Young Strategists Forum
The Young Strategists Forum is an immersive leadership program in Tokyo that develops future experts in US-Japan alliance and Indo-Pacific security through seminars, simulations, and policy engagement.
Funder: German Marshall Fund of the United States
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2026 (application deadline for YSF 2027, projected)
Funding Amounts: All major program expenses—international airfare, domestic travel, meals, accommodations, and ground transportation—are fully covered for fellows; no direct cash award.
Summary: Immersive leadership program developing emerging strategists focused on US-Japan alliance and Indo-Pacific security through seminars, simulations, and policy engagement.
Key Information: Competitive selection for early- to mid-career professionals (ages 28–42) from the US, Europe, Japan, and like-minded Asian countries.
Description
The Young Strategists Forum is an annual, fully funded leadership development program designed to cultivate the next generation of strategic thinkers equipped to address international challenges, particularly in the context of the US-Japan alliance and Indo-Pacific security. Since 2012, the forum has brought together emerging leaders for an immersive experience in Tokyo, featuring interactive seminars, a 36-hour grand strategy simulation, meetings with high-level policymakers, diplomats, journalists, and academics, and a study tour of military facilities. The program aims to foster purposeful grand strategic thinking and build a robust network of future leaders in foreign policy.
