June 2025 Newsletter
McCain Institute Announces the 2025 McCain Global Leaders
The McCain Global Leaders Program named 22 professionals from 19 countries to its 2025 cohort. These accomplished professionals will join a 12-month fellowship to promote democracy and develop the next generation of character-driven leaders leaders inspired by Senator John McCain.
McCain Institute Leads Bipartisan Delegation to Ukraine
The delegation of congressional staffers visited Kyiv, Bucha, Kharkiv, and Dnipro to see firsthand the conditions in Ukraine. Read more.
Applications Open for the 2026 National Security & Counterterrorism Fellowship
The NSCT program creates a network of national security and intelligence experts across the Five Eyes partner nations to tackle global security challenges. Read more.
McCain Global Leaders Conclude Fellowship with Legacy Experience in Vietnam
The 2024 MGL cohort finished its fellowship with a visit to Vietnam to commemorate the 30th anniversary of normalized U.S.-Vietnam relations. Read more.
Marking 10 Years of U.S. Hostage Recovery Efforts
The McCain Institute and the Foley Foundation co-hosted an event commemorating 10 years since the issuance of Presidential Policy Directive 30. Read more.
McCain Institute Remembers FedEx Founder and Executive Chairman Frederick W. Smith
The McCain Institute honored the legacy of Senator McCain’s personal friend, Fred Smith, and expressed gratutide for his years of support. Read more.
OP-ED: Dispelling Russia’s Myths About Ukraine
McCain Institute’s Laura Thornton shared ground level insights from the McCain Institute-led delegation to Ukraine. Read more.
Six Months of Arbitrary Detention: A Call for the Immediate Release of Jesús Armas
The McCain Institute called for Armas’ immediate release and condemned the criminalization of opposition and human rights defenders in Venezuela. Read more.
Blog: U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts Leave Space for Chinese Influence in the South China Sea
McCain Institute's Sammy Dolin wrote a blog exploring how the halting of billions in foreign aid impacts the U.S.’ Southeast Asian allies. Read more.
Blog: Takeaways from USCIRF Hearing on Religious Freedom in Nigeria
McCain Institute’s Sarah Reyes offered a personal take on key U.S. priorities for protecting religious liberty in Nigeria. Read more.
June 2025
Media
Vietnam News highlighted Senator McCain’s legacy in Vietnam on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between the U.S. and Vietnam.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined three panel discussions at the 2025 GLOBSEC Forum—including one on a post-Putin Russia alongside Vladimir Kara-Murza.
The McCain Institute strongly condemned the targeted attack against lawmakers in Minnesota and reflected on the words of Senator John McCain.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined C-SPAN’s Washington Journal to discuss the United States’ role in Ukraine-Russia peace efforts.
In The New York Times, Dr. Evelyn Farkas explained the significance of the Ukrainian drone strike inside Russia.
On Flag Day, the McCain Institute celebrated our flag’s succinct association with American values of freedom and prosperity.
The McCain Institute celebrated Juneteenth as a critical day for American freedom.
Admiral Harry Harris spoke with McCain Global Leaders alumni about developing skills to analyze and confront global threats.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas appeared on Arizona Horizon to discuss the impacts of the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear sites and the proposed Israel-Iran ceasefire agreement.
This month marks two decades since Senator McCain delivered his powerful commencement speech at Northwestern University. His remarks underscored that defending human rights is not only central to America’s identity but essential to its global leadership.
On the 81st anniversary of D-Day, the McCain Institute honored the heroes who risked their lives on the beaches of Normandy.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined the GLOBSEC podcast to discuss the broader impacts of Russia’s aggression on Ukraine and how Senator McCain would react to Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty.
In an interview with Radio Free Europe, Dr. Evelyn Farkas discussed Israel’s targeting of nuclear sites in Iran.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined CNN News Central to discuss U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict.
In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Dr. Evelyn Farkas explained why it’s in Iran’s best interest to negotiate an end to the current situation.
On the 38th anniversary of the UN Convention Against Torture, the McCain Institute reflected on Senator McCain’s unwavering advocacy to end the use of torture.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined Wolf Blitzer on CNN to to discuss the possibility of additional U.S. weapon support for Ukraine.
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!
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.