Research Internship on Technology, Trade and Geopolitics, IISS-Americas

International Institute for Strategic Studies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 16,070; Part time

Job summary

A global think tank based in Washington DC is offering a Research Internship on Technology, Trade, and Geopolitics. The position requires up to 20 hours of work per week, with flexible start and end dates preferably from mid-January to mid-May. Candidates should have a strong academic background in international relations or national-security studies, with specific knowledge of security trends and proficient in writing and Microsoft Excel. This is a paid internship at $18/hour.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of current trends in international security.
• Ability to write quickly and clearly.
• Proactive self-starter working well in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and write on technology and trade issues.
• Assist in convening virtual and in-person events.
• Perform outreach to government and non-government entities.
• Support researchers with ad-hoc tasks on various projects.

Skills

Knowledge of international security trends

Quick and clear writing

Proactive self-starter

Teamwork

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Education

Currently pursuing a master’s degree or undergraduate

Job description

• Research Internship on Technology, Trade and Geopolitics, IISS-Americas

Research Internship on Technology, Trade and Geopolitics, IISS-Americas

Location: Washington DC

Contract: Fixed-term

Hours: Up to 20 hours per week

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo‑economics in a global context. Its international researchers provide best‑in‑class independent and impartial analysis and provide insights on strategic challenges and priorities to governments and the private sector. It is expert at bringing together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security; promoting dialogue; and facilitating effective and influential bilateral and multilateral consultations.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies – Americas is seeking one student intern to work up to 20 hours per week to support a research program on technology, trade and geopolitics. The start and end dates are flexible with a preference for those available from mid‑January to mid‑May.

Responsibilities:

The successful applicant will gain direct exposure to the research, publications and management of a leading international think tank. We are looking for an intern with a strong academic background focused on international relations or national‑security studies, ideally with an interest in emerging technologies and international trade.

Duties will include:

• Conducting research and writing on technical issues, policy developments and diplomacy regarding technology and trade.
• Performing operational tasks to assist in convening virtual and in‑person events.
• Performing outreach to both government and nongovernment entities.
• Supporting IISS–Americas researchers with ad‑hoc research, data‑collection, writing, editing and fundraising projects.

Requirements:

Successful candidates will:

• Have good substantive knowledge of current trends in international security, particularly emerging technologies relevant to national security and/or international trade.
• Be able to write quickly and clearly.
• Be a proactive self‑starter and able to work in a small team environment.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Excel.

It would be advantageous if candidates are currently pursuing a master’s degree, though undergraduates will also be considered.

Eligibility and Compensation:

Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States. The IISS–Americas regrets that it cannot assist with procuring visas or entry permits.

This is an in‑person internship paid at $18/hr for up to 20 hours per week. Applicants must reside in the DC metro area at the time of the internship.

Application:

Interested candidates can proceed by pressing the blue ‘apply now’ button on the left‑hand side of this screen. You will be asked to upload a one‑page cover letter, a one‑page resume, and a writing sample (up to 2,500 words in length). The writing sample can be a stand‑alone work or an excerpt focusing on any topic. When uploading your documents, please merge the cover letter and writing sample to create a single PDF while submitting the resume as a stand‑alone PDF.

The deadline for the application is 7:00 pm Eastern on 5 December 2025.

Due to the volume of expected applications, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

The IISS is an equal‑opportunities employer.