McCain Institute

10/20/2026

Join us next week, on October 28 at 11 a.m. ET, for a virtual discussion with Dr. Kori Schake on her latest book, “The State and the Soldier: A History of Civil-Military Relations in the United States.”

McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas will speak with Dr. Schake about her book, which explores civilian control over the military and the relationship between government and armed forces.

Learn more and register for this event: https://www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/events/authors-insights-kori-schake/

10/19/2026

THIS WEEK - McCain Institute Chief Program Officer Ambassador Cindy Dyer (Ret.) and Senior Director for Human Rights & Freedom at the McCain Institute, Amy O'Neill Richard, will be speaking at an event, "Bankrupting the Business of Human Trafficking." Sign up to attend in person or watch virtually: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQnvsQcXmlmEjheoJt4AFfOW-JLRjFJrJj-NeJ7tmdsCfD3Q/viewform

10/19/2026

New McCain Institute polling surveyed 18-29-year-olds across Arizona ahead of the 2026 midterms, examining what Arizona’s youngest voters are thinking and what could drive them to the polls. It paints a picture of a generation that is:

- Focused on everyday issues: The cost of living, housing, health care, immigration, and water are the top priorities.

- Living the issues firsthand: 38% are stressed or in crisis with their bills; more than one in three have experienced housing instability in the past five years.

- Asking the government to act, without trusting it: They want an active government but don’t believe institutions have their best interests at heart.

- Trusting people closest to them: Family and friends are the most trusted messengers for encouraging young people to vote; elected officials rank near the bottom. Social media platforms are the main sources of news and information.

- Politically exhausted but not disengaged: Two of three say they are burned out by political conflict, but 71% believe young people can change Arizona’s direction.

Read more and the full polling findings here:

A statewide poll in Arizona conducted by SocialSphere, Inc. on behalf of the McCain Institute. The survey of 18-29-year-old Arizona residents reveals a generation demanding action on the problems closest to home while expressing deep skepticism toward the institutions charged with solving them.

10/16/2026

Following the Warsaw Security Forum, McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas issued a statement calling for the U.S. to withdraw from any diesel deal with Russia. "Such a deal won’t lower prices for Americans, but it will benefit Vladimir Putin and help fund Russia’s ongoing war against the Ukrainian people and threats against U.S. allies.” Read the full statement here: https://bit.ly/3WunuDa

McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas issued the following statement regarding recent developments between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine.

10/15/2026

After serving as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome and Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme, Amb. Cindy McCain will return to the McCain Institute Board of Trustees as co-chair after a unanimous board vote.

“It is both a profound honor and a deeply personal privilege to continue guiding the McCain Institute and carrying forward John’s extraordinary legacy,” said Amb. McCain.

Amb. Cindy McCain co-founded the McCain Institute at Arizona State University and will co-chair alongside Rick Davis. Her career reflects a commitment to advancing the values of courage, service, and leadership that define John McCain’s enduring legacy.

Read more:

Amb. Cindy McCain will return to the McCain Institute at Arizona State University’s Board of Trustees as co-chairman after a unanimous vote from the board.

10/14/2026

MGL alum Dr. Zyh Akumawah’s organization EasyHealth Cameroon, with support from the McCain Global Leaders Impact Fund, helped 100 vulnerable pregnant women and girls access life-saving maternal healthcare by removing the financial barriers to care.

The project is creating healthier futures for mothers and their children by providing universal health coverage vouchers, wellness support, and ongoing education, while demonstrating the life-changing impact of removing barriers to care. 🇨🇲

🔗 Learn more about this initiative and its impact: https://www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/blog/impact-fund-feature-zyh-akumawah-mamas-lifeline-project

10/14/2026

Armenia is at an important geopolitical and democratic crossroads.

The country has an opportunity to reduce its longstanding dependence on Russia, deepen ties with the United States and Europe, and consolidate its democratic progress. But one of the most consequential opportunities may lie next door: Armenia-Türkiye normalization and an open border could fundamentally reshape Armenia’s economic connectivity and strategic options.

Following its February pre-election mission, the McCain Institute returned to Armenia in September for a follow-up assessment of the country’s political, democratic, and security environment after the June parliamentary elections.

The assessment identifies significant opportunities for deeper Western engagement, while emphasizing that Armenia’s long-term resilience will also depend on stronger rule of law, independent institutions, greater political pluralism, meaningful engagement with young Armenians, and Western support that reaches beyond government institutions.

The goal should not be to force Armenia to choose between Russia and the West, but to expand the choices available to Armenians.

Read the full assessment:

Findings from a McCain Institute Follow-Up Assessment Visit.

10/13/2026

For 251 years, the U.S. Navy has protected the United States. Sen. McCain’s lifetime of public service began with his naval career, that spanned over two decades. His father and grandfather were both four-star admirals. In a 1993 speech to the Naval Academy’s graduating class, he said “For much of my life, the Navy was the only world I knew. It is still the world I know best and love the most.”

10/12/2026

The Indigenous people are a crucial part of American history and our nation's identity. This , we remember Senator McCain’s work for America’s indigenous people, including legislation to preserve Native American culture, protect land and water, and support tribal governance.

10/12/2026

McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas joined On the Line with Alicia Menendez to discuss possible strikes on Iran. “The only path to getting out of this war now is not the military one.”

The Atlantic reports President Trump is weighing new strikes on Iran ahead of the midterms. However, Trump said on Truth Social he will not attack before Election Day. Retired U.S. Army Lt. General Mark Hertling, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Colonel Amy McGrath and McCain Institute Executive Direct...