![Congressional Fellowship in International Studies banner](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/optimized/public/2025-01/Congressional%20Fellowship%20in%20International%20Studies_Web%20Banner.jpg?itok=e3IWFQnI) 

**Spring 2026**

Consider joining us for the Cato Institute’s 2026 Congressional Fellowship in International Studies—a ten‐​week educational program for congressional staff who are interested in exploring the benefits of market‐​liberal policies and institutions, openness and engagement in the global economy, and a principled and restrained foreign policy. Open to staff of any party or ideology, this fellowship will consist of weekly receptions and discussions featuring some of the nation’s top subject‐​matter experts. Discussions will be collegial, nonpartisan, and off the record.

The deadline to submit a statement of interest was **Thursday, February 26**.

Preference will be given to early submissions, and participants must commit to attending no fewer than seven of the ten sessions. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [**GovAffairs@​cato.​org**](mailto:GovAffairs@cato.org).

Sessions will be held on Thursday evenings at a Capitol Hill-adjacent restaurant from **6:00–8:00 p.m. March 12 to May 14**. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

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### Schedule

#### Thursday, March 12

5:30 - 8:30 PM 

*A Grand Strategy of Restraint* (Fellowship Kickoff and Discussion)

#### Thursday, March 19

6:00 - 8:00 PM 

*Alliances in U.S. Foreign Policy*

#### Thursday, March 26

6:00 - 8:00 PM 

*Trade Policy*

#### Thursday, April 2

6:00 - 8:00 PM 

*Wars and Weapons: Congress’ Article I Powers*

#### Thursday, April 9

6:00 - 8:00 PM 

*Trends in Global Freedom*

#### Thursday, April 16

6:00 - 8:00 PM 

*U.S.-China Competition*

#### Thursday, April 23

6:00 - 8:00 PM 

*Rethinking the U.S. and the Middle East*

#### Thursday, April 30

6:00 - 8:00 PM 

*Reforming U.S. Maritime Policy*

#### Thursday, May 7

6:00 - 8:00 PM 

*From Prudence to Primacy: The Origins of U.S. Foreign Policy*

#### Thursday, May 14

6:00 - 8:00 PM 

Closing Reception with Cato scholars, staff, and program alumni

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [GovAffairs@​cato.​org](mailto:GovAffairs@cato.org).

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### [International Studies at a Glance](https://www.cato.org/international)

Cato scholars seek to promote a better understanding around the world of the benefits of market‐​liberal policies and institutions, openness and engagement in the global economy, and a principled and restrained foreign policy. Those benefits include notable improvements in human well‐​being as countries increase their levels of economic, civil, and personal freedoms. The United States should thus engage the world, trade freely, and work with other countries on common concerns, but avoid trying to dominate the globe militarily.

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*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.*