Project

Foreign Policy Futures

A mentorship program for emerging professionals seeking to accelerate their careers in foreign policy.

2026/2027 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

About the Project

The Reimagining U.S. Grand Strategy Program strengthens U.S. foreign policy by testing assumptions, reassessing conventional wisdom, and exploring innovative approaches to international engagement.

As part of its mission, the Strategy Program seeks to draw new and innovative talent into the foreign policy space, supporting the next generation of national security professionals as they embark upon their careers. The Foreign Policy Futures program offers mentorship, research advice, and networking opportunities to students and early career professionals, all with the support of the Strategy Program team. This program is an ideal fit for emerging professionals seeking a structured yet flexible pathway to accelerate their careers in foreign policy.

The program will begin with an initial meeting for participants to share their backgrounds and begin developing a research question. Over the course of the program, participants will explore this research question, refine their work with members of the Strategy Program team, and participate in numerous career and leadership development activities.

At the conclusion of the program, participants will give a presentation on their research and contribute to a collaborative publication highlighting their findings. 

*All regular meetings for the program will be held virtually.

Research & Writing

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Recent Publications

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Sub-Projects

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Mentorship Program Details

Participants will have the opportunity to: 

  • Provide research updates and solicit feedback from their peers and at our Stimson-wide open houses 
  • Participate in monthly mentorship and research check-ins with members of the Strategy Program
  • Attend the Strategy Program’s monthly open houses and private networking roundtables, which bring together foreign policy professionals to discuss a range of issues in international affairs 
  • Attend an in-person summit in Washington, D.C. to present and workshop research with FPF scholars, members of the Strategy Program, and other Stimson colleagues
  • Present final research findings in a virtual seminar and collaborate on a joint publication near the conclusion of the program
Application & Program Timeline
  • June 15 – July 15: Open application period (due Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:59PM ET)
  • July 16 – August 31: The Strategy Program evaluates submissions and interviews select applicants 
  • August 31: All applicants notified of their status by August 31 or earlier 
  • September 2026 – June 2027: FPF program duration 
  • February 2027: In-person summit in Washington, D.C. 
  • June 2027: Virtual presentation and final product submission 

FPF scholars are expected to meet the following requirements over the duration of the program: 

  • Conduct individual research throughout the program period, providing periodic updates on progress to team members of the Strategy Program 
  • Attend and participate in virtual meetings throughout the program, totaling between 1 and 4 hours per month. These meetings include: 
    • At least six (of nine total) networking roundtables hosted by the Strategy Program 
        • Fourth Thursday of the month from 11AM to noon EST 
    • At least six (of nine total) open houses hosted by the Strategy Program 
        • Second Monday of the month from 11AM to noon EST 
    • Monthly one-hour meetings with all FPF scholars to share research updates and engage in professional development activities 
    • Monthly check-ins with assigned mentors 
  • Attend in-person summit hosted by the Strategy Program 
    • February; precise date TBD 
    • Travel and lodging expenses will be paid by the Strategy Program 
  • Present research and submit final product at end of program 

Only applications adhering to the following criteria will be considered for the program: 

  •  Candidates must be undergraduate or graduate students, recent graduates, or young professionals with five years or less of professional foreign policy research/writing experience  
  • Non-U.S. citizens or residents are encouraged to apply (those working for a foreign government are ineligible)   

Transparency, independence, and novel thinking are among some of our most important values, informing both the work that we do and how we do it. We strive to attract and cultivate the next generation of foreign policy experts and analysts. Stimson’s team represents the broadest cross section of backgrounds and views. This rich tapestry of expert perspectives gives the Center its competitive edge and facilitates innovative thinking and impact.

For questions about the program, please e-mail [email protected].

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