Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship at the National Endowment for Democracy

Located within NED’s INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR DEMOCRATIC STUDIES, a leading center for analysis of global democratic developments, the program provides a collegial environment and rich intellectual setting for educational exchange and professional development.

The program offers five-month fellowships for practitioners to improve strategies and techniques for building democracy abroad and five-month fellowships for scholars to conduct original research for publication. While in residence, fellows reflect on their experiences; engage with counterparts; conduct research and writing; consider best practices and lessons learned; and develop professional relationships within a global network of democracy advocates. Fellows are expected to complete a written product relating to their proposed research project.

The fellowship culminates in a formal presentation in which fellows typically focus on their research project or another topic relating to the state of democracy in their country.

PRACTITIONER TRACK

Prospective applicants may apply on either the practitioner or scholarly track. The Reagan-Fascell program is intended primarily for practitioners from developing and aspiring democracies, and those from non-democratic countries. Applicants applying to the practitioner track are expected to have substantial practical experience working to promote democracy or human rights in their country of origin or interest. There are no specific degree requirements for the practitioner track. While there are also no age limits, applicants on the practitioner track are typically mid-career professionals with several years of work experience in the field of democracy and human rights. Examples of eligible candidates for the practitioner track include human rights advocates, civil society leaders, political party figures, human rights lawyers, parliamentarians, labor union activists, journalists, and other members of the media.

SCHOLARLY TRACK

Prospective applicants may apply on either the practitioner or scholarly track. While the program is intended primarily for practitioners from around the world, distinguished scholars from the United States and other established democracies are also eligible to apply. Applicants applying to the scholarly track are expected to possess a doctorate (a Ph.D., or academic equivalent) at the time of application, to have published in their field of expertise, and to have developed a detailed research outline for their fellowship project. Examples of eligible candidates for the scholarly track include college and university professors, analysts at research centers and think tanks, writers, and public intellectuals.

FELLOWSHIP PROJECT

While in Washington, D.C., fellows work on a project related to the prospects for democracy in a particular country or region. Projects may focus on the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural aspects of democratic development and may include a range of methodologies and approaches.  Projects should reflect the interests and expertise of the applicant and are not expected to include a study of, or comparison with, democracy in the United States.

Program staff consult with fellows on the theme and scope of their project, as well as their final product. Fellows must complete a written product (article, report, manual, book manuscript, etc.), in English or any other language, related to their research project.