January 2025 Newsletter
Foreign Assistance Keeps Americans Safe
The McCain Institute has evoked Senator John McCain’s legacy as decades-long Chair of the International Republican Institute (IRI) and defender of foreign assistance and global democracy promotion, calling for the suspension of the recent freeze on all U.S. foreign aid and an initiation of a normal review of U.S. programs. Foreign assistance keeps Americans safe. Foreign assistance strengthens America’s position against the autocratic bloc of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It’s good value for the American taxpayer as it underpins peace and stability and lays the foundation for U.S. trade and economic competition.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili Named Kissinger Fellow
In this role President Zourabichvili will use her vast diplomatic, leadership, and policymaking experience to push for new elections and a democratic path forward in Georgia. Read more(Open Link in new window).
Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Long Overdue
The McCain Institute released a statement on the temporary ceasefire agreement in Gaza, calling for the release of all Israeli hostages, the delivery of critical humanitarian aid, and lasting security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Read more(Open Link in new window).
Meet the 2025 National Security & Counterterrorism (NSCT) Fellows
The McCain Institute’s NSCT Fellowship creates an enduring network of rising leaders engaged in national security and counterterrorism work from the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Read more(Open Link in new window).
OP-ED: 3 Steps for the Trump Administration to Target Uyghur Forced Labor
McCain Institute’s Alexis Mrachek and co-author Olivia Enos outlined a three-step approach to target forced labor and protect human rights in China. Read more(Open Link in new window).
Supporting Countries on the Front Lines of Democracy Essential to Fighting Rising Axis of Autocracy
McCain Institute’s Laura Thornton wrote an op-ed about supporting freedom fighters like Georgian President and McCain Institute Kissinger Fellow Salome Zourabichvili. Read more(Open Link in new window).
A Call for the Peaceful Removal of Illegitimate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
The McCain Institute urges swift action to ensure the peaceful removal of Maduro and the release of American hostages and political prisoners. Read more(Open Link in new window).
National Security & Counterterrorism Program Concludes 2024 Fellowship
The 2024 NSCT Fellowship cohort concluded with its third and final module in the United Kingdom. Read more(Open Link in new window).
Report on Global Data Governance by Honorary Kissinger Fellow Kono Taro
The report outlines the importance of unified data governance and a cross-border flow of data, information, ideas, and knowledge among like-minded nations.
Read more(Open Link in new window).
McCain Institute Remembers President Jimmy Carter
McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas released a statement on the passing of the 39th President of the United States.
Read more(Open Link in new window).
Applications Open for the 2025 McCain Global Leaders Program
The MGL program supports character-driven leaders who embody Senator McCain’s legacy of serving a cause greater than oneself. Applications will be accepted until February 21, 2025. Read more(Open Link in new window).
January 2025
Media
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined CNN News Central to discuss President Trump’s proposal to take the Panama Canal and Greenland(Open Link in new window).
McCain Global Leader Zaw Tu Hkawng wrote about the efforts dictators take to silence dissent(Open Link in new window) in a new blog post.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined MSNBC’s The Weekend to discuss the three hostages released by Hamas and the timeline to rebuild Gaza(Open Link in new window).
Inauguration Day 2024(Open Link in new window): The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of American democracy.
The McCain Institute hosted Georgian President and 2025 McCain Institute Kissinger Fellow Salome Zourabichvili(Open Link in new window) for a conversation with journalists.
McCain Institute’s Laura Thornton spoke with BCC News about the ongoing protests by the citizens of Georgia against the Georgian Dream party(Open Link in new window).
The McCain Institute welcomed former President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj(Open Link in new window) for a discussion on human rights, democracy, and authoritarian aggression in Asia.
In POLITICO, Dr. Evelyn Farkas provided a ‘Black Swan’ prediction for what could happen in Belarus in 2025(Open Link in new window).
Martin Luther King Jr. Day(Open Link in new window): a solemn reminder of Dr. King’s steadfast commitment to progress—even in times of overwhelming strife.
“Stand With Jesús: Defend Democracy, Demand His Freedom(Open Link in new window)” by McCain Global Leader Rita Saias.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined Wolf Blitzer to analyze the Christmas Day crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines commercial flight(Open Link in new window).
McCain Institute staff members met with former interim President of Venezuela Juan Guaidó and U.S. Ambassador Carlos Vecchio(Open Link in new window).
The McCain Institute recognized Senator McCain’s election(Open Link in new window) as chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee in 1997, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in 2005, and the Senate Armed Services Committee in 2015.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas appeared on PBS’ Arizona Horizon to discuss the terms of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal(Open Link in new window).
McCain Global Leader Juan Pio Hernandez highlighted the “state of terror” in Venezuela (Open Link in new window)following the kidnapping of fellow Venezuelan MGL Jesús Armas.
Live on C-SPAN, Dr. Evelyn Farkas discussed the foreign policy and national security challenges facing the incoming Trump administration(Open Link in new window).
Jack McCain and Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined veterans and U.S. officials in signing a letter to President-elect Trump(Open Link in new window) urging him to preserve U.S. special visa and resettlement programs for Afghans.
Laura Thornton spoke to TVP World News about the future of Georgia and the impact of Russia’s influence(Open Link in new window).
On MSNBC, Dr. Evelyn Farkas discussed President Biden’s aid package for Ukraine and what the Trump administration needs to do to end Russia’s war on Ukraine(Open Link in new window).
Events:
The McCain Institute
Washington Forum
The McCain Institute Washington Forum will convene global leaders, experts, and humanitarians for a daylong forum to identify solutions to the most pressing challenges impacting human and planetary health. The forum theme, “Democracy, Human Rights & Leadership in Action,” will highlight the McCain Institute’s work to counter rising authoritarianism, an erosion of democratic norms, growing violations of human rights, and a lack of principled, character-driven leadership at home and abroad. Inspired by the maverick spirit of Senator John McCain, the forum will place a strong emphasis on harnessing innovation and collaboration to meet these challenges head-on.
Bringing Americans Home
On Wednesday, July 24, the McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) co-sponsored the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation’s release of its sixth annual edition of “Bringing Americans Home,” an independent research report that provides new information about the ongoing crisis of Americans taken hostage abroad by terrorists or wrongfully detained by nation-states.
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Calling all McCainiacs!
If you were involved with the late Senator, as a member of his legislative staff or as a campaign volunteer, consider becoming a part of the Institute by joining the McCain Alumni Club.