Join us for the Cato Institute’s 2026 Congressional Fellowship in U.S. – China Policy – a nine-week fellowship for congressional staff who are interested in examining great power competition through the lens of realism and restraint. Open to Capitol Hill staff of any party or ideology, the fellowship will consist of weekly receptions and discussions featuring experts from various fields of defense, foreign policy, and trade. Through readings, lectures, and discussion, participants will have an opportunity to explore issues such as grand strategy, U.S. global military posture, U.S.-China trade, Chinese foreign policy, and more. Discussions will be collegial, nonpartisan, and off the record.

Those who are interested in participating can find more information below and are encouraged to submit a statement of interest no later than Friday, December 12. Preference will be given to early submissions, and participants must commit to attending no fewer than six of the nine sessions. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at GovAffairs@​cato.​org.

Sessions will be held on Thursday at a Capitol Hill-adjacent restaurant from 6:00–8:00 p.m. January 8 – March 5. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

Cato’s foreign and defense policies are guided by the view that the United States is relatively secure and so should engage the world, trade freely, and work with other countries on common concerns—but avoid trying to dominate it militarily. The United States should be an example of democracy and human rights, not their armed vindicator abroad. Although that view is largely absent in Washington, DC, today, it has a rich history, from George Washington to Cold War realists like George Kennan. Cato scholars aim to restore it. A principled and restrained foreign policy would keep the nation out of most foreign conflicts and be cheaper, more ethical, and less destructive of civil liberties.

* The Cato Institute’s Congressional Fellowships have been designed to conform with House and Senate ethics rules.
** Please note that still images, videos, and general descriptions of the Fellowship may be used in future promotional materials.