June 2026 Newsletter
Belarusian Democracy Activist Maria Kalesnikava Joins the McCain Institute as Kissinger Fellow
The McCain Institute welcomes Maria Kalesnikava — Belarusian flutist, former political prisoner, and courageous advocate for democracy and freedom in Belarus — as its 2026-2027 Kissinger Fellow.
June Highlights
McCain Institute Hosts Senator Coons, Religious Freedom Experts for Discussion in U.S. Senate
The McCain Institute hosted an event in the U.S. Senate on June 9 highlighting its report, “The State of Religious Freedom Worldwide: An Inside Look at the Axis of Upheaval’s Religious Persecution and How the U.S. Can Counteract It.” U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) gave opening remarks. Read more here.
McCain Institute Media Roundup: Resistance Rising Against Repressive Regimes
McCain Institute Media Roundup: Resistance Rising Against Repressive Regimes From Armenia’s parliamentary election dealing a blow to Moscow’s sphere of influence, to new developments in the Iran war pressuring Iran to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined several news programs last week to discuss the latest moves putting authoritarians on defense Read more.
Nine Ukrainian Leaders Selected for Inaugural McCain Institute Fellowship
The McCain Institute is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of its McCain Global Leaders Ukraine fellowship—nine indivduals focused on the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine Meet them here.
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.
Blog: How AI is Threatening Our Democracy
In a new blog, 2026 American Democracy and Technology Fellow Hannah Becker outlines the threat artificial intelligence may pose to democracy. Read more.
Changemaker Spotlight: Gor Badalyan on Critical Thinking, Civic Engagement, and Youth Leadership in Armenia
He currently serves as CEO of Ayn Rand Center Armenia and a civil society activist focused on expanding critical thinking, public discourse, and youth leadership opportunities. Read more about Gor’s work, reflections on the McCain Global Leaders program, and the impact he’s making here.
McCain Institute Announces Amy O’Neill Richard as New Senior Director for Human Rights and Freedom
The McCain Institute welcomes Amy O’Neill Richard as its new Senior Director for the Human Rights & Freedom program. Learn more about Amy and her 30 years of advancing human rights and combating trafficking in persons here.
June Media
"I predict that [Russia] will lose the war in Ukraine," said McCain Institute's Dr. Evelyn Farkas on Morning Joe, where she discussed the latest on the Middle East, Russia's waning sphere of influence, and her op-ed on Armenia's election.
"There is a crying need for a new America to lead the world into this next half century, to harness all that is good and productive in our citizens and to lift up all boats at home and on foreign shores," writes McCain Institute's Dr. Evelyn Farkas in the cover story for the Ripon Society's America at 250 edition.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined Bloomberg Balance of Power to talk Russia, Ukraine, Iran and this month's G7 meeting .
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined FOX10 Phoenix to discuss the U.S.-Iran deal, the importance of bipartisanship, and the McCain Institute's annual Sedona Forum.
“They are at the weakest point that they have been militarily, economically, and politically in Russia; this is the moment to put pressure,” said McCain Institute's Dr. Evelyn Farkas on Meet the Press NOW.
McCain Global Leaders Impact Fund recipient Deodat Persaud from Guyana engaged twenty-five young people from the Indigenous communities of Orealla and Siparuta in a civic leadership training program.
Program participants identified substance abuse as one of the most pressing challenges facing their villages and have decided to mobilize through a weeks-long education campaign. Read more.
"Unlike traditional political conferences, the Sedona Forum has built its reputation on fostering direct, bipartisan dialogue." Read ASU News' coverage of the 2026 Sedona Forum.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined C-SPAN's Ceasefire with Dasha Burns to discuss the latest in Iran and Ukraine.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined Bloomberg Adria to discuss European involvement in a ceasefire for the war in Ukraine.
Events:
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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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