HIR Academic Writing Contest
The HIR Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest is founded by the Harvard International Review, a quarterly magazine covering insights on international affairs. The magazine has featured commentary by 43 Presidents and Prime Ministers, 4 Secretaries-General, 4 Nobel Economics Prize laureates, and 7 Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
Interested in the competition?
Competition Overview
$70/student and 1480 RMB/team for China contestants
Registration fee
Grade 9 to 12 in the U.S, and international students
Eligibility
HIR Defense Day
Results and winners are notified
Deadline Details
There are three distinct submission cycles for the contest:
Spring 2025
Article Submission Deadline: May 31, 2025
HIR Defense Day: June 29, 2025
Summer 2025
Article Submission Deadline: August 31, 2025
HIR Defense Day: October 5, 2025
Fall 2025 / Winter 2026
Article Submission Deadline: January 2, 2026
HIR Defense Day: February 5, 2026
Competition Details
1. Eligibility
United States: Students are in grades nine through twelve in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, or if they are U.S. citizens/lawful permanent residents attending high school overseas.
International: Students outside of the United States are welcome to submit, and submission should be written in English and with traditional American spelling.
2. Contest format
Participants submit short-form articles on topics in international affairs, which are then read and graded by the Harvard International Review (HIR). Finalists are selected from these submissions and invited to participate in a virtual HIR Defense Day. During Defense Day, finalists give a 15-minute presentation and oral defense of their articles to HIR judges. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to attend special events related to international affairs.
3. Theme
For this year’s contest, students can choose 3 different themes:
- Theme A: Global Commons and Stewardship of Shared Resources
- Theme B: Emerging Powers in a Changing Global Order
- Theme C: Resilient Cities and Urban Futures
4. Categories
Potential categories include (but are not limited to) Agriculture, Business, Cybersecurity, Defense, Education, Employment & Immigration, Energy & Environment, Finance & Economy, Public Health, Science & Technology, Space, Trade, and Transportation. Articles should examine the theme from a global perspective rather than focusing on the United States.
5. Prizes
All submissions will receive a letter grade. Contestants who receive a passing grade without qualifying for a HIR Defense Day will receive a Commendation. Finalists will be eligible for the following medals based on their preliminary grade and performance on the HIR Defense Day.
Commendation: HIR Certificate
Outstanding Writing Content / Style Prize: HIR Certificate
High Commendation Prize: HIR Certificate
Bronze Medal: HIR Certificate and name listed on the website (global top 20 percent)
Silver Medal: HIR Certificate and name listed on website (global top 10 percent)
Gold Medal: HIR Certificate and name listed on website (global top 3 percent)
Submission details
1. Word Limit
The article must be around 800-1,200 words (not counting diagrams, data tables, or authorship declaration).
2. Writing Style
Submissions must be analytically backed perspectives on an under-appreciated global topic. The HIR does not accept op-eds.
3. Citations and Sources
All factual claims must be backed by a citation from a reliable source. All ideas that are not your own must be properly attributed.
