Still Under Development!
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Where Emerging Voices Shape Global Policy
Youth Delegation to G7 and G20
Rising Experts:
Receive 1:1 Editorial and Publishing Support
Develop their voice in foreign policy
Receive Exclusive Writing Workshops
Showcase their expertise at YPFP events
Through an intensive and collaborative writing process, the Editorial team will help you produce, pitch, and publish quality analysis with national and international outlets to build your voice and credibility within your respective field.
The Rising Experts Program is an eight-month writing initiative that helps young professionals sharpen their analytical writing skills, build a portfolio, and publish with top foreign policy outlets. Participants work closely with editors to develop compelling op-eds and policy analysis, gaining hands-on experience and exposure in the field.
Roles and Responsibilities:
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Publish at least one 600-1200-word article on a bi-monthly basis within the broader field of your specialization. Articles are analytical in nature and can include op-eds, book reviews, or interviews, among others.
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Adhere to publishing deadlines, as well as prompt and professional communication with YPFP staff.
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Work collaboratively with other Rising Experts, when applicable, by giving each other substantive feedback and occasionally covering the same topic from different angles or co-authoring.
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Lead at least one YPFP Discussion Group meeting relevant to your area of expertise. You may present a recent publication or solicit feedback from the group on future article topics.
Rising Expert areas of expertise include:
Regional:
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Africa
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Asia-Pacific
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Eastern Europe
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Europe
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Latin America
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Middle East
Functional:
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Defense
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Economics
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Energy
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Global Health
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Geostrategy
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Human Rights
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International Development
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National Security
Between fifteen and twenty candidates will be selected as Rising Experts. Successful applicants will demonstrate their academic and professional interest in their subject matter area through their resumes, cover letters, and writing samples.
Apply to be a Rising Expert!
As a YPFP Rising Expert, you are joining an elite cohort of committed, like-minded individuals from around the world. You are given the unique opportunity to hone your subject matter expertise and better share your insights with policy audiences.
Autonomous Ghosts are Reshaping Irregular Warfare and Maritime Security
Laurel Baker
Irregular Warfare Initiative
Ukraine’s EU accession hinges on stronger defense and consolidated reforms
Zachary Popovich
Atlantic Council
Recent Articles
Rising Experts Program
Early-career foreign policy professionals face a common hurdle in getting their writing published. Publications prefer writers who already have notable bylines, but building an initial portfolio requires editorial relationships and an understanding of what different outlets want—knowledge that typically accumulates over the course of years through trial and error.
The Rising Experts Program serves as an intellectual and professional incubator by providing professional editorial support, access to outlet editors, and sustained engagement with a cohort of peers on similar trajectories.
Over the course of a year, participants transform their expertise into published work and build relationships that extend beyond the program.
Applications are open from November 1, 2025, to December 15, 2025. Interviews and evaluations will take place in January 2026, with final selection and onboarding in February.
We select 15-20 participants annually and receive substantially more qualified applications than available positions; we encourage candidates to apply early.
Current Cohort
Becoming a Rising Expert
The application process is highly selective. Candidates undergo writing evaluations and interviews designed to assess both analytical capability and readiness for intensive editorial collaboration. We're looking for professionals who already write clearly, possess genuine expertise in their focus area, and can articulate complex policy arguments for educated general audiences. Successful candidates have come from a wide range of sectors, including government, think tanks, nonprofits, private companies, academia, and journalism. The program is writing-intensive but designed to fit alongside full-time professional responsibilities for candidates who manage their time effectively.
