ASU launches nonpartisan Institute of Politics to inspire future public service leaders
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Former Republican presidential nominee and Arizona native Barry Goldwater once wrote, "We have forgotten that a society progresses only to the extent that it produces leaders that are capable of guiding and inspiring progress. And we cannot develop such leaders unless our standards of education are geared to excellence instead of mediocrity.”
Embracing Goldwater's call for academic excellence, Arizona State University has launched the ASU Institute of Politics, a nonpartisan initiative designed to empower ASU students with the skills, networks and experiences necessary to excel in leadership roles in public service.
The institute, an initiative of the Office of the Executive Vice President and University Provost, will be led by a native Arizonan, Ambassador Jeff Flake, as its founding director.
A former U.S. senator, U.S. congressman and U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Flake brings a wealth of experience and a rich network of public policy and political experts to ASU. During his tenure as ambassador, Flake played a pivotal role in securing Sweden’s accession to NATO — a contribution that earned him knighthood from the king of Sweden last month.
“I am honored to join ASU at this critical time in our nation’s political evolution,” Flake said. “The ASU Institute of Politics will serve as a bridge between the world-class academics at ASU and real-world public service, preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate and strengthen our democracy.”
In 2019, Flake served as a resident fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics.
“Access to politicians, elected officials, Cabinet members, journalists and policymakers should not be the privilege of Ivy League institutions alone,” he said. “ASU is one of the most forward-looking universities in the world, and its students have the resources and education needed to be future public leaders. The ASU Institute of Politics will enrich their education with mentoring, internships and exposure to some of the most consequential political minds in the United States.”
At the heart of the ASU Institute of Politics is a commitment to nonpartisan engagement. Students from all academic backgrounds — both on campus and online — will have access to a range of programs designed to provide direct exposure to Washington, D.C., politics, public policy and public service.
The institute will host expert speakers — including elected officials, political appointees, business executives and journalists — and offer one-on-one career mentoring from accomplished public servants. Additionally, high-value internships with government offices and hands-on civic engagement opportunities with political campaigns will further prepare ASU students for the challenges of modern governance.
A highlight of the institute’s inaugural offerings is the Dialogues for Democracy forum — a dynamic speaker series co-sponsored by ASU’s Center for Free Speech. The series will feature top political strategists and thought leaders, with many events hosted by David Axelrod, political consultant, analyst and former White House advisor. Axelrod, who was influential in founding the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics, joined ASU this spring to advance the work of the Center for Free Speech and help launch the ASU Institute of Politics.
The series kicks off on Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Mullett Arena as ASU hosts investor and entrepreneur Mark Cuban, who will join Flake in a discussion about public-private partnerships in entrepreneurship.
Dialogues for Democracy will continue throughout the spring 2025 semester, featuring special guests such as pollsters John Anzalone and Tony Fabrizio; President Michael M. Crow; former ACLU President Nadine Strossen; economist Larry H. Summers; former diplomat Susan Rice; and NBA champion head coach Steve Kerr. An upcoming event with former national security advisor Robert O’Brien, hosted by Flake, is also in the works. These events are designed to spark critical conversations and offer students unique insights into the intersection of politics, public policy and civic engagement.
Nancy Gonzales, executive vice president and university provost, emphasized the transformative potential of the ASU Institute of Politics.
“Our goal is to create a community of students, scholars and practitioners where constructive dialogue is encouraged and freedom of speech is advanced,” Gonzales said. “By providing our students with unprecedented access to influential networks and real-world experiences, and by encouraging them to think critically about the wide range of political perspectives that influence our nation, we are investing in the future of our democracy.”
Looking ahead to the fall 2025 semester, the ASU Institute of Politics will launch its fellows program, bringing in a cohort of distinguished public servants as residents on campus. This initiative will offer students unique mentorship opportunities, further bridging the gap between the study of politics and practical experience in public service and governance.
For more information on programs, events and opportunities with the ASU Institute of Politics, visit iop.asu.edu.
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