Military & Political Power Research Fall 2026 Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD); Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Opportunity for academic credit

Hybrid and remote options

Job summary

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) in Washington, DC is offering an internship focused on national security and foreign policy. Interns will support the Center on Military and Political Power, working on defense strategy projects with senior staff and scholars.

Qualified candidates will possess a 3.2 GPA and strong research and writing abilities. Interns must commit at least 22 hours a week and will have the option for hybrid or remote work.

Application materials include a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and unofficial transcript.

Qualifications

• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in academic performance.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with CMPP Senior Director on defense strategy-related projects.
• Participate in a speaker series featuring senior staff.
• Collaborate with FDD scholars and experts.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Basic Excel skills

Education

Relevant coursework in International Relations, Security Studies, History, etc.

GPA of at least 3.2

Job description

About FDD's Internship Program

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.

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; stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis; incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Center on Military and Political Power

The Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) is a center at FDD that promotes understanding of the defense strategies, policies, and capabilities necessary to deter and defeat threats to the freedom, security, and prosperity of Americans and our allies. Interns will work closely with CMPP Senior Director Bradley Bowman on a variety of projects related to U.S. defense strategy and policy.

Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated record of excellence, including strong research and writing skills.

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 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 (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). 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.