Security Studies offer fellows an intensive learning experience focused on the most difficult national security challenges the United States faces today, from a revisionist Russia to a rising China and an emboldened Iran. Each seminar will provide a practitioner’s view of national security, led by faculty who have experience forming and advising American policy.

Join us for an online seminar this Spring, or spend a week or more in Washington, DC this Summer for a residential program. Summer 2024 courses will be announced soon.

Mike Gallagher on the Future of US National Security Policy

Spring 2024

China Beyond Beijing

Study the fundamentals of the behavioral & cultural aspects of China’s government & military forces.

Past Courses

America’s Forgotten War & Confronting China Today

Study the Korean War and the lessons it offers for U.S.-China competition.

China at War: Past, Present, & Future

Examine China’s past and current use of force in the context of its strategic culture and traditions.

Russia: A Return to Rivalry

Examine U.S.-Russia relations since the end of the Cold War.

U.S. Defense Strategy & the China Challenge

Assess U.S. defense strategy to counter China’s rise.

Debating U.S.-China Strategic Competition

Explore contemporary views on U.S.-China strategic competition alongside a variety of prominent instructors.

Presidential Command & National Security Leadership

Analyze case studies to better understand presidential control over foreign policy and the meaning of executive power.

Nuclear Strategy & World Order

Explore the ways nuclear weapons have transformed the world we inhabit today.

The War in Iraq: A Study in Decision-Making

Examine key strategic decisions during one of the most dynamic confrontations of the late 20th and early 21st centuries: the U.S. and Iraq.

The Iranian Challenge

Consider the strategic options for dealing with Iran’s nuclear program.

Deadlines & Eligibility

 

Who Should Apply? Advanced undergraduates, recent graduates, and young professionals are all eligible to apply. Fellows may apply for, and participate in, multiple seminars.

Dates & Times: Online courses meet at a set date and time over Spring 2024. Summer courses meet in-person in Washington, DC for one week. See the individual course pages for full details.

Commitment: In-person courses meet for morning seminars, with afternoon guest speakers and some evening activities. Fellows are expected to attend all sessions and activities.

Housing, Stipend, & Course Materials: Our programs are provided at no charge to participants. Residential programs offer hotel or dormitory accommodations and a stipend to offset travel and living expenses. All fellows receive books and course materials.

Deadline: Apply by January 15, 2024 for our Spring programs or early decision for Summer. The final deadline for Summer programs is March 4, 2024.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

  1. A CV OR RÉSUMÉ

  2. PERSONAL STATEMENT

    Describe, in 1,000 words, or less the political questions you find most interesting, your future ambitions, and how these relate to your preferred program(s).

  3. ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPT

    Unofficial; required only for currently enrolled students & recent graduates.

  4. ACADEMIC OR PROFESSIONAL WRITING SAMPLE

    10 pages maximum; double-spaced. Please send academic writing that best showcases your ability to invent and sustain a persuasive argument, no matter the subject-matter.

  5. RECOMMENDATION LETTER & REFERENCE

    Provide the name and contact information of a professor, mentor, or supervisor. (Letter not required for nominated applicants.)

Other Courses You Might Be Interested In

Ronald Reagan: The Peacemaker

Examine how Ronald Reagan confronted the Soviet Union and won the Cold War.

Debating U.S.-China Strategic Competition

Explore contemporary views on U.S.-China strategic competition alongside a variety of prominent instructors.

Presidential Command & National Security Leadership

Analyze case studies to better understand presidential control over foreign policy and the meaning of executive power.

Nuclear Strategy & World Order

Explore the ways nuclear weapons have transformed the world we inhabit today.