The overarching question imparting urgency to this exploration is: Can U.S.-Russian contention in cyberspace cause the two nuclear superpowers to stumble into war? In considering this question we were constantly reminded of recent comments by a prominent U.S. arms control expert: At least as dangerous as the risk of an actual cyberattack, he observed, is cyber operations’ “blurring of the line between peace and war.” Or, as Nye wrote, “in the cyber realm, the difference between a weapon and a non-weapon may come down to a single line of code, or simply the intent of a computer program’s user.”
ISP offers predoctoral, postdoctoral, and advanced research non deferrable fellowships for one year, with a possibility for renewal. ISP seeks applications from political scientists, lawyers, economists, those in the natural sciences, and others of diverse disciplinary backgrounds. ISP also encourages applications from women, minorities, and citizens of all countries.
Robert and Renée Belfer Professor of International Affairs Stephen M. Walt serves as the International Security Program's faculty chair and Dr. Steven E. Miller is the program's director.
In most cases, office space and computers will be provided. Fellows have access to most Harvard University libraries and most of the other facilities of the University.
Expectations
Fellows are expected to devote some portion of their time to collaborative endeavors, as arranged by the appropriate program or project director. Predoctoral research fellows are expected to contribute to the Center's research activities, as well as work on—and ideally complete—their doctoral dissertations. Other/postdoctoral research fellows are expected to complete a book, monograph, or other significant publication during their period of residence. All fellows are expected to be in residence for the duration of their fellowship.
Stipend Information
The International Security Program offers annual stipends of 50,000 USD to postdoctoral research fellows and 40,000 USD to predoctoral research fellows. Postdoctoral fellows who have received their Ph.D. within the past five years are benefits-eligible; predoctoral fellows and postdoctoral fellows who received their Ph.D. more than five years ago will receive full or partial reimbursement for health insurance premiums.
Only a limited number of funded fellowships are available: Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for other sources of funding. All applicants should indicate clearly whether they are seeking full or partial funding from the International Security Program and indicate other potential funding sources. Nonstipendiary appointments are also offered.