Public Affairs Section
2010 Study of the United States Institute on U.S. National Security Policymaking
We are pleased to invite applications for the Study of the United States Institute on U.S. National Security Policymaking to take place over the course of six weeks beginning in early January 2010.
The Study of the United Institute is a six-week rigorous post- graduate-level academic seminar with integrated study tours which will provide a group of 18 scholars and professionals an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the foundations of U.S. national security policy and current threats facing the United States. The host institution for this program will be the University of Delaware. The program will begin in early January and end in late February 2010.
Program Description
The institute focuses on the formulation of U.S. foreign and national security policy and the role of the federal government, think-tanks, media, and public opinion in shaping that policy. The program will examine specific security issues such as energy policy, economic stability, cyber-security, chemical and biological weapons, nuclear weapons, and infectious diseases. The program will also focus on regional security concerns in Africa, Europe, South Asia, the Western Hemisphere, East Asia, and the Middle East. Finally, the program will cover the fight against terrorism, the impact of globalization, and U.S. global leadership. The program will be supplemented by a simulation exercise, a group project, and a study tour.
Candidate Description and Qualifications
Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50, highly-motivated and experienced national security, university-level faculty or other professionals from institutions of higher education, or national security policymaking institutions, including national military academies, government ministries, and think-tanks. The ideal candidate will be a specialist in international relations or a related field. While the educational level of participants will likely vary, most should have graduate degrees and have substantial knowledge of foreign affairs.
The ideal candidate will also be an experienced professional with little or no prior experience in the United States, whose home institution is seeking to introduce aspects of U.S. studies into its curricula, to develop new courses in the subject of the institute, to enhance and update existing courses on the United States, or to offer specialized seminars/workshops for professionals in U.S. studies areas related to the program theme. While the nominee's scholarly and professional credentials are an important consideration, an equally important factor is how participation in the institute will enhance course offerings in U.S. studies at the nominee's home institution. Candidates should be willing and able to participate fully in an intensive post-graduate level academic program and study tour.
It is imperative that all candidates demonstrate English language fluency. Institutes are rigorous and demanding programs; participants will be expected to handle substantial reading assignments in English and to be full and active participants in all seminar and panel discussions. English fluency is vital to a successful experience in the institute, both for your participant and participants from other countries.
Program Funding
The program will cover all participant costs, including: program administration, international travel, domestic travel and ground transportation, books, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances, housing, and subsistence.
Housing and Meal Arrangements
Typically, participants will have a private room with a shared bathroom during the residency portion (four weeks) of the institute, and will have to share a hotel room during the study tour (up to two weeks). Housing will usually be in college or university owned housing. Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own. Full details will be provided once the grant has been approved.
Health Benefits
All participants will receive the Department of State's coverage of $50,000 with a $25 deductible for the duration of the program. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
Program Requirements and Restrictions
Participants are expected to participate fully in the program. They are expected to attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assigned readings. Family members and/or friends cannot accompany participants on any part of the program. Please note that teaching methodology and pedagogical methods will not be addressed formally in the institute. The institute is very intensive and there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program. The institute should not be viewed as a research program.
Applications Process
Application form for the 2010 Study of the United States Institute on U.S. National Security Policymaking (PDF - 15 kB)
Applications should be submitted no later than 12:00 (noon) on Monday, October 19, 2010 to the Embassy of the United States, Cultural and Exchanges Assistant Mirka McIntire, e-mail: mcintiremh@state.gov
Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update or develop courses and/or educational materials with a U.S. studies focus or component, who have limited experience in the United States, and who have special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.