Economic & Financial Power Research Fall 2026 Internship

fdd; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipends

Hybrid/Remote options

Job summary

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) offers a CEFP internship in Washington, DC, supporting research on sanctions, economic security, and policy analysis. Interns work with CEFP staff on priority projects and gain exposure to U.S. foreign and economic policy.

The program provides stipends and can assist with academic credit; CEFP internships offer hybrid or remote options and require a minimum 22 hours per week commitment for students pursuing related fields.

Qualifications

• GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
• Studied fields include International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Data Analytics or a STEM field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and basic Excel required.
• Commitment of at least 22 hours per week and eligibility to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support on sanctions, economic security, illicit finance, and related CEFP projects.
• Assist with writing, analysis, and policy-focused tasks for CEFP.
• Collaborate with CEFP staff on current national security and economic policy issues.

Skills

Strong writing skills

Research experience

Microsoft Word

Excel basics

Education

International Relations

Security Studies

History

Communications

Journalism

International Economics

Political Science

Data Analytics

STEM

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

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.

The Center on Economic and Financial Power

FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP) seeks a full-time or part-time intern. The intern will work closely with the CEFP team to provide research support for critical projects relating to U.S. economic security. Projects may include working on issues related to sanctions and economic statecraft, illicit finance, global corruption risks, supply chain dependencies, trade enforcement, digital currencies, and positive economic power projection. CEFP is looking for candidates with research experience, strong writing skills, and an interest in the intersection of U.S. foreign, national security, and economic policy. For more background on CEFP, please visit www.fdd.org/cefp.

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. Data Analytics, 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