About the Fellowship 

Economic coercion has become a defining instrument of 21st-century statecraft — yet sanctions and tariffs, once seen as precision policy tools, increasingly resemble blunt-force “economic carpet bombing” and are applied as a policy in itself, with far-reaching humanitarian and strategic consequences. The N.E.W. Policy Fellowship brings together graduate students from Washington’s leading policy schools to reimagine these tools through mentorship, rigorous analysis, and policymaking. 

Data reveals how country-wide sanctions cause medical shortages, preventable deaths, and economic devastation among vulnerable populations, which essentially constitutes economic war crimes. Meanwhile, sanctioning nations suffer lost markets, energy crises, and accelerated de-dollarization. Instead of achieving policy goals, sanctions and tariffs have encouraged multipolarity, alternative financial systems, and energy realignments that undermine the Western interests. 

This interdisciplinary fellowship invites 15 graduate students from Johns Hopkins SAIS, Georgetown SFS, American University SIS, and George Washington University Elliott School for the Spring 2026 semester. Over four in-person sessions, fellows will probe the design, impact, and future of economic weapons — exploring how targeted measures can replace economic carpet bombing that punishes both sanctioned and sanctioning states, while strengthening authoritarian regimes that they aim to weaken and fragmenting the global economy. 

Fellowship Benefits & Tangible Outcomes 

• Direct mentorship from senior officials shaping international economic policy – representing the U.S. Departments of State, Defense, and Treasury, and leading multilateral institutions (e.g., the World Bank, IMF, or United Nations) 
• Publication of your best work 
• Network: Build lasting relationships with mentors and an exceptional peer cohort 
• Skills: Master policy writing, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement 
• Impact: Your ideas will reach decision-makers who shape America's economic statecraft 
• Research stipend of $1,000: to pursue your investigation 

Three Critical Research Tracks 

Fellows will join one of three working groups, each consisting of 5 students, aligned with core contemporary global challenges: 

1. Dollar Decoupling and Financial Fragmentation: how de-dollarization and the pursuit of financial independence reshape global economic power. 
2. Technology, Trade, and Innovation: how export controls, semiconductor bans, and tariff regimes reshape global innovation ecosystems. 
3. Energy, Oil, and Security: how energy sanctions and tariffs transform global supply chains, alliances, and security architectures. 

Program Structure 

The fellowship offers direct mentorship from distinguished practitioners representing the U.S. Departments of State, Defense, and Treasury, as well as experts from leading multilateral institutions (e.g., the World Bank, IMF, or United Nations). Each session is designed to blend intellectual debate with practical skill-building, culminating in publication and policy impact.

Eligibility

For this inaugural year, the fellowship is open to graduate students in international relations, economics, security studies, or related policy fields at Johns Hopkins SAIS, Georgetown University SFS, American University SIS, or George Washington University Elliott School. Future cohorts may include additional institutions.

• Demonstrated interest in economic statecraft, sanctions policy, or national security economics.
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Commitment to full participation throughout the Spring 2026 semester.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted by January 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM (EST).

Please email all required materials outlined below to info@rethinkingiran.com with the subject line formatted as: “The N.E.W. Application – [First Name, Last Name]”.

Applicants will be notified of fellowship decisions by January 26, 2026.

Program Duration: February – April 2026. Hosted in-person at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Please download the Application Form below and submit the following materials in your email:

1. Statement of Interest (max 400 words): Explain your specific area of curiosity related to economic weapons — including a country, sector, and policy question you wish to explore. 
2. CV / Academic Resume (1–2 pages).
3. Completed Application Form.