WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 26, 2025) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) convened its 2025 National Security & Counterterrorism (NSCT) Fellows in Washington, D.C., this week to kick off this year’s fellowship. These 16 young leaders each serve in roles that place them at the forefront of efforts to deal with terrorism and other national security challenges. They will emerge from this 12-month fellowship equipped with an invaluable network of new professional contacts, practically focused leadership training, and a greater understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to combat threats to global security.
This fellowship, coordinated and executed in partnership with the Australian National University (ANU) National Security College, connects young leaders from the Five Eyes (FVEY) alliance—Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and brings them face-to-face with senior leaders at government agencies that make up the national security community, as well as thought leaders from outside of government.
“Since this program’s inception in 2019, the Washington, D.C., module has served as the foundation for the fellowship as fellows meet for the first time and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the United States’ national security priorities,” said Nicholas Rasmussen, founder of the NSCT Fellowship and former director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) “Engaging directly with top intelligence and policy officials and other distinguished thought leaders provides fellows with insight and perspective on how the United States approaches global security.”
During the week, the cohort met with the McCain Institute’s Dr. Evelyn Farkas and top security leaders in the United States including former Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and former White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough. The group was also privileged to meet with other leaders with significant national security experience to include Lisa Monaco (former deputy attorney general and former homeland security and CT adviser to President Obama), Matt Olsen (former assistant attorney general for national security and former director of NCTC), and Christine Abizaid (former NCTC director under President Biden).
“The threat landscape is quickly taking new form, propelled by shifting structural forces and an expansive constellation of malign actors. We will not find durable solutions on autopilot,” said NSCT Fellow Austin Doctor. “I am grateful for the opportunities that the McCain Institute NSCT Fellowship provides to learn from mission-driven leaders across the FVEYs, to reinforce our commitments, and to prepare for our shared national security challenges.”
The 2025 cohort also met with currently serving senior officials at the State Department and Central Intelligence Agency, as well as a group of journalists who cover national security and intelligence. Fellows also laid a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of Senator John McCain.
The cohort will next convene for a full week of programming in Canberra and Wellington in summer 2025 and in London in winter 2025.
Learn more about the National Security & Counterterrorism Fellowship 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.