Pathfinder Essay Contest (2026)

CNAS (with Breaking Defense) invites early-career and graduate-student applicants to submit 800–1,000 word essays addressing under-discussed national/transnational/global security challenges. Winners will be published by CNAS and Breaking Defense, receive an honorarium, and be invited to attend the CNAS 2027 National Security Conference in person. Deadline extended to November 22, 2026.