Fellows visit New Zealand for first time since program inception
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 19, 2024) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) convened the second module of its 2024 National Security & Counterterrorism Fellowship (NSCT) cohort in Australia and New Zealand September 1-10, 2024. The Australia week was designed and executed in collaboration with the Australian National University National Security College, a foundational partner of the NSCT Fellowship.
The 2024 cohort of NSCT fellows consists of 16 young leaders who hail from the countries that comprise the Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence alliance: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The cohort discussed Australia’s strategic security priorities with officials from Australia’s Office of National Intelligence (ONI), the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), and the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS). The weeklong trip concluded with meetings with New Zealand security officials, including those in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS), the Commissioner of New Zealand Police, and the Government Communications Security Bureau. The was the NSCT fellowship program’s first visit to New Zealand.
“These modules are not only a networking opportunity for our fellows but serve as a much larger exchange of intelligence and security priorities,” said McCain Institute Chief Program Officer Kristen Leanderson Abrams. “Our partners in Australia, and for the first time in New Zealand, are able to help these young national security professionals understand firsthand the security priorities of this region, which in turn helps strengthen the Five Eyes alliance.”
During the trip, the cohort engaged in a Ngunnawal smoking ceremony in Canberra, a wreath laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, a security tour of the Sydney Opera House, a traditional Māori welcome ceremony known as Mihi Whakatau—an honor afforded to select visitors – and meetings with local community and religious leaders to better understand the cultural landscape of the region.
“The McCain Institute NSCT Fellowship continues to inspire me as I grow into leadership roles in the national security community. I value the opportunities I have had to build relationships with my FVEY partners and learn from their unique perspectives on our shared values and interests,” said U.S. Fellow Brian Lombardo. “I’ve also really enjoyed engaging with government and private sector leaders on diverse themes such as Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) strategies and strategic competition. This has allowed me to take a broad view of our ever-evolving work.”
A visit to Goulburn Correctional Center, a supermax prison holding some of Australia’s terrorist offenders, and conversations with alumni of the fellowship who now hold senior positions afforded not only those from other Five Eyes partner nations, but even Australian fellows, deeper insight into their own national security systems. As described by one NSCT fellow from Australia, the trip helped the group “move outside our usual framework for thinking about national security. These meetings are vital to get us out of the office, test our ideas and assumptions, and challenge ourselves to be better analysts and leaders.”
The 2024 fellowship experience takes place throughout the 2024 calendar year with three week-long visits to Five Eyes capitals, including visits to Washington, D.C., Canberra, Sydney and Wellington, and London. 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.
