NATIONAL SECURITY & SEPARATION OF POWERS SUMMER PROGRAM
Prague, Czechia
July 19 – August 1, 2026
Applications are OPEN – DEADLINE EXTENDED!
About the Program:
The National Security Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School is hosting its seventh annual summer program abroad – this year in Prague, Czechia – with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch. Students will learn about the historical roots and the modern application of the separation of powers in the national security context in two courses awarding a total of 2 credits.
Interbranch Conflicts in National Security: War, Intelligence, and Negotiations – Taught by Professor Jamil N. Jaffer
Separation of Powers – Taught by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch
The Separation of Powers course will examine the philosophical doctrines underlying the American approach to our system of governance, the constitutional pedigree of the separation of powers, and the understanding of such separation by the framers, as well the application of separation of powers principles in the modern era, including in the administrative state and national security contexts. The Interbranch Conflicts course will analyze three-to-four case studies of conflicts between Congress and the President in national security, including disputes over war-making, surveillance and other counterterrorism efforts, and international agreements.
NSI also brings amazing national security experts and leading legal voices. Previous guests have included: US Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan; Susan M. Gordon, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence; Judge Patrick Bumatay of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals; Judge Jennifer Elrod of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals; Ellen McCarthy, former Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research; and Michael Mukasey, former US Attorney General.
The program is limited to 25 students. Applications are open for 1L, 1E, 2L, 2E, and 3E students and LLMS WHO WILL BE STAYING FOR ANOTHER YEAR.
DUE DATE: Friday, February 13, 2026 by 11:59 PM (ET)
Cost of the Program (2026 Summer Program Estimated Costs):
Tuition: In-State: $1,988.00; Out-of-State: $3,139
Non-Tuition Costs: $3,800-$4,000 (Includes round-trip airfare, transportation to and from the airport, daily meals, and single-occupancy lodging).
NSI is able to provide a small number of merit-based awards to help students supplement travel and other expenses.
NSI has received a waiver from the school to allow students to apply existing scholarships to tuition costs.
**Please note, discretionary travel, lodging, shopping, and other incidental expenses are not included. Additionally, the above costs are estimates and are subject to change.**
Still have questions, sign up for an information session!
We recommend you sign up for one of three information sessions we will be holding to answer any additional questions you may have. Please find the dates and times below:
- Tuesday, January 27 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | ZOOM – Register here
- Thursday, January 29 | 12:00 PM – 12:55 PM | IN PERSON, Hazel Hall Room 329 – Register here
- Wednesday, February 4 | 12:00 – 12:55 PM | IN PERSON, Hazel Hall Room 329 – Register here