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 December 3, 2009, the Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy hosted its winter 2009 Speed Debate. Participants from CSIS, the American Enterprise Institute, the Cato Institute, and the Heritage Foundation competed in short, pointed debates in order to hone their argumentation and public speaking abilities. Issues discussed included the escalation in Afghanistan and the normalization of relations with Iran.

Above: Two debaters from CSIS deliver 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