National Security Scholars and Practitioners Program (NSSPP)

The National Security Scholars and Practitioners Program (NSSPP) is a weeklong workshop that gathers a diverse group of mid-career professionals to explore the character of contemporary war and its future.

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The application period for the fourth annual Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies’ National Security Scholars and Practitioners Program (NSSPP) is open. This program aims to gather the next cadre of leading strategic scholars and practitioners and has been credited with establishing "the schoolhouse for developing strategic thinking about the future of war.” 

 

The program will take place from Monday, June 5 to Friday, June 9, 2023 at the Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes, Vermont. Applications will be collected through 11:59pm EST on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

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The NSSPP gathers 25-30 individuals in the mid-stage of their careers for a one-week workshop on the character of contemporary warfare, with a particular view to examining implications for American strategy, force structure, and crisis decision-making.

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Participants will have the opportunity to engage with their peers, senior scholar-teachers, and distinguished guests in both the formal program and informal discussions.

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The Merrill Center will cover all associated costs, including domestic economy travel, meals, and lodging for the duration of the program. If selected, participants must commit to attending the entire week (June 5-9, 2023) and to being an active participant in workshop preparation and discussions. Participants should expect substantial readings in advance and may be asked to give short presentations.

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Applicants must have a minimum of 10 years post-undergraduate work experience in national security, international affairs, or a related field. Participants will be selected to ensure a balance among several categories: government; academia; business/private sector; and outside influencers (including think tanks, Federally Funded Research Centers, consulting firms, defense industry, and journalism). We also encourage those who have a variety of experiences or unique experience that may not fall strictly into a category above to apply.

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Applications must include:

• In a single PDF:

  • Statement of interest, which must directly address what aspects of the future war you find most compelling and how your experience and expertise inform your thinking

  • CV or resume

• One letter of recommendation, submitted by the recommender to SAISMerrillCenter@jhu.edu

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Applications and recommendations must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on Sunday, January 8, 2023 to SAISMerrillCenter@jhu.edu. Please note that the seminar is only open to US nationals.

Please contact SAISMerrillCenter@jhu.edu with all questions.