Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy

TRAINING GLOBAL LEADERS

Seven years ago, David M. Abshire and Kazuo Inamori took an important step in the development of leaders around the world. Sharing the idea that strength of character and inspired creativity are the essential characteristics of great leaders, they made a commitment to invest in training young people for careers in international leadership. This pledge became the Abshire-Inamori leadership Academy (AILA) at CSIS.

On April 14, 2009, the Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy hosted its spring 2009 Speed Debate. Participants from CSIS, the Center for American Progress, and the Heritage Foundation competed in short, pointed debates in order to hone their argumentation and public speaking abilities. Issues discussed included mandatory national service and outlawing handguns. One intern from the Heritage Foundation said the event was “great fun, and a wonderful opportunity to interact with colleagues across town.”

Above: Two debaters from CSIS contemplate their rebuttal.

Program Goals and Objectives

• Promote creativity and character as fundamental aspects of leadership
• Expand the understanding of leadership through dialogue and communication
• Provide practical training and experiential learning to aspiring leaders
• Explore the intersection of leadership and international policy