Call for applicants: Middle East Policy Future Leaders Symposium

WASHINGTON, DC – The Brookings Institution’s Center for Middle East Policy and Brandeis University’s Crown Center for Middle East Studies invite applicants for their inaugural future leaders symposium for policy professionals working on the Middle East.

The symposium is aimed at 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 decisionmaking are especially encouraged to apply; both U.S. government and non-U.S. government professionals are welcome.

Participants will have the opportunity to develop their expertise and engagement with Middle East policy topics as they earn from and engage with top experts and build their professional network with other rising policy professionals.

Beginning in November, the symposium will gather at Brookings in Washington, DC 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.

Applications will be accepted through 5:00pm ET on September 20, 2021. Submissions should be emailed to Kevin Huggard at [email protected] with “Symposium Application” and the applicant’s name in the subject line. Applications should include the following:

• Current resume
• 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.

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. Pursuant to current Brookings guidelines, all visitors to Brookings must submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Participation in the symposium does not constitute employment with Brookings.