NEXUS: Next Generation Security Exchange

The German Marshall Fund of the United States•Washington, DC

4h•Hybrid

About The Position

NEXUS: Next Generation Security Exchange is a new leadership initiative designed to train emerging security experts from Japan, the United States, and Europe. NEXUS cultivates future leaders to strengthen US-Japan bilateral ties and US-Japan-Europe trilateral cooperation. This inaugural year, the training program will select ten Master’s and PhD students from Japan, Europe, and the United States who will contribute to the strengthening of US-Japan-Europe security relations and grow into leaders and policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of regional nuclear security dynamics. The cohort will explore key dimensions of nuclear policy, including deterrence strategy, international nuclear history, nonproliferation, and alliance politics. The program, held entirely in English, includes a series of interactive webinars culminating in an in-person, immersive training in Washington, DC in mid-November 2026. It will also provide the opportunity to publish a short policy-relevant article. Selected participants will receive round-trip airfare to Washington, accommodations, and meals.

Requirements

Japanese students enrolled in an MA or PhD program in international relations, security studies, political science, or related fields at a university in Japan.
US-based Students (including non-U.S. citizens) enrolled in an MA or PhD program in international relations, security studies, political science, East Asian studies, or related fields at a university in the United States.
European students enrolled in an MA or PhD program in international relations, security studies, political science, or related fields at a university in Europe.
Age limit: 34 years old.
Be able to travel to Washington on November 8-13, 2026.
Commit to joining all the virtual sessions.

Nice To Haves

For Europe-and Japan-based participants: please include if you have previously been to Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the strengthening of US-Japan-Europe security relations.
Grow into leaders and policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of regional nuclear security dynamics.
Explore key dimensions of nuclear policy, including deterrence strategy, international nuclear history, nonproliferation, and alliance politics.
Participate in interactive webinars.
Attend an in-person, immersive training in Washington, DC.
Publish a short policy-relevant article.
Work in groups and submit a short (no more than 1,500 words) policy-relevant piece for online publication with GMF.