2025 National Security & Counterterrorism Fellows meeting with The Hon. Pat Conroy MP in Canberra, Australia
The McCain Institute at Arizona State University’s (ASU) 2025 National Security & Counterterrorism Fellowship (NSCT) cohort concluded its second of three modules in Australia and New Zealand last week. The eight-day module was designed and executed in close partnership with the Australian National University’s National Security College (NSC). As part of the week’s activities, the cohort discussed Australia’s strategic security priorities with officials in Canberra and Sydney from Australia’s Office of National Intelligence (ONI), the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), Australian Ministers, and educators from the Australian University’s National Security College.
The trip concluded in Wellington where fellows met with New Zealand security officials, including those in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, New Zealand Police, the Government Communication Security Bureau, Victoria University’s Centre for Strategic Studies, the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Center, and the Christchurch Call Foundation.
“The ability to connect these young national security professionals with experiences throughout Australia and New Zealand that will redefine their careers—which in turn helps strengthen the Five Eyes alliance—sets our National Security and Counterterrorism Fellowship apart,” said Nicholas Rasmussen, founder of the McCain Institute’s NSCT Fellowship and former director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). “We thank our partners at The Australian National University’s National Security College for continuing to help make this module possible.”
During the trip, the cohort engaged in visits to the Australian War Memorial and Goulburn Correctional Centre, a security tour of the Sydney Opera House, a traditional Māori welcome ceremony known as Mihi Whakatau – an honor afforded to select visitors – and meetings with local community and religious leaders to better understand the cultural landscape of the region.
The 2025 cohort of NSCT fellows consists of 16 young leaders who hail from the countries that comprise the Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence alliance: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The year-long fellowship includes visits to Washington D.C., Australia and New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to meet with top security experts to enhance understanding of the Five Eyes’ security priorities.
Learn more about the National Security & Counterterrorism Fellowship, conducted in partnership with The Australian University’s National Security College here.