Call for Applicants: Middle East Policy Future Leaders Symposium
Brandeis University’s Crown Center for Middle East Studies and the Brookings Institution’s Center for Middle East Policy invite applicants for their inaugural future leaders symposium for policy professionals working on the Middle East.
Who: Middle East policy professionals with 3-8 years of Middle East-focused policy experience. Those from backgrounds not traditionally represented at the highest levels of foreign policy decision-making are especially encouraged to apply. USG and non-USG professionals are welcome.
What: Develop your expertise and engagement with Middle East policy topics. Learn from and engage with top experts like Gary Samore, Suzanne Maloney, Bruce Riedel, Natan Sachs, Eva Bellin and more. Build your professional network with other rising policy professionals.
When: Four in-depth sessions, held in November, January, March and May, plus a year-end simulation and a summer alumni gathering.
How: Applications are due by September 20, 2021. Details below.
The Future Leaders Symposium
Beginning in November, the symposium will gather every other month throughout the 2021-2022 academic year. Each session will focus on thematic and country-specific policy issues, led by expert faculty from Brookings, Brandeis, and/or associated institutions. Each session will require preparatory reading, which symposium class members should be prepared to discuss and engage. The symposium will culminate with a simulation exercise in June 2022. Symposium graduates will join a distinguished network of alumni who will be invited to an annual alumni event.
Successful applicants must be able to attend symposium sessions in Washington, D.C., and must commit to active participation, including appropriate preparation and attendance at all five sessions.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted through 5:00pm ET on September 20, 2021. Submissions should be emailed to Kevin Huggard at khuggard@brookings.edu with “Symposium Application” and the applicant’s name in the subject line. Applications should include the following:
- Current resume/CV
- Statement of interest (500 words maximum) describing how the applicant will contribute to and benefit from the symposium.
- A reference letter from a current/former supervisor and/or a senior policymaker.