Washington, D.C.— The International Republican Institute (IRI) welcomed its new president, Daniel Twining, on September 1, 2017. A globally-recognized leader with extensive experience in policymaking, Twining most recently served as counselor at the German Marshall Fund (GMF).

“It’s truly an honor to join IRI. Its mission is invaluable in a rapidly changing world,” Twining said.  

“The past two decades have seen an unprecedented increase in the number of democracies around the world; yet more recently, we have also witnessed rising authoritarianism in countries ranging from Russia to Venezuela. These developments pose a serious threat to global security and U.S. interests.

“American leadership is indispensable to the progress of human liberty. By strengthening democracies and empowering citizens around the world, IRI is helping to build a more peaceful, prosperous world and advance the priorities of the United States. I look forward to leading the Institute as it continues to help people of all backgrounds to determine their own destinies.”

Prior to being named counselor at GMF, Twining served as director of its Asia Program and senior fellow for Asia. He served on the U.S. Secretary of State’s policy planning staff from 2007-09. In addition, Twining was a faculty instructor associated with the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, and an adjunct assistant professor at Georgetown University.

Twining was raised in Southeast Asia and Africa and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia, and a masters and a PhD in International Relations from the University of Oxford. He began his work in Washington as an intern at IRI.

IRI has worked in more than 100 countries in advancing democracy worldwide since its inception in 1983 and has a presence in nearly 80 countries. For more information, visit iri.org or follow the Institute on Twitter: @IRIGlobal. 

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