just the government. As Ukrainians explained to delegates, the Revolution of Dignity had democracy at its core.
Much of the discourse around Ukrainian reform has focused on anti-corruption efforts, and Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions should be recognized for their progress. While the anti-corruption trajectory so far is positive, strong rule of law and judicial reform – persistent challenges in Ukraine – would maximize its impact.
Democracy reforms must be expanded beyond anti-corruption work. The delegation encourages regular consultations between the president’s office and civil society, parliament, the opposition, and other layers of government in order to broaden the decision-making process and make their expertise available to solve complex problems. Understandably supporting the wartime role of the president, parliament has a responsibility to exercise its oversight authority, offer guidance and expertise, and pass reform legislation. The parliament and national government have the opportunity to continue building upon the political decentralization process, so successful before the full-scale invasion in 2022, that delegates power to regional and local governments.
Greater inclusiveness in the media environment could also foster broader and deeper national unity at a time of great national peril. The government’s “Marathon TV” war coverage, intended to combat disinformation about the war, has worked against its own interests by driving citizens into unhealthy information spaces on anonymous Telegram accounts and creating distrust in the government’s narrative and discord within communities.
Without question, the biggest threat to Ukrainian democracy is authoritarian Russia, because the Kremlin is determined to quash any democracy in what it considers its sphere of influence and to destroy Ukraine as an independent sovereign entity, with its own culture and people. The delegation left the country inspired by Ukraine’s resolve to win the war, to fight for democracy and against tyranny. The United States and Europe must commit to ensuring that they succeed. Our own democracy and ability to avoid war with Russia and China may depend on it.
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.