February 2025 Newsletter
McCain Institute Launches John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative
The newly created John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative will provide vital support to Americans, green card holders, and dissidents from other nations, who are held overseas as political prisoners or hostages by repressive regimes. The initiative was announced at a McCain Institute event featuring Russian opposition politician, Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post opinion contributor, and former political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza in conversation with Director of Press Freedom Initiatives at The Washington Post Jason Rezaian. Drawing on their own experiences, both Kara-Murza and Rezaian will serve as members of FPPI’s advisory council.
McCain Institute Statement on Third Anniversary of Russia’s War in Ukraine
We can choose to tell the truth about the war and stand up for our American values, or we can turn a blind eye to authoritarian thugs like Vladimir Putin. Read more.
McCain Institute and Justice & Care Host Global Consortium on Prosecuting Human Trafficking Summit
Experienced human trafficking prosecutors from 12 countries gathered in Rome, Italy for the three-day summit. Read more.
McCain Institute Broadens Impact in 2024
Explore our year of action, advocacy, and achievements—in the United States and around the globe. Read more.
McCain Global Leaders Travel to Kenya for Changemaker Tour
Members of the McCain Global Leaders program traveled to Nairobi, Kenya for meetings with government officials, NGOs, and community leaders. Read more.
OP-ED: Supporting Freedom and a Foreign Aid Freeze are Incompatible
McCain Institute’s Laura Thornton wrote an op-ed published by Just Security on the impact of the U.S. government’s decision to freeze foreign aid and dismantle USAID. Read more.
Carry the Banner: For the Freedom of Venezuela and Jesús Armas
McCain Global Leader Lu Argueta shined a light on fellow MGL Jesús Armas and his unjust imprisonment by the Venezuelan regime. Read more.
OP-ED: How Can the Protesters Win?
McCain Institute’s Laura Thornton explored what it will take for democratic principles to succeed in the country Georgia. Read more.
The Importance of Leadership as a National Security Professional
McCain Institute’s Victoria Maldonado shared insights on the important role leadership plays within the Five Eyes national security alliance.
Read more.
Pulling Funding Means Pulling Breathing Tubes in Ukraine
McCain Global Leader Dr. James Gough describes the practical repercussions of reductions in the global health budget.
Read more.
McCain Institute Statement on Violence Against Democratic Leaders and Protestors
We condemn the recent attacks on Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili and former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia. Read more.
“R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t” Campaign Uncovers New Patterns in Parent-Teen Conversations on Internet Safety
A study by McCain Institute’s “R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t” Campaign uncovered a critical shift in how families are approaching social media safety. Read more.
US Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day
The McCain Institute will partner with the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs for an event recognizing U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day on March 6. Read more.
February 2025
Media
On World Cancer Day, we honored the fortitude of those who have been impacted by cancer and those working to prevent, detect, and treat its various forms.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas to PBS NewsHour: Putin has telegraphed he wants to recreate the old Russian Empire and won’t stop with Ukraine.
The McCain Institute recognized the one-year anniversary of the murder of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
The launch of the John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative was highlighted in The Washington Post’s new Press Freedom Newsletter.
In Reuters, Dr. Evelyn Farkas highlighted Ukraine’s power in peace negotiations amid discussions between the U.S. and Russia.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined The Cipher Brief to discuss her biggest takeaway from the Munich Security Conference.
On MSNBC, Dr. Evelyn Farkas discussed reactions from the Munich Security Conference to the United States’ latest foreign policy decisions.
The McCain Institute explored Kenya’s unique path to democracy ahead of the McCain Global Leaders Africa Changemaker Tour.
At the 2017 Munich Security Conference, Senator McCain reminded us that our alliances are our strength, and we must work together to combat global threats by solidifying our commitment to freedom and democracy.
On NPR’s Here & Now, Dr. Evelyn Farkas spoke about a possible Ukraine-Russia peace plan.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined Bloomberg TV to discuss the need for further U.S. support for Ukraine.
At the Munich Security Conference, Dr. Evelyn Farkas spoke of Sen. McCain’s legacy of promoting the values of Western democracies.
On MSNBC, Dr. Evelyn Farkas identified Ukraine’s top priority amid talks of a Russia-Ukraine compromise.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined CNN to discuss the dangers of re-engaging with Vladimir Putin.
The McCain Institute hosted Lithuanian Ambassador Eitvydas Bajarūnas for a discussion on ways to counter Russian hybrid warfare to protect frontline democracies.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas spoke to NPR about what a possible ceasefire could mean for the security of Ukraine.
Events:
The McCain Institute
Washington Forum
The McCain Institute Washington Forum will convene global leaders, experts, and humanitarians for a daylong forum to identify solutions to the most pressing challenges impacting human and planetary health. The forum theme, “Democracy, Human Rights & Leadership in Action,” will highlight 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 will place a strong emphasis on harnessing innovation and collaboration to meet these challenges head-on.
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!
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.
