Joshua Sullivan Earns Prestigious Gaither Fellowship

Joshua Sullivan, a Seaver College senior, was recently named a Gaither Fellow by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. In this role, Sullivan will work alongside senior Carnegie Fellow Jon Bateman, assisting the technology and international affairs scholar as he researches the technological tensions existing between the United States and China. 

“The Gaither Fellowship is a really good fit for what I’m interested in,” says Sullivan. “It’s a hybridized academic/journalistic role. There is a lot of research going into it, and it has rigor. But it’s not as formulaic or rigid as academia is.”

Over ten months, Sullivan will report to Bateman in Washington D.C., reading and writing on issues pertinent to the Fellow’s research and analysis. Although the subject of his work has not been defined yet, the Seaver senior expects to look at topics such as A.I., semiconductor chips, or even TikTok, as Batemen specializes in global influence operations and systemic cyber risks. 

Touting a degree in International Studies and Economics, Sullivan’s application was handpicked for this role by the technology and international affairs branch of the Carnegie fellowship. Alongside his academic acumen, he solidified his resume by participating in numerous extracurricular activities at Seaver College.

Sullivan served as a research assistant, a member of Pepperdine’s esteemed Model United Nations Club, and as an RA during his four years on the Malibu campus. By engaging broadly with his interests during his undergraduate years, Sullivan has carved a path toward his intended future. 

“I like the idea of working long-term at a think tank in foreign policy,” he explains. “I really enjoy that environment, and I have done some work in that field before…I’ve also considered going to law school and entering a field pertaining to international law.”

In becoming a Gaither Fellow, the soon to be Seaver graduate advances one step closer toward his future goal. With this opportunity, Sullivan earns the chance to broaden his professional network, while working at the epicenter of his international interests in Washington D.C.. 

To learn more about the Gaither Fellowship visit the Carnegie Center’s website.