December 2025 Newsletter
McCain Institute Welcomes Release of Maria Kalesnikava and 122 Political Prisoners in Belarus
The McCain Institute’s Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative applauds the release of Maria Kalesnikava and 122 political prisoners in Belarus on December 13, 2025.
December Highlights
McCain Institute Calls for the Release of Jesús Armas One Year After Unlawful Detention
The McCain Institute calls on Venezuela to release Jesús Armas one year after he was abducted by Nicolás Maduro’s regime for his work supporting Venezuelan opposition leader, McCain Institute Courage & Leadership Awardee, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Corina Machado. Read more.
McCain Institute Hosts Anne Applebaum for Authors & Insights Discussion on “Autocracy Inc.”
The McCain Institute hosted Anne Applebaum for a discussion on her latest book "Autocracy Inc." Read more.
New McCain Institute Report: “Fortifying Democracy in Eastern Europe”
The McCain Institute's latest report, "Fortifying Democracy in Eastern Europe,” highlights our recent workshop in Moldova to prepare civic and media representatives from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Romania to combat anti-democratic influence. Read more.
McCain Global Leaders Applications Open January 26
Save the Date: McCain Global Leaders 2026 applications open January 26, 2026. Inspired by Senator John McCain’s legacy, this program prepares today’s leaders to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Read more.
Blog: Children Behind Bars: The Plight of Juvenile Political Prisoners
In a new blog, Junior Fellow Ariane Gottlieb calls on the international community to defend the rights and safety of child political prisoners unjustly held by repressive regimes Read more.
Blog: Don’t Get Sucked into Putin’s Ukraine Corruption Propaganda
McCain Institute Global Democracy Program Coordinator Emily Couch addresses Russia’s attempt to weaponize Ukraine’s latest anti-corruption scandal to undermine Western support in a new blog. Read more.
Blog: Beyond Xinjiang: How China’s Repression Reaches Across Borders
In a new blog, McCain Institute Human Rights & Freedom Junior Fellow Salome Mamuladze outlines China’s repression of Turkic-Muslim minorities as part of the program's deeper look into religious freedom. Read more.
Blog: Strength of Character – A McCain Leadership Experience
“To get things done, you need to be of unquestionable character.” In a new blog, McCain Global Leader Ajay Krishnan reflects on his MGL Leadership Experience. Read more.
McCain Institute & Human Rights Organizations Submit Case of Abducted Ukrainian Children to UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
The McCain Institute and global partners have submitted the case of more than 20,000 abducted Ukrainian children to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Read more.
McCain Institute Congratulates Its Courage & Leadership Awardee for Receiving Nobel Peace Prize
The McCain Institute congratulates María Corina Machado, a fearless leader of Venezuela’s democratic movement, for being awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Machado was awarded the McCain Institute's Courage & Leadership Award at the 2025 Sedona Forum. Read more.
December Media
McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined Bloomberg TV to discuss the latest negotiations to end Russia's incursion on Ukraine.
McCain Institute Director of the John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative (FPPI), Pedro Pizano, appeared on The Next Word on Montgomery County Municipal Cable to discuss the role of a free press and how FPPI is working to free detained journalists around the world.
McCain Institute’s Evelyn Farkas joined BBC World News America to discuss the United States and Russia’s ongoing negotiations to end Russia's incursion on Ukraine.
Coinciding with International Human Rights Defenders Day, the McCain Institute, Freedom House, and Amnesty International hosted a virtual event recognizing the six-year anniversary of political prisoner Idris Khattak's unjust detention in Pakistan.
At the Moldova Security Forum, McCain Institute’s Laura Thornton addressed democratic resilience and civil society in Moldova and internationally on the Security Corner Podcast.
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.
We are proud to work on some of the most challenging issues of our time
We know that our work would not be possible without the generosity of people like you. We hope you will consider supporting the McCain Institute’s General Fund or one of our programs so that we can continue to serve causes greater than ourselves.
To ensure the long-term success and longevity of the McCain Institute, consider linking your own legacy with that of Senator McCain and his family through a gift that will make a lasting difference for future generations.
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.