The Cato Institute invites Congressional staff to apply for the 2026 Congressional Fellowship in U.S.–China Policy, a nine-week professional development program designed to deepen understanding of great-power competition, U.S.–China relations, and principles of realism and restraint in foreign policy.

Open to staffers from any party or ideological background, the fellowship provides a unique opportunity to explore U.S.–China policy through in-depth discussions with leading experts, guided readings, and collegial, off-the-record conversations.

About the Fellowship

Participants will examine critical themes shaping U.S. strategy and China’s global roles, including:

• Grand strategy and U.S. military posture

• Regional competition and China’s activities abroad

• Chinese foreign policy and its strategic logic

• U.S.–China trade and economic relations

• Industrial policy, maritime security, and global economic trends

Weekly sessions will combine lectures, discussions, and networking opportunities. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

Key Details

• Duration: January 8 – March 5, 2026

• Session Time: Thursdays, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

  • Opening reception: January 8, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

  • Closing reception: March 5

• Location: Capitol Hill–adjacent restaurant

• Commitment: Participants must attend at least six of the nine sessions.

How to Apply

Interested Congressional staffers are encouraged to submit a statement of interest by:

Deadline: Friday, December 12

Preference will be given to early submissions.

For more information click here

Schedule Overview

January 8, 2026 – Opening Reception & A Realist Approach to Grand Strategy
January 15 – Regional Competition: China in the Middle East
January 22 – Global Force Posture for Great Power Competition
January 29 – Action–Reaction: Chinese Foreign Policy
February 5 – The China Shock Demystified
February 12 – China’s Economic Headwinds & the Future of U.S.–China Trade
February 19 – Strategic Vulnerability: The State of the U.S. Maritime Industry
February 26 – Industrial Policy
March 5 – Closing Reception

About Cato’s Defense and Foreign Policy Approach

Cato’s foreign policy emphasizes realism, restraint, and the belief that the United States—protected by geography, wealth, and alliances—is secure enough to avoid military overreach. The Institute advocates for engagement, free trade, and cooperation without global military dominance, drawing on a tradition stretching from George Washington to George Kennan.