Middle East Research Fall 2026 Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD); Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 15,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) in Washington, DC offers internship opportunities focused on national security and foreign policy. Interns will conduct research on critical projects related to the Middle East and work with leading scholars.

Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.2 and relevant coursework in fields such as International Relations or Political Science. Strong writing skills and research experience are essential. Both hybrid and remote internships are available.

Qualifications

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA.
• Completed coursework in relevant fields.
• Commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on Middle East politics, international relations, and security.
• Work closely with Dr. David Adesnik and the research team.
• Participate in a speaker series and collaborate with FDD scholars.

Skills

Research experience

Strong writing capabilities

Knowledge of Microsoft Office

Basic Excel skills

Ability to conduct research in a foreign language (Persian, Arabic, Hebrew)

Education

Relevant course of study (International Relations, Security Studies, etc.)

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

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.

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

Middle East Research Program

The Middle East Research Program is seeking full‑time and part‑time interns. Interns will work closely with Dr. David Adesnik, FDD's director of research, and other members of the team to conduct research on a number of our critical projects related to Israel, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon. Projects tend to focus on regional developments, politics, international relations, economic 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 region 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 — particularly Persian (Farsi), Arabic, or Hebrew — is a big 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

• 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.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.