Economic Statecraft Program

Our program offers talented students an opportunity to engage in meaningful research which is inaccessible at the undergraduate level, exceeding opportunities typically available even to graduate students.

Research workstreams generally comprise 2-8 student research assistants (SRAs) who engage with a particular line of scholarly effort. Projects usually run on a semesterly basis with deliverables produced on a 14- or 16-week timeline. Students learn to tailor written products to a variety of audiences, including products for policymakers, peer-reviewed publication, op-ed style publications, and internal discussion.

Project teams are a mix of undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of disciplines, allowing students to learn from one another and approach the topic of economic statecraft from multiple perspectives. In addition to expanding the team’s academic horizons, this dynamic often fosters organic undergraduate-graduate mentorships.

Research workstreams also provide an opportunity for students to take on leadership roles. Larger projects are co-led by two student team leads who are responsible for holding weekly meetings, organizing and delegating tasks, managing project timelines, and communicating resource and scheduling needs to the Project Coordinator. Students in this role are intuitive problem solvers and have strong organizational, communication, and time management skills. New team leads have the opportunity to participate in a three-part leadership seminar exploring what defines leadership, a leader’s core competencies, and how to effectively manage teams.

If interested in joining our research workstreams, please consider submitting an application and/or contact economicstatecraft@tamu.edu for more information.

Applicants should have strong writing skills and an interest in Sino-American relations, economic statecraft, economic security, and/or Asia. Ideally they can manage an efficient workstream with rapid turnaround times, have availability for weekly meetings, operate well in an entrepreneurial and enthusiastic program culture, and communicate professionally. Language and quantitative skills are a plus but not essential. US citizenship required.

ESP acts as an intermediary nexus convening across US government actors, academics, and commercial entities to advance practice and understanding of the intersection of economics and security.

Our program offers high-achieving students an opportunity to cultivate professional skills and assist in the facilitation of engagement with/between government, academia, and the private sector.

Engagement workstreams generally comprise 2-6 student research assistants (SRAs). Students assist in logistics and communication management for program events such as the weekly Economic Statecraft Speaker Series and conferences or symposia hosted at the Bush School’s Washington, DC campus. Students also help develop ESP’s network of partners for collaboration and sponsorship.

Engagement workstreams provide an opportunity for students to take on leadership roles. Team leads are responsible for holding weekly meetings, organizing and delegating tasks, managing timelines, and communicating resource and scheduling needs to the Project Coordinator. Students in this role are intuitive problem solvers and have strong organizational, communication, and time management skills. New team leads have the opportunity to participate in a three-part leadership seminar exploring what defines leadership, a leader’s core competencies, and how to effectively lead teams.

If interested in joining our engagement workstreams, please consider submitting an application and/or contact economicstatecraft@tamu.edu for more information.

Applicants should have strong writing skills and an interest in Sino-American relations, economic statecraft, economic security, and/or Asia. Ideally they can manage an efficient workstream with rapid turnaround times, have availability for weekly meetings, operate well in an entrepreneurial and enthusiastic program culture, and communicate professionally. Language and quantitative skills are a plus but not essential. US citizenship required.

The Economic Statecraft Undergraduate Internship is a one semester research and writing program that integrates a foundational understanding of economics with a complex overview of US national security interests and Sino-American relations.

Our student development program begins even before the start of the internship, through a structured, rigorous application process that includes a writing exercise and tailored interview. Undergrads have the opportunity to practice formal interview skills and analytical writing during the selection process; many students have reported that this experience gives them a significant edge in future competitive applications.

Students complete our internship with a complex understanding of the global economy, a country case study to serve as a writing sample, a formative interview and selection experience, an interest in and understanding of the overlap between national security and economic activities, and an introduction to US-China relations.

No other undergraduate research program at the Bush School better equips underclassmen for real world problem solving. Our students consistently set themselves apart in professional settings, opening doors to exciting opportunities to engage with the critical questions of our time. After completing just 14 weeks with our program, former interns have successfully competed for internships with USAID, Congressional representatives, and the US Army War College.

Students will receive course credit for participation in the internship by enrolling in an INTA 484 (or equivalent) as fits their degree plan and necessary pre-requisites. The instructor of record is Dr. William Norris. The Internship Supervisor is Sarah Mesich (sarahstokes@tamu.edu).