Economic & Financial Power Research Fall 2026 Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD); Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 15,600 - 20,800; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Hybrid and remote internship options

Job summary

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is looking for a full-time or part-time intern in Washington, DC, focusing on U.S. economic security. Interns will provide research support and engage with senior staff.

The ideal candidate has research experience and strong writing skills, with the ability to commit to at least 22 hours per week. Stipends are offered along with a collaborative learning environment with experts.

Qualifications

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and basic Excel.
• Commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support for projects related to U.S. economic security.
• Work on sanctions, economic statecraft, and digital currencies.

Skills

Research experience

Strong writing skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Basic Excel skills

Education

Relevant coursework in International Relations, Security Studies, or Political Science

Job description

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

FDD 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 CEFP Deputy Director Josh Birenbaum and other staff 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.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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

• Resume/CV
• 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.)
• Writing sample (no more than 3 pages)
• Unofficial transcript copy

Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.