HIR Academic Writing Contest

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 2 different themes: 

• Theme A: Inequalities in a VUCA World
• Theme B: Global Challenges and Collective Actions

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

Bronze Medal: HIR Certificate and name listed on the website

Silver Medal: HIR Certificate, name listed on website, and 1-year HIR print subscription

Gold Medal: HIR Certificate, name, and paper linked on website and 2-year HIR print subscription