2026 National Security & Counterterrorism Fellows at the Australian War Memorial
WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2026) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) recently convened its 2026 National Security & Counterterrorism Fellowship (NSCT) cohort in Australia and New Zealand to meet with leaders in intelligence, security, and counterterrorism operations. The week of programming in Australia was designed and delivered in partnership with the National Security College of the Australian National University.
The visit began in Canberra, Australia, and featured expert-led discussions on community preparedness, regional extremism, Australia’s counterterrorism architecture, gulf security, law enforcement, foreign interference, and rebuilding public trust. The cohort met with leaders in security academia from the Australian National University National Security College, officials from the Office of National Intelligence (ONI), the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), Diplomats, subject experts, and leading policymakers. The trip ended in Wellington, New Zealand, with a visit to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
“Establishing a network of rising defense leaders across the Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence alliance is critical to preparing for the security threats of today and the future. Our 2026 cohort of NSCT fellows will benefit from this week of deeply substantive programmatic engagement across the Australian and New Zealand national security sector long after the trip concludes,” said Nicholas Rasmussen, founder of the McCain Institute’s NSCT Fellowship and former director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). “Thanks to our partners at The Australian National University’s National Security College, the experts who spoke to the fellows, and the program’s growing alumni network.”
The 2026 NSCT fellows participated in the Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial and Museum. The museum closes daily at 4:30 AEDT to honor and remember an Australian soldier who gave their life to service.
The 2026 cohort of NSCT fellows consists of 17 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, 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.
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
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.