The McCain Institute is a Washington, D.C.–based nonpartisan think tank established in cooperation with Arizona State University with the stated mission to "fight for democracy, human dignity, and security for a world that is free, safe, and just for all people."[1] The Institute was formed in 2012 and is named after U.S. Senator and 2008 Republican Party presidential nominee John McCain. Based in Washington, D.C., the McCain Institute is part of Arizona State University. Its executive director is Evelyn Farkas, an American national security advisor, author, and foreign policy analyst, and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia.[2]
 | |
| Formation | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Type | International affairs think tank |
| Headquarters | 1800 I Street NW, Suite 600 |
| Location | |
Executive Director | Evelyn Farkas |
| Website | www |
Goals
editThe institute's stated goals are to provide decision recommendations for leaders, to publish relevant research, to identify and train new national security leaders, and to promote and preserve the McCain family's legacy.[3][4]
Funding
editFunding of the institute comes from a variety of individuals, foundations, and corporations, including Wal-Mart Stores, FedEx, Saudi Arabia,[5] and hedge fund owner Paul E. Singer. Some of the funders have business before Congress, but during his life McCain's representative said such actions would not affect his votes.[6]
Initiatives
editThe institute holds an annual conference, the Sedona Forum, for national and international leaders. It is held each spring in Sedona, Arizona. Previous guests have included future president Joe Biden, Ben Affleck, and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.[citation needed]
The institute sponsors a series of debates on foreign policy. The debates are followed by a private, non-attribution discussion among the debaters and the senior policymakers present. These debates have been held in multiple cities.[7]
The McCain Institute also hosts a lecture series for prominent government figures.[8]
References
edit- ^ "Mission Statement". McCain Institute. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
- ^ "Dr. Evelyn Farkas".
- ^ Baker, David (2018-10-22). "McCain Institute to launch campaign to get people more involved in politics". AZFamily. Retrieved 2020-09-02.
- ^ Kellman, Laurie (2019-08-21). "McCain's family fights to define legacy of civility, service". ABC News. Retrieved 2020-09-02.
- ^ Allison, Bill (31 March 2016). "McCain-Linked Nonprofit Received $1 Million From Saudi Arabia". Bloomberg. Bloomberg. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
- ^ Schouten, Fredreka (March 28, 2014). "High-powered interests fund McCain Institute". USA Today.
- ^ "Debate and Decision Series | McCain Institute". mccaininstitute.org. Archived from the original on 2014-07-12. Retrieved 2014-08-05.
- ^ "Leadership Voices | McCain Institute". mccaininstitute.org. Archived from the original on 2013-03-05.