The Cato Institute seeks a foreign policy analyst and/or research fellow to join our Defense and Foreign Policy department. Cato scholars have a wide latitude to conduct research and produce writings on their areas of expertise. In the defense and foreign policy fields, Cato scholars argue for the United States to adopt a grand strategy of restraint, resist the tendency to use armed force to address foreign policy problems, seek diplomatic opportunities to advance US interests and reduce threats, and ensure all American foreign policy actions comply with the Constitution and the rule of law.

The scholars must have expertise in one or more of the following policy areas: grand strategy, US foreign policy, relevant security issues in the Middle East, Europe, and/or East Asia, US military force posture and strategy, or nuclear deterrence and arms control. Through their research and writing, the scholars would be expected to continue building Cato’s work and reputation as a premier advocate for greater restraint in US foreign policy.

Compensation is competitive and will be based on the experience and skills of the successful candidate.

This position is a hybrid role, requiring two days in the Washington, DC office. 

About Cato

The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization—a think tank—dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.

Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato’s Letters, a series of essays published in 18th- century England that presented a vision of society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution — individual liberty, limited government, and free markets – turn out to be even more powerful in today’s world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for free people, it is the indispensable framework for the future.

Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

• Write op-eds, blog posts, and social media content to support new foreign policy proposals consistent with Cato’s principles.
• Author original scholarly research on foreign policy and international security.
• Collaborate with other Cato Defense and Foreign Policy team members on joint projects.
• Speak frequently with government officials and other members of the foreign policy community to promote policy proposals.
• Make media appearances, participate in panel discussions, participate in public events, and deliver legislative testimony on relevant topics.
• Research, analyze, and synthesize complex information and evaluate implications of various policy alternatives.
• Organize policy forums and other events about relevant defense and foreign policies.

• An advanced degree (Master’s required, PhD preferred) in international studies, national security, or a related public policy field.
• A strong commitment to Cato’s values of individual freedom and limited, constitutional government.
• A strong background in and a demonstrated understanding of US foreign policy and international security.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality research products.
• Self-starter with the ability to work on multiple tasks independently or collaboratively on a time-sensitive basis, a commitment to accuracy, and a creative spirit for policy reform.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build positive, close working relationships.
• Willing to travel periodically.

Benefits

All Cato employees are provided with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Generous vacation and sick days
• Paid parental leave
• Employer-provided life and disability insurance 
• 401(k) employer match
• Transit/ Parking benefits 
• Pet discount plan

How to Apply

• A cover letter detailing your expertise in foreign policy and international security, your philosophical interest in the organization, and why the position interests you.
• C.V. – include a list of published work.