TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Tara Mock, an assistant professor in the Honors College at The University of Alabama, has been selected as an International Affairs Fellow for the 2025–26 academic year by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).
The CFR International Affairs Fellowship is a highly competitive program that provides scholars and professionals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international policymaking through placements in U.S. government agencies, Congress, or international organizations. As part of the fellowship, Dr. Mock will receive a $120,000 stipend to support her work over a 12-month period, beginning September 2025.
“It is an honor to be named a CFR International Affairs Fellow,” said Mock. “This opportunity will allow me to apply my academic expertise to real-world policy challenges while deepening my understanding of global affairs.”
Dr. Mock’s research explores Africa-China relations, global visual politics, and the historical narratives that shape international perceptions of Africanity. She has published extensively on these topics and has been a leading voice in decolonizing discourse and cultural diplomacy.
The CFR fellowship will enable Dr. Mock to engage directly with policymakers and international institutions, furthering her commitment to bridging scholarship and global governance. As part of the program, she will work closely with a host institution in the public sector, contributing her expertise to issues of international significance.
CFR, one of the nation’s most influential foreign policy think tanks, has awarded the International Affairs Fellowship since 1967 to support scholars and professionals in advancing their careers in global policy.
Dr. Mock’s appointment as a CFR International Affairs Fellow reflects her dedication to impactful scholarship and her ongoing contributions to Africana and international studies at The University of Alabama.
Dr. Mock is also a member of the Leadership U cohort for 2024-2025 and an inaugural UATA Teaching Fellow 2024-2026. Read more about Dr. Mock here.
