The 2024 Sedona Forum, held May 3 – 5, celebrated the legacy of Senator John McCain and emphasized America’s important leadership role in the world and the essential values of character and integrity. The theme of the 2024 Sedona Forum, “Securing our Insecure World,” catalyzed conversations on democracy, curbing international influences from Russia and China, AI, the Middle East, and the 2024 elections. We hosted two sitting Cabinet members – U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen – eight U.S. Senators, two Congressmen, two Governors, six prominent national journalists, including NBC News Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker who conducted interviews from the Sedona Forum with Arizona newsmakers, and more than 40 total lawmakers, policy experts, and other changemakers from across the political spectrum for the most-viewed Sedona Forum to date.
from around the world
represented among speakers
There was no other U.S. statesman who advocated for Ukraine more than Senator John McCain. In 2014, as Russia began its takeover of Crimea, Senator McCain declared, “We are all Ukrainians,” as he urged America and the world to oppose Vladimir Putin’s theft of land from a sovereign Ukraine. Senator McCain believed a free and democratic Ukraine would be a bulwark against Putin’s authoritarian regime in Russia and something that emerging states around the world could aspire to. As a senator, he rallied with protesting Ukrainians in Kyiv and constantly pressed his colleagues in Washington to support the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression economically and militarily. With Ukraine still under attack by Vladimir Putin and Russia – we are driven by Senator McCain’s desire for freedom and democracy to support Ukrainians in defense of their homeland. The people of Ukraine are standing up for a cause greater than themselves – the cause of freedom, epitomizing what it means to defend democracy.
Vladimir Putin wants to restore the old Russian empire. He cannot stand a free, democratic, prosperous Ukraine, because sooner or later, the people of Russia would want to have that kind of lifestyle as well.
The McCain Institute led a high-level expert delegation to Kyiv and Lviv for meetings with senior Ukrainian officials, thought leaders, and NGO leaders.
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.
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.
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.
Following a week-long visit to Ukraine to speak at the Kyiv Security Forum, McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas reflects on her conversations with top Ukrainian officials and sets the record straight on the war in an op-ed published by The Hill: “Ukraine is not losing; US assistance must continue.”
McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas calls on President Biden and Senate leadership to invite Ukraine into NATO to shield it from an emboldened Vladimir Putin in an op-ed published by The Hill: “To save Ukraine and avoid World War III, invite it into NATO
before Trump takes office.”
McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas moderated a panel at the Munich Security Conference, highlighting the importance of political courage and its role in shaping current global politics with U.S. Representative Mike Turner (OH-10) and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
The panelists reflected on how their shared experiences as mayors of Kyiv, Ukraine, and Dayton, Ohio, taught them the interconnectedness of community building, political courage, and democracy. The group also discussed how political courage is fundamentally derived from citizen-level public discourse, resulting in a political discourse that can culminate in democratic political action. Other topics included the situation in Ukraine, how it will affect great power competition, and the importance of continued U.S. and Western support.
There has never been a more important time to advocate for democracy, in the United States and around the world. Our program continues to bring democracy and human rights to the forefront of conversations in Washington, D.C., and protect activists around the world.
The Democracy Program at the McCain Institute stands firmly committed to protecting freedom, democracy, and the inherent rights of all individuals. Echoing this commitment, the Human Rights Defenders Program offers crucial transitional support to those advocates who face the perilous choice of fleeing their homes or continuing their vital work amidst risks due to harassment or threats of violence. This program serves as a lifeline for dedicated and courageous activists around the world. To date, the Human Rights Defenders Program has supported over 100 advocates from 59 countries.
Ukraine
India
Myanmar
Uganda
Pakistan
The McCain Institute took immediate action following the wrongful imprisonment in 2022 of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian democracy advocate and U.S. lawful permanent resident. Senator McCain and Kara-Murza had shared an intrinsic connection rooted in their shared principles of a free and fair world.
Kara-Murza was released on August 1, 2024 as part of a multilateral prisoner exchange. The McCain Institute worked closely with the Kara-Murza family and a network of other committed partners, holding several events on Capitol Hill, petitioning the White House and United Nations, raising awareness through strategic communications efforts, and awarding Kara-Murza the Courage and Leadership Award at the Institute’s Sedona Forum, which was accepted by Evgenia Kara-Murza with a powerful speech on her husband’s behalf.
The Institute now seeks to build on this work by establishing a standing program to provide similar support to others around the world who have been wrongfully detained.
