2024 Summer Program

The John Quincy Adams Society will host its combined summer program in the Washington, D.C. area this July 16-19. Hear from top experts on the big questions that will shape the future of U.S. foreign policy. Connect with professionals who can share lessons on breaking into international affairs careers. Dive into many facets grand strategy in small seminars led by the rising stars of the national security firmament. Build practical skills in war games and crisis simulations. This is your chance to learn, grow, and connect – and to prepare yourself to make change in the world of U.S. foreign policy.

Learn more and apply below.

You are eligible to apply for the program if you are a student at a U.S. university or are in the first two years of your U.S. foreign policy career. People already involved with the John Quincy Adams Society will have priority.

If you aren’t in Washington, we can provide hotel and travel for most participants. There are no fees to participate in either of these programs. Meals are included.

You can view photos from a previous summer conference here.

The program has two interlocking elements: the Morgenthau Grand Strategy Seminar and the Foreign Policy Leadership Development Program.

The Morgenthau Grand Strategy Seminar is an intensive seminar series led by the Notre Dame International Security Center (NDISC)’s Hans J. Morgenthau Fellows, a cohort of rising grand strategy scholars. Choose your path through a wide selection of topics within grand strategy, dig into pre-readings that set the stage, and engage in a rich dialogue with peers who share your interest in thinking big about the future of American foreign policy. This program, held in conjunction with NDISC, is in its fourth year.

The Foreign Policy Leadership Development Program gives you the opportunity to learn from the minds reshaping today’s debates about U.S. foreign policy. You’ll network with professionals from a diverse, cross-partisan array of Washington institutions. You’ll take part in interactive learning activities like crisis simulations. And you’ll meet peers from around the country who share your interests and your desire for a smarter U.S. foreign policy. This program, conducted exclusively by the John Quincy Adams Society, is in its seventh year.

We will announce speakers soon.

Preliminary Schedule

Day 1: Tuesday, July 16
Arrive and check-in in Washington. Dinner and opening discussions with experts from the Notre Dame International Security Center.

Day 2: Wednesday, July 17
Grand strategy seminars with the Hans J. Morgenthau Fellows. Keynote from a well-known expert.

Day 3: Thursday, July 18
Grand strategy seminars with the Hans J. Morgenthau Fellows. Networking event with DC-area national security professionals.

Day 4: Friday, July 19
Wargames, crisis simulations, and expert panels. Closing session. Checkout and departure.

Application

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis; apply as soon as you can. We will not accept new applications after May 7. We may ask to schedule an interview with you.

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