AILA International Fellows Program

The intellectual and moral constraints of leadership must be rigorously examined if aspiring leaders wish to use their strength of character and inspired creativity to lead effectively. To this end, the AILA International Fellows Program brings together aspiring leaders from diverse backgrounds and professions to investigate new challenges to leadership. Rising young leaders participating in this program build bridges between numerous countries, educate their fellowship peers about their world, and breakdown stereotypes by taking part in a truly international leadership development program.

A Unique Experience:

Each year since 2003, a small select group of approximately 10 candidates are selected for two, one-week training sessions in Washington, D.C. at CSIS. The objective of the program is to highlight the conflict of values in decision-making and social systems and to shed light on how individual leadership can be enhanced by a better understanding of other people’s viewpoints.

This program is not intended as an academic exercise to define leadership or promote a theory. Rather, it is practically-oriented and designed to advance each fellow’s individual skill sets, techniques, and professional confidence in a cross-cultural atmosphere. By exposing them to today’s most pressing global policy dilemmas, the fellows are challenged and prodded to develop a more complete and mastered understanding of the influence that leaders have on institutions, organizations, and political systems.

Highlights from the 2009-2010 Fellowship

Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), far right, poses with the 2009-2010 fellows on the steps of the United States Capitol.

2009-2010 vasey fellow Kei Koga is literally supported by his teammates as he tries to complete a difficult obstacle.