KAP 2025-2026 - Policy Analyst - Cato Institute

The Koch Associate Program (KAP) is a career accelerator for early to mid-career professionals with a drive to tackle our country’s most pressing challenges in more effective, principled ways. KAP equips associates with the tools, mindsets, and community to succeed as social entrepreneurs—individuals excited to find new and better ways to break barriers and eliminate injustice. Associates spend one day each week engaging in experiential learning with Stand Together Fellowships and work at one of our many partner organizations the rest of the week. Our curriculum is designed to supercharge your development and equip you for long-term success as you seek to have an impact on the problems that prevent people from realizing their potential.  

The Cato Institute seeks a Koch Associates Program (KAP) fellow for a full-time Policy Analyst position with the Institute’s Defense and Foreign Policy department.

The Policy Analyst should have expertise in U.S. foreign policy and/or U.S. military force posture and strategy.

The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization—a think tank—dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues. In the defense and foreign policy fields, Cato scholars argue for the United States to adopt a grand strategy of restraint, as befits an insular maritime republic.

Cato’s Defense and Foreign Policy department has long been a leading voice among Washington think tanks calling for a grand strategy of restraint. The Policy Analyst is expected to publish articles and books, give lectures and comments to media, and brief executive and legislative officials.

Responsibilities

Cato Institute policy analysts have wide latitude to conduct research and produce writings on their areas of expertise. Policy Analysts are expected to be self-starters, writing and speaking on their areas of expertise on their own initiative. The Policy Analyst will also have opportunities to collaborate with other Cato Defense and Foreign Policy researchers, but for the most part the analyst will be expected to set his or her own research agenda with minimal guidance. 

The primary research product that the Policy Analyst produces is the Cato Institute Policy Analysis or PA. Cato PAs are detailed examinations of a policy issue to be determined by the Policy Analyst and are typically 6,000—10,000 words long. Policy Analysts are expected to produce roughly one PA per year. Other responsibilities of a Policy Analyst include writing outside scholarly articles and books, op-eds, and giving lectures and briefings. 

Additionally, the Policy Analyst is expected to make media appearances and speak at public events hosted by both Cato and external organizations.

This role is in person, in Washington, D.C.

• Have in-depth knowledge of relevant policy areas. 
• Have strong writing and communication skills. 
• Have experience doing both long- and short-form research. 
• Be a self-starter who is comfortable with operating with a high degree of autonomy. 
• Collaborate with other members of the Cato Defense and Foreign Policy team on joint projects.
• Possess an advanced degree in political science, history, or international relations.

About Stand Together Fellowships 

Learn more about Stand Together Fellowships.

Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.