Who We Are

We are an internationally based think tank, run by students from around the world. Born out of a partnership between students at Johns Hopkins University and Sciences Po, our organization strives to be at the forefront of collaborative scholarship. Run entirely online, Vanguard Think Tank brings together researchers and academics from diverse backgrounds and walks of life to investigate today’s most pressing issues. We endeavor to be a model for international scholarship, looking at the world through the lens of what connects us, rather than what divides us.

We are currently comprised of 80+ students and young professionals spanning five continents. Our researchers come from Johns Hopkins, Sciences Po, New York University Shanghai, and other universities, and balance their work at Vanguard with roles at other international organizations and companies.

 
 

What We Do

We are committed to discussing current affairs, encouraging societal development, and nurturing global perspectives. At Vanguard Think Tank, we organize our researchers into regional tracks, including East Asia, South Asia, the Americas, Eurasia, the Middle East and Africa, and Southeast Asia, as well as topical tracks centered around themes such as AI and democratization. These topical tracks are created on a case-by-case basis. Researchers produce short, medium, and long-form outputs, including issue briefs, op-eds, and more. Our research is published across multiple platforms, including our website, newsletters, social media, and an annual journal, published every three years, with the next issue scheduled for Spring 2026.

Vanguard Think Tank also hosts an annual conference, Vanguard Better Relations Youth Global Exchange (V-BRYGE), which focuses on specific themes in the developing world and aims to foster connections between academics and citizens globally. This conference is currently on hold until the 2026–27 academic year.

Vanguard Think Tank members enjoy frequent professional development events and unique networking opportunities through our extensive alumni network. Research Fellows may be promoted into management roles and work in one of our many departments, including Publications, Public Relations, Editing, Operations, Outreach, and more.

 
 

Our Mission

Research

Create a credible, accessible, and professional platform for students to engage in research.

Network

Build a global network of like-minded students and young scholars, granting opportunities to network with esteemed professionals in International Relations.

Understanding

Amplify the voices of individuals from all backgrounds, promoting mutual and cross-cultural understanding.

 

What We Offer:

Vanguard Think Tank offers its members exclusive opportunities for professional development and training, providing a tangible skill set that will benefit their future career prospects. Additionally, Fellows and Administration are able to make professional connections with their peers and other young professionals to fortify their network and range of outreach to like-minded intellectuals. We have also created a cooperative and inclusive environment that supports its Fellows in their independent research interests while challenging them to think critically and dynamically about what and how they research.  Finally, VTT has numerous promotion opportunities for its members to take on leadership and management roles.

 

  • 80+

    Members

  • 40+

    Universities

  • 40+

    Nationalities