Deadline Extended for Pathfinder Essay Contest
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DEADLINE EXTENDED
The deadline has been extended to Sunday, November 22 for the Pathfinder essay contest!
The Center for a New American Security (CNAS), in partnership with Breaking Defense are excited for the return of the Pathfinder essay contest! This year, as the national and global environment continues to evolve, we look forward to another year of strong applications and fresh ideas from early-career and graduate-student applicants, as a part of CNAS’s mission is to prepare and support the national security leaders of today and tomorrow.
The winners of the contest will have their essays published by CNAS and Breaking Defense, receive an honorarium, and be invited to attend the CNAS 2027 National Security Conference in person. This year, writers should submit essays from 800–1,000 words to respond to the following prompt:
Conflict and strategic competition, rapid technological change, and growing human and environmental costs have left the United States contending with an increasingly complex security landscape at home and abroad. What is a national, transnational, or global security challenge facing the United States that isn’t talked about enough? How can the U.S. policymaking community address it in a bold, innovative, and bipartisan way?
To enter, applications should be submitted by Sunday, November 22, 2026.
Do you know someone who should enter? Forward this email and encourage them to apply!
The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is an independent and bipartisan research institution that develops strong, pragmatic, and principled national security and defense policies. CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow.
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