Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
The Douglas B. Rogers Essay Competition is designed to invite students to thoughtfully research and opine matters of critical relevance to our society and future governance. It is open to all full-time undergraduate students currently enrolled at the time of essay submission in any field of study at a college or university in North America. This annual program invites students to submit essays prompted by a provocative quotation from one of Doug’s favorite economists, political theorists, or philosophers.
Essays should be engaging, original work and no longer than 4,000 words, follow all conventions about proper citation. Cash Prizes will be awarded to the top three submissions as judged by a panel of experts. Past prompts and winners may be viewed here.
- First Prize: $2000
- Second Prize: $1000
- Third Prize: $500
This year’s Prompt and Quote
“In a regime of Free Trade and free economic intercourse it would be of little consequence that iron lay on one side of a political frontier, and labor, coal, and blast furnaces on the other. But as it is, men have devised ways to impoverish themselves and one another; and prefer collective animosities to individual happiness.” – John Maynard Keynes, 1920
Discussions and disagreements about the scope, effect, and result of free trade are currently a source of major political controversy.
Is Keynes’ assessment of trade correct? Are there other considerations that should be accounted for when discussing trade? How does free trade impact individuals, nations, and society more generally? How would you respond to Keynes’ claim about the impact of political frontiers on individual well-being?
