August 2026 Newsletter
Arizona Recognizes Third Annual John McCain Democracy Week
The third annual John McCain Democracy Week was recognized August 24–30 with a proclamation from Arizona’s Governor. Coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s designation honored Senator McCain’s legacy of service and the ideals that shaped the nation and guided Senator McCain throughout his life.
August Highlights
New Howard G. Buffett Foundation Grant Supports McCain Institute’s 10-Year Investment in Ukraine’s Leaders
A new $8.16 million grant from The Howard G. Buffett Foundation will help fund the McCain Ukraine Leadership Initiative, a program to support leaders building a strong, free, and democratic Ukraine. Read more here.
McCain Institute Holds Post-War Reconstruction Workshop for Ukrainian Leaders
The McCain Global Leaders Ukraine recently concluded a week-long workshop in Sarajevo to learn about Bosnia's own experience of war, reconstruction, and recovery as Ukraine faces its 12th year of resisting Russia's brutal invasion. Read more.
Upcoming Event: Authors & Insights with Susan Page
Join the McCain Institute for the next virtual installment of its book talk series on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET featuring Washington DC Bureau Chief for USA Today Susan Page, and McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas. They will discuss Ms. Page’s latest book, The Queen and Her Presidents. RSVP here.
McCain Institute Media Roundup: “The Priority is to Make Sure Russia Doesn’t Win in Ukraine”
In the context of foreign leaders visiting the White House, and remembering Senator Lindsey Graham and his commitment to Ukraine, McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas spoke with six news outlets to discuss the latest foreign policy news. Read more.
New Howard G. Buffett Foundation Grant Supports McCain Institute’s 10-Year Investment in Ukraine’s Leaders
The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) has received an $8.16 million grant from The Howard G. Buffett Foundation to fund its McCain Ukraine Leadership Initiative, a program designed to support a cross-section of Ukrainian professionals to build a strong, free, and democratic Ukraine. Read more here.
McCain Institute Media Roundup: “The Priority is to Make Sure Russia Doesn’t Win in Ukraine”
In the context of foreign leaders visiting the White House, and remembering Senator Lindsey Graham and his commitment to Ukraine, McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas spoke with six news outlets to discuss the latest foreign policy news. Read more.
McCain Institute’s Dr. Evelyn Farkas Publishes Op-Ed in The Hill Ahead of June 7 Armenia Election
In a new op-ed published in The Hill, McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas discusses the pivotal June 7 parliamentary election in Armenia and its significant implications for U.S. interests at a moment when Russia’s influence is weakening and Armenia is attempting to deepen ties with the West. Read it here.
Changemaker Spotlight: Hager Eissa on Advocacy, Resilience, and Leadership in Sudan
Hager is the co-founder of Voices of Freedom and a democracy activist, human rights advocate, and political organizer working to amplify the voices of Sudanese civilians amid ongoing conflict. Learn about her leadership journey, and her ongoing work. Read more.
Blog: Ten Years Held Hostage: The Story of Ahmadreza Djalali
In Iran, Ahmadreza Djalali has spent ten years behind bars and faces execution on fabricated charges. The John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative is advocating for Ahmadreza’s immediate release Learn more.
McCain Institute Launches McCain Global Leaders Impact Fund
The McCain Global Leaders Impact Fund will help cultivate character-driven leaders around the world by providing MGL alumni access to financial capital that will strengthen the impact and longevity of projects. Learn more.
McCain Institute’s John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative Announces Four New Advisory Board Members
The McCain Institute's Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative (FPPI) welcomes four new advisory board members: Irwin Cotler, Félix Maradiaga, Mark V. Vlasic, and Hector Schamis - as FPPI marks one year of bringing political prisoners home. Read more.
Blog: Mothers’ Call for Peace Inspires Hope and Partnership
In a new blog, McCain Institute Senior Director for Human Rights & Freedom Amy O’Neill Richard writes about a peace walk recently held in Rome by Mothers’ Call for Peace, and how it inspires hope and partnership. Read more.
Think No More: Advancing Policy Translation at the Intersection of AI, National Security, and Democratic Governance
The American Democracy Program at the McCain Institute hosted an AI workshop that brought together policymakers, defense leaders, and expert voices to examine research on the forces shaping AI and discuss ways to bridge the gap between technology and policy Read more.
Blog: Faith, Power, and the Crisis of Moral Leadership in Armenia
McCain Global Leader Gor Badalyan from Armenia outlines how character-driven leadership can make a difference for the future of Armenia. Read more.
Blog: Talk to Your Neighbor
McCain Global Leader Lt. James Eggers reflects on how a week of meaningful dialogue during the Arizona Changemaker tour reshaped his understanding of leadership, community, and the power of simply talking to your neighbor. Read more.
August Media
On CNN's Amanpour, McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas said, "If we can help Ukraine stop Russia, defeat Russia's aggressive foreign policy, and protect civilians, then we are doing something that is in our interest and consistent with our values," about increased U.S. weapons support.
In a new Wall Street Journal Op-Ed, Ukraine Celebrates Independence Day, McCain Institute Board Member Gen. (Ret.) David H. Petraeus illustrates that "Ukraine’s fight against Russian assault isn’t an isolated regional conflict but a crucial defense of the Western democratic order."
McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas will join the Arizona State University Institute of Politics as a Fall 2026 Fellow.
McCain Institute Board Member Sec. Mark Esper joined FOX News to discuss how the United States is tightening its military and economic squeeze on Iran.
"I think the short-term answer is for [the United States] to prioritize Ukraine ... if we can take Russia out as an actor, they won't be able to help Iran with intelligence or drone capabilities," said McCain Institute's Dr. Evelyn Farkas on C-SPAN Ceasefire.
McCain Institute's Nicholas Rasmussen will join a panel discussion titled, "25 Years After 9/11: NCTC Directors Assess Progress and Remaining Challenges," on September 8 at 9 a.m. Watch here.
Events:
Register for the
Sedona Forum Livestream
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!
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