There are an estimated one million people around the world being wrongfully detained by repressive regimes as political prisoners, including dozens of American citizens. These individuals include pro-democracy activists, human rights defenders, political opposition leaders, journalists, artists, hostages, and many others who are held captive because of their commitment to the principles of democracy and individual freedom. It is imperative that the United States and its allies do everything possible to continue to shine a light on these unjust imprisonments and work tirelessly for their release.
Governor Katie Hobbs has proclaimed August 25–31, 2024 as John McCain Democracy Week, recognizing Senator John McCain’s legacy on what would have been his 88th birthday on August 29, 2024, and the six-year anniversary of his death on August 25, 2018. The proclamation recognizes Senator McCain’s enduring legacy in the state of Arizona and his lifetime achievements fighting for freedom, democracy, and human rights in the United States and around the globe.
“John McCain’s bold and steadfast defense of our democracy and freedoms at home and abroad is a shining example of what it means to be an Arizonan,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “His legacy is woven into the fabric of our state’s identity, and continues to inspire Arizonans every single day. I am proud to honor him with this proclamation, and know that his impact is felt deeply by every community across the state.”
The McCain Institute demands the immediate release of Jesús Armas, a 2023 McCain Global Leader and prominent Venezuelan opposition figure, who was kidnapped by the Maduro regime on December 10, 2024. A tireless advocate for democracy and human rights, Armas has bravely stood against corruption and repression, despite immense personal risk. Learn more about his courageous efforts to restore freedom in Venezuela and how the McCain Institute is working to support his release and amplify his fight for justice.
We protect and advance individual human rights and freedom around the world by working with American policymakers and other strategic partners to spur bold action to prevent violations from occurring and to hold perpetrators accountable.
In order to assist investigations of human trafficking, the Global Consortium on Prosecuting Human Trafficking created this manual to provide guidance to law enforcement on conducting investigations in a victim-centered, trauma-informed way that is responsive to the needs of both the victim and the prosecution. Written by expert human trafficking prosecutors and international advisors, the manual provides proactive strategies on identifying victims and perpetrators, collecting evidence, interviewing victims, and more.
As part of an initial pilot phase, the manual was distributed to a handful of investigators located around the world. Surveys showed that 95% of these investigators indicated they were likely or very likely to use this information in their work.
This report is proudly endorsed by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
Trafficking victims should not be inappropriately punished for crimes they commit as a result of being trafficked.
Prosecutors have a key role to play in recommending when and how the principle of non-punishment is applied. The Global Consortium on Prosecuting Human Trafficking created this set of guiding principles to assist prosecutors in their decisions to implement the principle of non-punishment in cases of trafficking in persons.
Committed to continuing Senator McCain’s legacy of character-driven leadership, the McCain Institute empowers individuals around the world to educate others in the McCain Institute’s leadership curriculum.
In its third year, the McCain Global Leaders program has grown in both impact and recognition. The 2024 application saw 2400 individuals from 143 countries apply to join the program. 22 individuals from 21 countries were selected for the 2024 cohort which runs from June 2024 to May 2025. To date, the program has worked with 116 Leaders and 83 countries and conducted in-person programming in 8 countries.
Leaders from the 2023 Western Hemisphere Cohort gathered in Antigua and Guatemala City, Guatemala for a study tour analyzing the historic 2023 democratic movement and elections that occurred. The leaders met with the President of Congress, Nery Ramos, the Mayor of Antigua, Juan Manuel Astudias, the Office of Human Rights of the Archbishop of Guatemala, and International Justice Mission Guatemala. The Leaders also engaged in cultural learning sessions at Finca Filadelfia Coffee Farm, the National Palace, and joined the Mayor of Antigua to explore Antigua’s youth arts center and a youth robotics competition, which are part of the larger education and anti-violence initiatives for the community. The study was conducted in partnership with the International Republican Institute, Instituto Guatemalteco de Turisto, and the Office of Congresswoman Andrea Villagran (2022 McCain Global Leader).
Over the span of six interactive, virtual modules and one week of in-person modules in Annapolis, MD at the United States Naval Academy and in Washington, DC, the leaders participated in a curriculum focused on character-driven leadership. The McCain Global Leaders leadership curriculum aims to support solving the issues faced by global leaders, enabling them to sustainably embark on their impact journeys, while also equipping them with tools to work effectively. The curriculum is a holistic approach to developing leaders that work at the mindset level (leading self), the skill level (leading others), and the strategic thinking level (leading change) that will support emerging leaders in reaching their social change objectives. The curriculum allowed leaders to engage each other directly as well as parallel their own leadership journey with Senator John S. McCain.
