Bretton Woods 2.0 Fellowship, GeoEconomics Center

The Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center invites applications for the Bretton Woods 2.0 Fellowship, a competitive eight-month program (August–April 2026) designed to cultivate the next generation of global economic leaders.

Building on the legacy of the original Bretton Woods system and responding to the complex demands of the 21st-century global economy, the Fellowship supports talented individuals committed to rethinking the foundations of global economic governance, capitalism, and international cooperation.

Program Highlights

• Masterclasses & Dialogue: Fellows meet virtually around once month for expert-led masterclasses, interactive leadership training, and peer exchange
• Research & Publication: Fellows are excepted to produce a substantive issue brief or report, addressing challenges or proposing solutions for the Bretton Woods Institutions (IMF, World Bank)
• Mentorship & Exposure: Fellows receive tailored mentorship from Atlantic Council Senior Fellows and present their ideas at a virtual showcase, with the final projects presented during the 2026 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings.

Timeline

• August 2025 –February 2026: Fellowship programming and report development
• March – April 2026: Reports publication and in-person presentation during the IMF-WB 2026 Spring Meetings

Expectations

Fellows are expected to:

• Attend all virtual meetings (~1/month, 2 hours each)
• Travel internationally for an in-person final presentation in April (travel and accommodation covered)
• Deliver a high-quality policy brief/report with editorial and expert guidance

We welcome applicants from all countries and backgrounds who:

• Have demonstrated expertise or academic background in international economics, public policy, fintech, or governance
• Have at least 5 years of experience or research engagement in global economic affairs
• Exhibit strong analytical and writing skills
• Can commit ~5–7 hours/week for 8 months
• Are passionate about reimagining the global economic order

Application Materials

Applicants should submit:

• Resume or CV
• Writing sample related to international economics, governance, or macro-critical issues
• Any additional supporting documents
• Responses to the following questions:
  1. Challenge Analysis (400 words): What are the most pressing challenges facing the Bretton Woods Institutions over the coming decades, and where have they fallen short?
  2. Collaboration Experience (300 words): Describe a past experience where you successfully collaborated with a diverse team on a complex project.

Benefits

• $3,000 honorarium
• Travel coverage for in-person presentation in April 2026
• Publishing opportunity and visibility at global policy events
• Exclusive access to Atlantic Council networks and thought leaders

Deadline

Applications are due July 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.