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The vast geographic size and diversity of East Asia have created unfortunate divides between Northeast and Southeast Asia specialists. Given the complex nature of the region and its growing integration, these divides serve as an obstacle to understanding the complexities of contemporary Asia as a whole. They also compromise efforts to create cohesive and sustainable U.S. policies to advance its vital national interests across a region that will decisively shape the 21st century.
With generous support from the Henry Luce Foundation, the Mansfield Foundation has launched this initiative in 2019 and continues the effort to inform Asia specialists in the United States about this growing regional integration, as well as foster the growth and connectivity of U.S. specialists with the ability to think holistically about the world’s most dynamic and strategically important region.
Purpose of the Program
The purpose of the Mansfield-Luce Asia Scholars Network is to identify and connect American scholars and practitioners specializing in Asia who demonstrate an interest in and extraordinary potential for becoming policy intellectuals. This program is designed for recent graduates of PhD or doctorate degree programs, junior faculty, or policy practitioners who have an interest in becoming policy intellectuals. Together with the Program’s Senior Advisors, the Mansfield Foundation will support them in this effort in order to expand connections between scholars and practitioners, helping to reinvigorate policy-relevant scholarship on contemporary Asia with the ultimate goal of contributing to the formulation of a more cohesive and sustainable U.S. approach to the Indo-Pacific. These scholars will include regional specialists with diverse expertise and perspectives who can participate constructively in the policymaking process in the mid- and long-term and contribute to better understanding within U.S.-Asia relations by teaching and inspiring future generations.
Program Timeline for Cohort 3
- a two-day policy workshop in Washington, DC for select scholars (September or October 2023);
- a long weekend retreat in Montana (April or May 2024);
- a two-week study trip to Asia (June or July 2024); and
- a publication launch event in Washington, DC (October 2024).
Throughout the one-year program, participants will be expected to: develop their network of contacts; engage with other Network members and advisors; research and draft a concise policy paper on a topic of their choosing relevant to U.S.-Asia relations; optionally produce op-ed pieces, policy commentary, and podcasts on important policy issues in U.S.-Asia relations; engage others in the academic and policy fields with what they have learned; prepare for and actively participate in the program’s retreat and study trip; and participate in group activities and support the program’s larger goals and objectives. Policy papers will be submitted to the Foundation and edited into a publication for dissemination at the end of the one-year period, overlapping with the start of the next cohort. Financial support for those selected is limited to coverage of travel, accommodations, and meal expenses associated with participation in program meetings and study trips.
Applications and Selection
The application window for the third cohort has closed. Updates of future cohort recruitment will be displayed on this page.
For further information, please contact Ari Lee, Associate Director of Programs at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation at alee@mansfieldfdn.org
Organizer
The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes understanding and cooperation in U.S.-Asia relations. Maureen and Mike Mansfield’s values, ideals and vision for U.S.-Asia relations continue through the Foundation’s exchanges, dialogues, research and educational programs, which create networks among U.S. and Asian leaders, explore the underlying issues influencing public policies, and increase awareness about the nations and peoples of Asia. The Foundation has offices in Washington, DC; Tokyo, Japan; and Missoula, Montana.
Headline Funder
The Henry Luce Foundation is a private, independent foundation that seeks to enrich public discourse by promoting innovative scholarship, cultivating new leaders, and fostering international understanding. The Foundation advances its mission through grantmaking and leadership programs in the fields of Asia, higher education, religion and theology, art, and public policy. Established in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Time, Inc., the Foundation’s programs today reflect the value Mr. Luce placed on learning, leadership, and long-term commitment in philanthropy.