The Reimagining US 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 policy space, supporting the next generation of national security professionals as they embark upon their careers. Its Foreign Policy Futures program offers mentorship, research development, 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 development activities.
At the conclusion of the program, participants will give a briefing on their research at an open house and contribute to a collaborative publication highlighting their findings.
*All meetings for the program will be held virtually
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Provide research updates and solicit feedback at our Stimson-wide open houses once a quarter
- Have monthly mentorship and research check-ins with members of the Strategy Program team
- 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
- Present on their research findings and collaborate on a joint publication near the conclusion of the program
Application & Program Timeline
- January 14 – February 17: Open application period (Applications are due by Monday, February 17, 2025)
- February 18 – March 13: The Strategy Program evaluates the submissions and interviews select applicants
- March 14: All applicants notified of their status
- April 2025 – March 2026: Program duration
Eligibility Criteria
Only submissions adhering to the following criteria will be considered for the competition:
- 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)
Stimson’s Core Values
Transparency, independence, and novel thinking, among them – inform both the work that we do and how we do it. We strive to attract and cultivate the greatest foreign policy experts and analysts available. 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 novel thinking and impact.
Contact
For questions about the program, please e-mail [email protected].