The Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest is a short-form academic writing competition for students in grades 7–12, organized by Harvard's undergraduate journal of international affairs. Students write 800–1,200 word articles on international affairs topics and compete in two divisions — Junior (grades 7–8) and Senior (grades 9–12).
Senior division prompts for 2026 offer three choices: "Global Culture in the Digital Era," "Security in a Multipolar World," or "Technology, Innovation, and Power." The Junior division prompt is "Inventions that Changed How We Live." Finalists are invited to a virtual Defense Day where they present and orally defend their articles in a 15-minute session. Awards are given at Bronze, Silver, and Gold medal levels, with certificates and recognition on the HIR website.
The competition runs three cycles per year. Upcoming deadlines: Summer 2026 (August 24, Defense Day October 5) and Fall/Winter 2026–27 (January 2, 2027, Defense Day February 5, 2027).