The Visible Hand: Positioning America to Compete | Political Studies Policy Certificate Program

Since the end of the Cold War, United States industrial policy has allowed the nation’s supply chains to stretch far overseas and its manufacturing capabilities to atrophy. The US has become dangerously dependent on its primary geopolitical competitor, the People’s Republic of China, for critical inputs to its weapons systems, batteries, and many other key technological sectors. The Chinese Communist Party has gained immense influence over the global flow of critical resources such as minerals, microchips, and pharmaceuticals. To protect the American way of life, Washington needs to reassert its industrial dominance and independence in these critical sectors, most urgently those that impact national security. This workshop will offer a history of US industrial policy, consider China’s trade policies, examine recent efforts to reinvigorate America’s industrial base and the ongoing debates around those policies, and identify best practices to harness US industrial might for the future.

Preview of Seminars

• What Is Industrial Policy?
• The Fall and Rise of the US Industrial Base
• Debating the Return of Industrial Policy

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. Workshops are led by experts at Hudson Institute and take place Thursday to Saturday of select weeks at Hudson Institute in Washington, DC. Attendance is free for those admitted.

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.

Apply by September 15 for priority admission.

Final applications are due by September 22.

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