Political History and Leadership Program

This month, the Small Wars Journal featured the tour of Ukrainian frontline veterans through Arizona.

The Center for American Institutions was honored to host an event on that tour earlier in May.

Read the Small Wars Journal article here: https://smallwarsjournal.com/2026/05/15/ukrainian-veterans-bring-lessons-of-war-to-arizona/

And watch the event here: https://youtu.be/izY7beD2Zvk

We Have Fought In Ukraine When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the Ukrainian Military was unprepared. It lacked the tools, techniques, and technologies required to successfully defend...

Salih Hudayar serves as the Foreign Minister for the government-in-exile of East Turkistan.

On this episode of the "Politics and the Past: Desert Dialogues" podcast, Foreign Minister Hudayar sat down with Dr. Rob Ferguson to discuss the history of East Turkistan and the struggle of the Uygher peoples

https://open.spotify.com/episode/50MUuFm3ltVwE6PFPM20zz

East Turkestan Politics and the Past: Desert Dialogues · Episode

Insurgent candidates are challenging establishment Democrats and Republicans in primaries across the country.

What is the cause of this insurgent surge? Dr. Rob Ferguson and Jack Hinrichs break it down on the "Politics and the Past: Desert Dialogues" podcast.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hC9fdPzHmIevj0kENdDJd

The Insurgent Surge Politics and the Past: Desert Dialogues · Episode

Read the Center for American Institution's "Insights AZ" column about socialist activity in Arizona in the AZ Free Press!

https://azfreenews.com/2026/05/center-for-american-institutions-socialism-in-arizona-chinese-funded-activism-comes-to-our-state/

CENTER FOR AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS: Socialism In Arizona: Chinese Funded Activism Comes To Our State - AZ FREE NEWS By the Center for American Institutions | Behind the anti-ICE, pro-Hamas, anti-Iran war, and some No Kings protests in Arizona (and across the nation) rests the pro-Maoist Party of Socialism and Liberation. The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) is a pro-Maoist communist party funded with mill...

Dr. Zuhdi Jasser is a physician, decorated former Naval Lieutenant Commander, founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, and congressional candidate in Phoenix Arizona.

Listen to Drs. Jasser and Ferguson discuss the difference between political Islamism and the Islamic faith on the "Politics and the Past: Desert Dialogues" podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWjUTVsrFUo

Dr. Zuhdi Jasser (Video Version) Dr. Zuhdi Jasser is a physician, decorated former Naval Lieutenant Commander, founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, and congressional candidat...

CAI staff member Jack Hinrichs was featured by the ASU State Press this week.

Hinrichs discussed the importance of political involvement and civil discourse. He also discussed how the Politics and Leadership Club brings students of different politics together.

Read Jack's article by clicking on the link below:

https://www.statepress.com/article/2026/05/magazine-ignore-or-engage-protesting

Ignore or engage? - The Arizona State Press Arizona State University's independent student-run news organization covering Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa and Glendale.

The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) is a prominent leftist organization in Phoenix and Tucson.

They are a Maoist organization that is funded by individuals connected to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Read more about PSL's affiliation with the CCP and activities in Arizona in the Center for American Institution's Insights AZ Briefing.

https://cai.asu.edu/insights

Insights AZ | Center for American Institutions The Center for American Institutions examines issue confronting the state of Arizona. Our goal is to go behind the headlines to better inform the citizens of our state. Thanks, California!  Why Gas Prices in Arizona and the West Are Pushed Up by California PoliciesArizona relies heavily on Californ...

Curious why Arizona's gas prices are rising like California's?

Read the Center for American Institution's latest "Insights AZ" report, which documents how California's gas policy dictates Arizona's gas prices.

https://cai.asu.edu/insights

Insights AZ | Center for American Institutions The Center for American Institutions examines issue confronting the state of Arizona. Our goal is to go behind the headlines to better inform the citizens of our state. Thanks, California!  Why Gas Prices in Arizona and the West Are Pushed Up by California PoliciesArizona relies heavily on Californ...

The Center for American Institutions has launched a new research project titled Insights AZ, which examines issues confronting the state of Arizona. The goal of the project is to go behind the headlines to better inform the citizens of our state.

read the first two insights: "California Policy = High Gas Prices in Arizona" and "Socialism in Arizona: Chinese Funded Activism Comes to our State" at the link below

https://cai.asu.edu/insights

Insights AZ | Center for American Institutions The Center for American Institutions examines issue confronting the state of Arizona. Our goal is to go behind the headlines to better inform the citizens of our state. Thanks, California!  Why Gas Prices in Arizona and the West Are Pushed Up by California PoliciesArizona relies heavily on Californ...

Senior Lieutenant Mykola Melnyk of the Ukrainian Army has spent years fighting on the battlefields of Ukraine to protect his country from invading Russian forces.

On this episode of the “Politics and the Past: Desert Dialogues” podcast, Senior Lieutenant Melnyk joins Dr. Rob Ferguson to discuss his experiences in modern warfare.

This is the first part of a two-part conversation between Dr. Ferguson and Ukrainian soldiers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qew35TFc7cU

Center for American Institutions Part One: Lt. Melnyk Is Fighting For Ukraine