The 2024 cohort of the McCain Global Leaders convened in-person for the first time in Annapolis, MD, and Washington, DC. The leaders met with well-respected thought leaders and practitioners in the field of defending democracy, including the U.S. National Security Council, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Rafik Mansour, Congressman Denver Riggleman, Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Mark Salter and the son of Senator John S. McCain, Jack McCain. The leaders also engaged in cultural learning sessions through their visits to the United States Naval Academy and the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership, the U.S. Capitol, the White House Press Briefing Room, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The leaders also engaged with members of the Global Advisory Council and Alumni throughout their time in the United States.
A New Effort to Connect with Alumni: The McCain Institute has launched a high impact strategy for connecting with and engaging with the 116 alumni from 73 countries who represent the Next Generation Leaders and McCain Global Leaders programs. This plan includes up to four in-person programs conducted around the world on an annual basis, extensive virtual learning and networking as well as an impact fund that serves as a catalyst to alumni projects intended to create impact in their home countries and regions.
Global Alumni Programs in 2024:
With 116 alumni and 22 active McCain Global Leaders, the McCain Institute launched its HiveBrite online community platform to connect the current cohort and alumni network. This accessible hub allows leaders to access programmatic resources, complete the McCain Leadership Curriculum, and engage with one another, while alumni can participate in discussions and stay up to date on McCain Institute events and news. HiveBrite features separate groups for the current MGL cohort, each alumni cohort year, and a collective group for all alumni since our inception in 2014. Topic specific pages, such as democracy, public health, and human rights allow leaders and alumni to collaborate on regional and global challenges.
Leadership Conversations: The McCain Institute hosted distinguished speakers for high-level discussions on leadership challenges and global issues, providing alumni with valuable insights and inspiring innovative solutions. In 2024, alumni have joined two sessions. Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney participated in a conversation on operating in today’s polarized world and the importance of maintaining your principles and values in the face of adversity. Global Advisory Council Member General H.R. McMaster discussed global security threats and leading with character during times of uncertainty.
The National Security & Counterterrorism Fellowship program brings together the brightest emerging leaders from the Five Eyes nations to build an enduring community of young national security professionals. In 2024, the fourth cohort of leaders convened for a week in Washington, D.C. to meet each other and learn from U.S. national security officials.
from Five Eyes countries in the NSCT fellowship network
for the 2025 cohort
In 2024, the fellowship achieved a major milestone with all five countries in the Five Eyes alliance fully represented in a single cohort. This diverse and talented group convened in Washington, D.C. in March for a week-long module where they engaged with senior U.S. national security leaders. Meetings including briefings from the Department of Defense, the National Counterterrorism Center, the Central Intelligence Agency, the State Department, the Department of Justice, and more. Access to senior leaders, many of whom met with the Fellows for the first time, affirmed the program’s stellar reputation in national security circles. Following the D.C. week, one Fellow remarked, “I learned a new lesson about how to be a leader in this field from every experience of the program.”
The Australia module, facilitated in partnership with the National Security College at the Australian National University, gave the 2024 cohort a 360-degree view of Australian national security priorities, from the changing counterterrorism landscape to the challenges and opportunities posed by China. On the counterterrorism front, conversations covered the whole spectrum of action – from prevention to interdiction, and even imprisonment. Leaders from the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Federal Police, the New South Wales Government, and more, outlined their organizational priorities and perspectives. Leaders also generously discussed the successes and challenges of their own careers. One of our Australian fellows remarked that he learned a great deal about his own system.
After Australia, NSCT Fellowship made its first visit to Wellington, New Zealand, a testament to the fellowship’s commitment to provide a comprehensive conversation on the priorities of the Five Eyes alliance. This addition gave fellows an exclusive opportunity to engage with the most senior leaders of organizations like the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the New Zealand police. The speakers provided unparalleled insight into New Zealand’s unique strategic priorities. The trip to New Zealand was facilitated by two former New Zealand fellows, highlighting alumni commitment to the program’s continued success.
