NEXUS: Next Generation Security Exchange

Description

NEXUS: Next Generation Security Exchange is a new leadership initiative designed to train emerging security experts from Japan, the United States, and Europe. NEXUS cultivates future leaders to strengthen US-Japan bilateral ties and US-Japan-Europe trilateral cooperation. 

This inaugural year, the training program will select ten Master’s and PhD students from Japan, Europe, and the United States who will contribute to the strengthening of US-Japan-Europe security relations and grow into leaders and policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of regional nuclear security dynamics. The cohort will explore key dimensions of nuclear policy, including deterrence strategy, international nuclear history, nonproliferation, and alliance politics.

The program, held entirely in English, includes a series of interactive webinars culminating in an in-person, immersive training in Washington, DC in mid-November 2026. It will also provide the opportunity to publish a short policy-relevant article. Selected participants will receive round-trip airfare to Washington, accommodations, and meals.

How to Apply:

Apply by June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. through GMF’s career page and include your:

• Resume (max. 2 pages);
• A short statement of interest discussing why you would like to participate in the NEXUS program and how you plan to integrate the themes covered by the training (nuclear policy and trilateral cooperation) into your future professional work. The statement should also confirm that you will be able to travel to Washington on November 8-13, 2026 and that you commit to joining all the virtual sessions. For Europe-and Japan-based participants: please include if you have previously been to Washington, DC. (max. 250 words)

Eligibility:

• Japanese students enrolled in an MA or PhD program in international relations, security studies, political science, or related fields at a university in Japan; OR
• US-based Students (including non-U.S. citizens) enrolled in an MA or PhD program in international relations, security studies, political science, East Asian studies, or related fields at a university in the United States; OR
• European students enrolled in an MA or PhD program in international relations, security studies, political science, or related fields at a university in Europe.
• Age limit: 34 years old.

Timeline:

• June 30, 2026 | Deadline to apply.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Early July 2026 | Virtual meet-and-greet among participants and GMF staff.
• July-November 2026 | Interactive webinars (90 minutes each), featuring speakers discussing alliances and extended nuclear deterrence in Europe and East Asia; nonproliferation and the intersection of nuclear energy and weapons; and the importance of international nuclear history and how to bridge history and policy. 
• November 8-13, 2026 | Participants travel to Washington, DC for a 4-day in-person training program. Facilitated by GMF, the students will meet with key nuclear and alliance experts from academia and think tanks as well as practitioners from the US government.
• November 2026-February 2027 | Participants will work in groups and submit a short (no more than 1,500 words) policy-relevant piece for online publication with GMF.
• Spring 2027 | GMF will publish the edited volume gathering the participants’ articles.

If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to Ms. Jennifer Nguyen (Jnguyen@gmfus.org).

Funding for NEXUS is generously provided by the Japan Foundation.