The National Endowment for Democracy Invites Fellowship Applications

Program

The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program is an international exchange program that offers practitioners, scholars, and journalists from around the world the opportunity to spend five months at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), in Washington DC, in order to undertake independent research on democratic challenges worldwide. While in residence, fellows reflect on their experiences; conduct research and writing; consider best practices and lessons learned; and develop professional relationships within a global network of democracy advocates.

Support

Located within NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, the program provides a rich intellectual setting for educational exchange and professional development. The Forum also publishes the Journal of Democracy, holds conferences, and provides access to NED’s Democracy Resource Center and Library. The program offers research support and facilitates fellows’ outreach to Washington’s advocacy, media, academic, and policy communities. All fellowships include a monthly payment, health insurance, and roundtrip travel reimbursement. The program does not provide financial assistance for accompanying family or other dependents.

Participation

The program runs two five-month fellowship sessions per year, during which fellows are expected to work full time on their projects. Practitioners focus on strategies and best practices for strengthening democracy in their country of interest; scholars conduct original research for publication. Projects may address the economic, political, social, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development and include a range of methodologies and approaches. The program hosts an active calendar of events, including an introduction to NED and its partner institutions. Fellows are expected to present their work and prepare a written product during their stay.

Eligibility

The fellowship is intended primarily for individuals from developing and aspiring democracies. Distinguished scholars from the United States and other established democracies are eligible to apply. Practitioners and journalists should have substantial work experience in their fields, while scholars are expected to have a Ph.D., or academic equivalent, at the time of application. The program does not support professional training, fieldwork, or students working toward a degree, nor does it provide funding to implement projects in the field. A working knowledge of English is required for participation in the program.

Dates

Fall Session: October–February

Spring Session: March–July