The National Security & Counterterrorism (NSCT) Fellowship has cemented its position as a premier leadership development program for rising national security professionals across the Five Eyes nations. The 2025 application cycle attracted a remarkable pool of applicants from government, intelligence, academia, and civil society. These professionals are future leaders of global security, underscoring the program’s growing reputation as a steppingstone for those already shaping the course of international security. The NSCT Fellowship has become a top choice for those aiming to make a significant impact on their home governments and their own careers.
The fellowship’s alumni network continues to expand, as cohorts from previous years have remained closely connected. Alumni of the fellowship now feature in the development and execution of in-country programing. All alumni have expressed their desire for more opportunities to collaborate with peers, leading to plans for new online learning series and informal networking events. The NSCT Fellowship is not just about one year of learning — it’s about building an enduring, global community of leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most difficult security challenges.
For further information on the fellowship or future application cycles, please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].
The future of national security is in good hands. The NSCT Fellowship is leading the charge.
The McCain Institute’s Fellows are an exceptional group of global leaders, innovators, and changemakers dedicated to advancing democracy, human rights, and security worldwide. Through initiatives like the Kissinger Fellowship, the Institute highlights the groundbreaking work of its fellows, amplifying their ideas and fostering meaningful collaboration.
2024 Honorary Kissenger Fellow
The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), in collaboration with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, hosted a pivotal event in Tokyo with McCain Institute Honorary Kissinger Fellow and Japanese Minister for Digital Transformation Kono Taro.
The event, titled “Harnessing Opportunities and Combatting Disinformation in the Digital Economy,” featured an engaging discussion with Minister Kono and The Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin, focusing on the global challenge of disinformation and the critical need to balance data security, freedom of expression, and cross-border information sharing. Minister Kono shared his insights on Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT), a groundbreaking initiative to counter data balkanization and promote international trust in digital governance.
A panel discussion, moderated by Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s Watanabe Tsuneo, brought together Minister Kono, McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas, and Sasakawa Peace Foundation Cybersecurity Fellow Jun Osawa to explore actionable strategies for combating disinformation and strengthening democratic resilience in the digital age.
“As the digital world transforms global geopolitics, addressing data governance and combating disinformation are essential,” said Minister Kono. The McCain Institute remains committed to supporting forward-thinking leaders like Minister Kono, who are driving critical conversations on digital transformation and global security.
In 2024, the McCain Institute expanded brand visibility and strategic communications through new partnerships and exciting events. With the Sedona Forum alone, we reached 2.3 million viewers on NBC News’ Meet the Press and earned $103.8 million worth of free advertising from interviews conducted at this year’s event. The McCain Institute garnered over 3,000 media mentions, and our website saw an 242% increase in traffic since the website was redesigned in October 2021. Our social media followings and engagement rates grew substantially across all platforms. Using a robust communications strategy, we are continuing the conversations of the ideas and causes Senator John McCain dedicated his life to serving.
*Data from January – December 2024.
At the core of our strategy is constructive engagement and convening of experts. By hosting forums and events that assemble subject-matter experts, we can better promote our values through solution-oriented and substantive conversations. We continue to create in-person and virtual content that makes these in-depth conversations more accessible.
The 2024 Washington Forum theme, “Democracy, Human Rights & Leadership in Action,” highlighted 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 placed a strong emphasis on harnessing innovation and collaboration to meet these challenges head-on.
The McCain Institute hosted a series of democracy focused events hosted by the McCain Institute across the United States this fall. The series began with a launch event at the McCain Institute’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., and featured additional events in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) hosted a panel discussion at ASU’s Tempe Campus highlighting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its critical role protecting security and democracy both abroad and in the United States. The McCain Institute is an institutional partner for the upcoming NATO Public Forum 2024 taking place July 9-11 in Washington, D.C.
The McCain Institute at Arizona State University hosted, “Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day: A Discussion with Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.) & Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.),” an event to discuss the recent bipartisan, bicameral Congressional delegation (CODEL) to Normandy, and the importance of NATO ahead of the 2024 NATO summit in Washington, D.C., this July.
The Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC), together with the McCain Institute at Arizona State University and the George W. Bush Institute, hosted the 8th Tbilisi International Conference on September 2-3, 2024, in Tbilisi. The conference, titled “2024: A Pivotal Year,” featured prominent policymakers and experts from Europe and the United States.
Through this “reverse book tour,” McCain Institute leaders interview authors of important newly released books on American politics, policy, and leadership with the intention to engage the American people in a dialogue that affirms the importance of character-driven leadership and America’s role in the international community. Previous participants have included the late former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark Esper, and World Food Programme
Executive Director Cindy McCain.
