Library of Congress Henry A. Kissinger Program on Foreign Affairs Research

The Kissinger Program establishes a non-partisan focus in the nation’s capital for the discussion of key issues in foreign affairs. The Program aims to serve as a catalyst for the fresh analysis of foreign affairs in the global era by sustaining in perpetuity two appointments and related programs that ensure that the subject of foreign affairs, taken broadly, receives reflective and considered treatment each year in Washington, D.C. by distinguished, experienced scholars and practitioners.

Kissinger Scholar

The Kissinger Scholar is the first of the two distinguished appointments. The Kissinger Scholar holds the Kissinger Chair and is appointed annually by the Librarian of Congress upon the recommendation of a Selection Committee consisting of representatives from the academic community and high-ranking foreign policy experts no longer in office. The Scholar is a distinguished senior research position in residence at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center that engages in research on foreign policy and international affairs that will lead to publication.  

Kissinger Lecturer

The Kissinger Lecturer is the second of the appointments. The Lecturer is appointed by the Librarian of Congress to deliver the Kissinger Lecture, a high-profile address delivered on Capitol Hill to Congressional and Federal agency members and staff, diplomats, foreign policy experts, area universities and the foreign policy community at-large. The Lecturer will have achieved distinction in the field of foreign affairs and, like the Scholar, may be of any nationality.

The Setting

Uniquely situated for research, analysis and serious discussion of America’s relation to the world, the Library of Congress offers facilities for scholars, universal collections spanning more than 470 languages, broad language and subject expertise of the Library staff, the central and neutral position of the Library on Capitol Hill, and the inspiring atmosphere of the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building in which to annually examine the general subject of the United States and its relationship with the world.

Funding

The Kissinger Program is made possible by generous donations of the friends and admirers of Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, the 56th Secretary of State of the United States and a past recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington announced the establishment of the Henry A. Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations at the Library of Congress on June 26, 2000, during the Library’s Bicentennial year. The Library of Congress holds a collection of Henry A. Kissinger’s papers covering his years of government service and donated to the Library in 1977.

Research Areas

Any aspect of foreign policy or international relations involving the United States. The approach may draw upon biography, history, the social sciences, and the full linguistic, photographic, legal, film and other resources of the Library of Congress. 

Eligibility

Open to distinguished scholars worldwide.

Stipend

$13,500 per month (up to ten months).