Planning to Win: An Analysis of US Strategy | Political Studies Policy Certificate Program

As America’s adversaries grow stronger and more assertive, Washington’s relative advantages deteriorate, and the West’s holiday from history comes to an end, the United States will need to marshal its resources more effectively to defend its people, its allies, and their ways of life. Strategy, the process by which the country’s leadership does so, is becoming more important. But the geopolitical, economic, technological, religious, and ideological shifts that are making global affairs more complex are also making strategy more difficult.

How should policymakers categorize and analyze these changes? How does the US government try to mitigate the threats posed by these shifting factors? What is the best way forward? Through advanced seminars and a policy simulation, this workshop will explore what strategy is, how Washington tries to create strategies, and how US strategy influences America’s geopolitical rivalries.

Preview of Seminars

• Is There an American Grand Strategy?
• Case Study: The Cold War
• Making and Actuating Strategy: The United States vs. the People’s Republic of China

Program Overview

The Hudson Institute Political Studies Policy Certificate Program gathers talented early career professionals for advanced study of American foreign and domestic policy and national security, led by policy experts and experienced government officials.

Successful policy solutions combine strategic vision with nuanced understanding of complex problems. To this end, each of Hudson’s policy workshops covers a distinct region or topic ranging from military strategy and technology to energy security and criminal justice reform. Through rigorous engagement with the theory and practice of strategic policy planning, the program instills certificate candidates with practical knowledge of today’s most critical policy areas. The program is fully funded and takes place Friday to Sunday of select weeks at Hudson Institute in Washington, DC.

Please note that there is a separate application and admissions process for each workshop.

Seminar Modules

Through a series of intensive, expert-led seminar modules, participants learn the intellectual tradition, historical background, and political terrain of the policy area. By participating in policy analysis and critical discussion, candidates will gain new access to the topic at hand.

Simulation

During interactive simulations, participants test their skills of negotiation, strategic planning, and crisis management under expert guidance.

Keynote Dinner

At the Keynote Dinner, a distinguished speaker gives an off-the-record talk illustrating his or her approach to effective policy planning.

Capstone Project

Candidates will showcase their newly gained policy insight by completing their choice of an op-ed or policy memo. Projects are due two weeks after the end of the program and will be assessed by a committee upon the basis of their strategic soundness, original analysis, and grasp of the policy area. The quality of this project will determine if candidates are awarded the certification.

Eligibility and Applying

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate degree holder
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more relevant areas 
• Highly competent writer and researcher

Applications require a personal statement, writing sample, and resume.

Candidates participate free of charge. You can find further information and apply here.