China Research Fall 2026 Internship

fdd; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) invites interns to join the China Research Program in Washington, DC, contributing to primary source data collection, literature reviews, and policy-oriented analyses related to Chinese strategy and relations with the United States.

Qualifications

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Relevant coursework in International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, or a relevant STEM field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct primary source data collection and literature reviews.
• Analyze China’s competitive orientation toward the United States and US allies.
• Assist senior staff with research tasks and data analysis.
• Prepare summaries and write-ups of findings for internal use.

Skills

Microsoft Office (Word)

Excel basics

Research experience

Strong writing

Data analysis

Education

International Relations

Security Studies

History

Communications

Journalism

International Economics

Political Science

Computer Science

STEM

Job description

Internship Opportunities

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.

About FDD's Internship Program

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.

China Research

The China Research Programis seeking a part or full- time intern. The role will provide an opportunity to work closely with FDD Senior Fellow Craig Singleton as well as other members of the research team analyzing Chinese primary sources and perspectives on the Chinese Communist Party's approach to military, economic, and diplomatic competition. Research tasks will cover primary source data collection, literature reviews, and analysis of China's competitive orientation toward the United States and US allies and partners globally. Those with an interest in China, East Asia, and the intersection of national security and economic affairs are strongly encouraged to apply. The China Research Program is looking for interns with empirical research experience, strong writing capabilities and/or data analysis expertise. The ability to conduct research in Mandarin is a plus but not required.

Eligibility

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).


• Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science. Computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.


• Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.


• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.


• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Application Materials Required

1. Resume/CV


2. Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)


3. Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)


4. Unofficial transcript copy