The Institute for Global Affairs (IGA) at Eurasia Group is now accepting applications for the 2026 Nonresident Fellows Program, a compensated, one-year fellowship hosted under the Independent America (IA) program. This prestigious opportunity is designed for early-career scholars, journalists, analysts, and policy thinkers seeking to deepen their expertise, sharpen their communication skills, and contribute to global conversations on US foreign policy, international relations, and geopolitics.

The Independent America program, led by IGA Board President Ian Bremmer and Board Chair Zachary Karabell, focuses on understanding how U.S. statecraft can adapt to shifting global realities. Through research, writing, collaborative engagements, and public outreach, nonresident fellows will join a respected network of experts driving forward a deeper and more inclusive conversation on international affairs.

About the Fellowship 

A Unique Fellowship for Global Affairs Communicators

The 2026 Nonresident Fellowship convenes emerging thinkers with innovative perspectives on today’s complex geopolitical landscape. Designed as a one-year, compensated program, it provides a structured platform for participants to test established assumptions in foreign policy, produce meaningful public-facing work, and receive professional editorial and communications support.

Fellows work across academic disciplines and professional sectors—ranging from journalism and government service to research and policy analysis—to challenge outdated views and propose balanced, practical approaches to U.S. foreign policy. A central component of the fellowship is communication: fellows refine their ability to present sophisticated ideas to broader audiences through articles, media appearances, and creative content.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for the 2026 Nonresident Fellowship is based exclusively on criteria outlined by the Institute for Global Affairs. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Who Can Apply

• Scholars, journalists, and former government officials with extensive experience working on issues related to U.S. foreign and defense policy.
• PhD holders are welcome, but must demonstrate both strong academic expertise and the ability to communicate effectively to general, diverse, and non-specialist audiences.
• Professionals whose work centers on:
  • Political science
  • International relations and security studies
  • History
  • Economics
  • International journalism, especially related to reporting, storytelling, or analysis on foreign affairs

Preferred Experience

Applicants should have:

• A substantive background addressing global issues and foreign policy.
• Demonstrated capacity to produce opinion pieces, analytical writing, or creative outputs.
• Interest in public outreach and engagement through articles, events, podcasts, or broadcast media.

Priority Areas

Each year, IGA selects fellows based on anticipated high-priority foreign policy issues for the coming months. As a result:

• Strong candidates may not be selected if their research themes overlap with existing fellows or do not align with annual program needs.
• Scholars from historically underrepresented groups in foreign policy are strongly encouragedto apply.

Geographic Eligibility

The official information does not list nationality or residency restrictions; therefore, none are specified.

Program Details

Program Duration and Structure

• Length: One year, nonresident
• Program Host: Independent America (IA) program at the Institute for Global Affairs
• Format: Nonresident, remote-friendly, with mandatory in-person retreat
• Compensation: $4,000 stipend, delivered in two installments
  • First installment: At the beginning of the program
  • Second installment: After successful completion of 3–4 foreign policy deliverables

Core Components

Fellows will:

• Produce 3–4 deliverables, including op-eds, articles, videos, events, or other creative formats.
• Participate in monthly meetings, including writing workshops, career development sessions, and collaborative discussions.
• Receive editorial support and media relations guidance to pitch articles and secure media appearances.
• Gain access to opportunities for publications, broadcasts, and podcasts, including participation in programming like “None Of The Above” podcast.
• Attend a spring retreat, a one-day conference hosted at IGA’s office in New York City.
• Engage with a global network of peers, former fellows, and experts across IGA’s partnerships.

Past Fellow Accomplishments

Previous fellows have:

• Published in The Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, War on the Rocks, among others.
• Appeared on major media outlets such as BBC News and France 24.
• Built data sets, hosted live events, and contributed across multiple global platforms.
• Benefited from IGA’s strategic promotion across social media and professional networks.

Benefits of the Fellowship

The program provides:

• $4,000 stipend
• Editorial coaching and communications mentorship
• Media relations support for articles and broadcast opportunities
• Access to a collaborative network of experts
• Regular workshops, masterclasses, and writing sessions
• A supportive environment for pursuing projects not typically feasible in academia
• Participation in a prestigious, mission-driven policy program

Application Process

Applicants must submit their materials as a single PDF or .doc file.

Required Documents

1. Cover letter
   • Explain your interest in the mission of the Institute for Global Affairs
   • Outline your engagement with the Independent America program
2. Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
3. Two writing samples
   • Opinion pieces or commentary preferred

Submission Method

Send applications to:
info@instituteforglobalaffairs.org

Interview Timeline

• Interviews: Early December 2025

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: December 5, 2025
• Interviews: Early December 2025

Official Links

• Email for submissions: info@instituteforglobalaffairs.org
• Download the official PDF listing: (Candidates can download a PDF of this listing here.)
• Institute for Global Affairs Website: Click here for the website link.

The 2026 Nonresident Fellowship from the Institute for Global Affairs (IGA) is a competitive, compensated opportunity for emerging global affairs experts seeking to strengthen their voice in U.S. foreign policy conversations. With a robust support system, editorial mentorship, media engagement opportunities, and a strong collaborative network, this fellowship equips early-career scholars, journalists, and analysts with the tools needed to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to international policy discussions.

This fellowship stands out as a prestigious, skills-building program for individuals committed to shaping geopolitics, international relations, and US statecraft in a rapidly shifting global environment.