Russia Program Research Fall 2026 Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD); Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 15,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipends available

Opportunity for academic credit

Professional development workshops

Job summary

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is looking for interns for their Russia Research Program in Washington, DC. Interns will engage in research projects related to Russia's military and geopolitical actions. Candidates should have a strong GPA and relevant studies in fields like International Relations or Security Studies.

This internship offers hybrid and remote options, aiming to provide meaningful professional development while strengthening interns' academic skills through close collaboration with experts.

Qualifications

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on projects related to Russia.
• Participate in a twice-monthly speaker series.
• Strengthen academic and analytical skills.

Skills

Research experience

Strong writing skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Basic Excel skills

Knowledge of foreign languages (preferred: Russian, Ukrainian)

Education

Relevant course of study (e.g., 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

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.

Russia Research

The Russia Research Program is seeking full‑time or part‑time interns. Interns will work under John Hardie, deputy director of FDD's Russia Program, to conduct research on projects related to Russia. Projects will focus on topics including the Russian military, Russia's war in Ukraine, and Western economic warfare with Russia. Those with an interest in Russia and foreign policy are strongly encouraged to apply. FDD is looking for interns with research experience and strong writing skills. The ability to conduct research in a foreign language – particularly Russian or Ukrainian – 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

• 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.