Cognitive Warfare Research Intern — Scholarship Stipend

Understanding War; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 7,800 - 11,000; Full time

Job summary

ISW invites motivated college students or graduates to join the internship team for Spring 2027. Interns engage with analysts across portfolios including Russia, China and Iran, with opportunities in National Security and Geospatial Intelligence.

In-person, remote, and hybrid formats are offered; CPT may be required for eligible students. Interns collaborate on research, receive classroom education and leadership engagement, and contribute to cutting-edge analysis used by policymakers and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in cognitive and information warfare, disinformation and AI, IT, international affairs or propaganda studies.
• Interest in national security or regional studies related to Russia, Ukraine, Europe or China.
• Strong language capabilities in Russian, Ukrainian or Mandarin preferred.
• Experience with primary sources in foreign languages is a plus.
• Experience with data visualization, large data sets, AI, and data management is a plus.
• Excellent writing, editing, research and oral communication skills required.
• Ability to conduct complex tasks timely and efficiently.
• Self-motivation, independence, creativity and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to ISW's mission and values.

Skills

Cognitive warfare

Disinformation

AI & IT

International affairs

Propaganda & media studies

National security

Regional studies

Russian/Ukrainian/Mandarin

Primary sources research

Writing & editing

Oral communication

Task management

Self-motivation

Tools

Data Visualization

AI & Data management

Job description

ISW invites motivated college students or graduates to join the internship team for Spring 2027. Interns engage with analysts across portfolios including Russia, China and Iran, with opportunities in National Security and Geospatial Intelligence.

In-person, remote, and hybrid formats are offered; CPT may be required for eligible students. Interns collaborate on research, receive classroom education and leadership engagement, and contribute to cutting-edge analysis used by policymakers and