The Modern War Institute 
2026 Call for Fellows 
Preventing War in the Indo-Pacific 

The Modern War Institute (MWI) at West Point is pleased to invite applications for our Research Fellows Program. MWI research fellows are nonresident volunteers committed to expanding the boundaries of policy-relevant research related to the study of modern war. They contribute to MWI’s mission by expanding our ability to conduct rigorous research, amplify expert voices, and offer relevant programming. For 2026, West Point’s intellectual theme focuses on war and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. 

What We Are Looking For 

When it comes to deterring war with China, Admiral Samuel Paparo, the Commander of Indo-Pacific Command, stated, “we must be ready today, tomorrow, next month, next year, and onward.” To ensure the United States and its allies are ready to deter conflict in the Indo-Pacific, MWI seeks fellows to recommend policy proposals. We will recruit a team from a variety of backgrounds: military and national security professionals, analysts, and academics, from the United States as well as its allies and partners. A significant consideration in selecting fellows is not only the merits of their own research, but also how they complement each other and align with MWI’s functions of research, integration, and education. 

Competitive applicants will have demonstrated an ability to carry out innovative and original research and to advance discussions centered on deterring near-term war in the Indo-Pacific. 

Applicants should have a track record of academic research or practical expertise in fields related to one or more of the instruments of national power or joint functions. This program is open to individuals of any age, profession, and citizenship who are committed to the ideals of MWI and the US Army. However, we are particularly interested in developing mid-career professionals who seek an active relationship with MWI and West Point. 

All positions are unpaid and accepted on a purely voluntary basis. Fellows in the 2026 cohort will serve a term that begins on January 15, 2026 and runs through December 31, 2026. Based on engagement and theme alignment, MWI will consider renewals for 2027. 

Expectations 

Fellows will actively contribute to MWI through publications, podcasts, conference participation, and collaboration with other research fellows, senior fellows, and West Point faculty. Expectations include: 

  • List your affiliation as an MWI Research Fellow in your biography 
  • Utilize your network to promote MWI publications and events 
  • Contribute a short-form article to MWI by July 2026. Contribute a draft long-form article to the Modern War Journal by October 2026. 
  • Attend Fellows Symposium at West Point in March 2026. 
  • Attend digital Fellows Calls in February, April, June, August, and October 2026.  
  • Participate in the Modern War Conference in November 2026. 
  • Serve as a peer reviewer for a submission to the Modern War Journal. 
  • Potentially present work at additional conferences such as the Association of the United States Army or the Air & Space Forces Association. 

In addition, MWI creates opportunities to mentor fellows’ own research projects by facilitating relationships across MWI’s professional network. MWI will promote the independent work of its fellows. Fellows may have additional opportunities to publish articles, reviews, reports, or podcasts with MWI, as well as to participate in research trips or other MWI curriculum-enriching events with cadets. 

Application Instructions 

Applicants should send a succinct CV, a published (or publishable) writing sample, and a one-page cover letter. The cover letter should include the following: 

  • Relevant work and research experience 
  • Goals of being an MWI fellow  
  • A specific research agenda culminating in a contribution to Modern War Journal on this year’s theme of preventing war in the Indo-Pacific  
  • Ideas for collaboration with other fellows, MWI, West Point faculty, and cadets, as well as a description of how you will contribute to our community of scholars and practitioners
  • At least three references with contact information 

Please send all items in PDF format with “MWI Fellows Application” in the subject line to mwi@westpoint.edu no later than 5 p.m. EDT on Sunday, November 9, 2025. You may also contact us using the above email address if you have any other questions about MWI or its programming.  

Please note that we are currently unable to reply to every application to confirm receipt, but applicants should expect to hear about acceptance decisions no later than January 15, 2026.