Israel Program Research Fall 2026 Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

EmergencyMD is offering internship opportunities focused on research in national security and foreign policy. Interns will work with experienced professionals and engage in a speaker series to develop their skills.

The ideal candidates will be committed to at least 22 hours per week and possess strong research and writing capabilities. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is required, and proficiency in languages like Arabic or Hebrew is a plus.

Qualifications

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA.
• Interns should have relevant coursework in fields such as International Relations, Political Science, or STEM.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on Israel, Palestinian politics, and national security.
• Participate in a twice-monthly speaker series.
• Collaborate with FDD scholars on various projects.

Skills

Research experience

Strong writing capabilities

Knowledge of Microsoft Office

Basic Excel skills

Foreign language skills (Arabic or Hebrew)

Education

Completed coursework in relevant fields

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.

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

Israel Program Research

The Israel Program is seeking full‑time or part‑time intern. The intern will work closely with the FDD research team to conduct research on Israel, Palestinian politics, international organizations and other related topics. Projects tend to focus on regional developments, politics, foreign relations, and national security. Those with an interest in the Middle East and foreign policy are strongly encouraged to apply. If there is a particular FDD project area of interest to you, please indicate that in your cover letter. The Research Department is looking for interns with research experience and strong writing capabilities. The ability to conduct research in a foreign language especially Arabic or Hebrew 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

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. Incomplete applications will not be considered.