WASHINGTON, D.C. – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University’s (ASU) 2021-22 National Security and Counterterrorism Fellows recently concluded a week of intensive programming in London.
Designed and guided by former Director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center Nick Rasmussen, the McCain Institute’s National Security & Counterterrorism (NSCT) Fellowship brings together a group of the most promising rising leaders engaged in national security and counterterrorism work from countries that comprise the Five Eyes (FVEY) security partnership: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. The program invests in young men and women of extraordinary promise who, like Senator John McCain, have demonstrated values-based leadership and a commitment to national security. By linking fellows with peers and colleagues across the Five Eyes partner nations, the program creates an enduring international network of national security decision-makers.
Fellows met with senior leaders at key government agencies in London and exchanged perspectives with premier scholars and national security practitioners. Visits included the U.K.’s top government intelligence agencies – Vauxhall Cross, Thames House, Home Office, and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO). In addition, the fellows traveled to Belfast for a day trip focused on U.K. government efforts to manage the terrorism threat landscape in Northern Ireland. Finally, the fellows attended the McCain Institute’s London reception, featuring a short panel discussion with McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas and Lord Browne of Madingley, moderated by Nick Rasmussen.
Speakers throughout the week included:
- Ken McCallum, Director General of the Security Service
- Paddy McGuinness, Former UK Deputy National Security Adviser for Intelligence, Security and Resilience
- Chloe Squires, Director General for Homeland Security in the Home Office
- Greg Miller, London-Based Investigative Foreign Correspondent for The Washington Post
- Anil Kanti Neil Basu QPM, Assistant Commissioner Special Operations, Metropolitan Police Lead, National Counter Terrorism
- Jane Marriott OBE, British High Commissioner to Kenya
- Thomas Drew CMG, Director General for Defence and Intelligence at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
“The week in London provided the fellows with the invaluable opportunity to dive deep into the British national security system and better understand how it fits into the bigger Five Eyes picture,” said McCain Institute Non-Resident Senior Fellow and Creator of the NSCT Fellowship Program Nick Rasmussen. “By building ties between and among promising young national security professionals across the Five Eyes nations, we ensure a more agile national security partnership and prepare these emerging leaders for the future challenges they will no doubt face.”
“As the world becomes an increasingly dangerous place, America and our Five Eyes partners need well-prepared character-driven leaders in national security positions,” said McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas. “The intelligent, up-and-coming mid-career McCain Institute National Security & Counterterrorism Fellows I met with in London give me confidence in the future of our Five Eyes security partnership.”
The 2021-22 cohort of fellows will conclude their fellowship year with a weeklong visit to Canberra and Sydney, Australia, in August 2022.
Applications for the 2022-23 McCain Institute National Security & Counterterrorism Fellowship program will open in early June. To learn more about the fellowship program, visit the National Security & Counterterrorism page on the McCain Institute website. To nominate an up-and-coming national security leader, please email [email protected].
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
Inspired by Senator John S. McCain and his family’s legacy of public service, the McCain Institute is fighting to secure democracy and alliances, defend human rights, protect the vulnerable and advance character-driven leadership, both at home and around the world.
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.