Elevating brilliant technologists and international strategists for a freer, more secure world

The International Strategy Forum (ISF) supports the next generation of problem solvers with extraordinary potential in geopolitics, innovation, and public leadership.

Chaired by Fareed Zakaria and Jared Cohen, ISF seeks out non-traditional talent across boardrooms, newsrooms, laboratories, policymaking councils, foundations, and beyond.

Through convenings, mentorship, and more, ISF equips rising leaders in technology and international affairs with knowledge, networks, and resources they need to tackle hard global problems.

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Community Meet our Fellows

Each year, ISF bets on the next generation of exceptional leaders from across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

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ELIGIBILITY Selection

Candidates ages 25 – 35 with citizenship and/or residency in a country in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, or the Middle East and North Africa can apply through ISF Advisors, alumni, and partner organizations. After a competitive review process, selected Fellows attend global and regional gatherings. They will also benefit from mentorship, professional development, and more.

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Our Approach

Problem

An era of accelerating innovation and emerging technologies is creating numerous transnational problems at the intersection of technology and geopolitics. Silos between countries and across expertises hinder our efforts to tackle complex challenges like climate change, biosecurity, cyber-conflict, and more.

Mission

The International Strategy Forum aims to identify, convene, and support exceptional young talent in geopolitics, innovation, and public leadership. We equip brilliant technologists and international affairs professionals with knowledge, network, and resources to collaboratively solve the world's hardest strategic challenges.

Activities

The International Strategy Forum is a yearlong, non-residential fellowship program for technologists and international affairs professionals ages 25 – 35 from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa. Fellows attend in-person and virtual gatherings, network with a growing community of leaders across industries, and gain access to resources to help them grow their careers and impact.

History Bringing brilliant minds together to make the world better

The International Strategy Forum was inspired by philanthropic initiatives to elevate new voices in U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. ISF co-chair Dr. Fareed Zakaria, host of Fareed Zakaria GPS for CNN Worldwide and a columnist for The Washington Post, participated in one of these programs in the 1980s and benefited from the lifelong friendships he cultivated with future leaders in business, journalism, government and more.

ISF builds upon this legacy for the 21st century by creating networks of brilliant technologists and geopolitical strategists from around the world and supporting them as they work together to tackle hard international problems in science and society.