Regional and global approach:
To adapt and meet the needs of a complex and ever-changing global environment, the McCain Institute will identify a global thematic area, as well as technical focus areas for each region, and recruit participants working on relevant issues. Throughout the 12-month program, leaders will participate in regional and global programming with the goal of connecting with a highly relevant and targeted group of professional peers in their region, as well as a broader and more inclusive network.
Global Theme 2025: Advancing Democracy and Human Rights
The McCain Institute recognizes the complex and ever-changing global landscape of great power competition, the spread of authoritarianism, threats to democracy, human rights abuses, and the growing challenges to the health of our planet caused by climate change. He also recognizes that the year 2025 will bring unprecedented changes and challenges to the global community due to recent and upcoming elections around the world, as well as conflicts occurring in many regions. The McCain Institute will seek to identify a diverse group of leaders working to advance democracy and human rights in their home countries through a range of professions and projects. Regional Themes 2025
Western Hemisphere: Protecting the Human Rights of Migrants
The Western Hemisphere will bring together those working to reduce the push factors for migration, as well as those working on frontline policies and efforts related to migration flows in the Western Hemisphere. The regional theme focuses on policies and efforts that can be made to humanize the migration process and reduce risk factors related to the safety, health, and well-being of migrants.
Europe and Eurasia: Countering the Spread of Authoritarianism
Democratic resistance and Russian interference continue to sow instability across Europe and Eurasia. The regional group will focus on internal and external threats to democracy stemming from disinformation, the erosion of state sovereignty, and the rise of nationalism and extremism. It will also focus on proactive solutions to these threats and expose the group to broader networks that can help advance democracy and human rights across the region.
Africa and the Middle East: Building the Foundation for Conflict Resolution
Conflicts continue to plague the Africa and Middle East region, and new leaders are called upon to identify solutions to resolve them. The regional group will examine the drivers of conflict, the humanitarian consequences, and steps that can be taken to pave the way for resolution and reconciliation. The group will draw on regional case studies and build a network of experts across Africa and the Middle East with the aim of building a foundation that can support participants in their work on conflict resolution.
Asia and Oceania: Managing Great Power Competition in the Asia-Pacific
China and the United States continue to compete for economic and security interests across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The regional group focuses on the various threats to economic and political stability that persist across the region, and how the promotion of democracy and human rights can counter the instability created by competition between great powers. This will be done through a case study of a country in the region and by building a network of support across the region.
Following in the footsteps of the legacy of Senator John McCain, who was at the forefront of defending and defending democracy, freedom and human rights, the leaders will embark on a journey that will equip them with the tools to be champions of democracy in their countries and their region.
Global Leaders Link:
Leaders are selected through an open and competitive recruitment process. There are up to 25 leaders per year group divided into 4 regional groups. Although there is no minimum age, leaders are generally between 25 and 45 years old. Leaders should have a strong history of serving a cause greater than their own, as well as direct work experience on the global issue of democracy protection and their respective regional issue. The McCain Institute emphasizes diversity in the form of gender, ethnicity, disability, political perspective, economic background, and education. Go to: https://asu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_23qiYAYk2pFdPEO for more information and to apply.