Spring 2027 China Program Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipends

Academic credit assistance

Job summary

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is seeking interns for the China Research Program to analyze primary sources and perspectives on the CCP's approach to military, economic, and diplomatic competition.

Interns will work closely with senior fellows, conduct literature reviews, data collection, and analysis; Mandarin ability is a plus but not required. FDD offers stipends and can assist academic credit; hybrid and remote options are available.

Qualifications

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Should have a relevant course of study in International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Computer Science or STEM.
• 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 and be eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Analyze Chinese primary sources and perspectives on the CCP's approach to military, economic, and diplomatic competition.
• Conduct literature reviews, data collection, and analysis of China's competitive orientation toward the United States and US allies and partners.
• Collaborate with FDD Senior Fellow and other team members on research tasks.
• Possess strong writing capabilities and/or data analysis experience; Mandarin is a plus but not required.

Skills

MS Office proficiency

Strong writing

Education

International Relations

Security Studies

History

Communications

Journalism

International Economics

Political Science

Computer Science

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Microsoft Office

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.

China Research

The China Research Programis seeking a part or full- time intern. The role will provide an opportunity to work closely with FDD Senior Fellow Craig Singleton as well as other members of the research team analyzing Chinese primary sources and perspectives on the Chinese Communist Party's approach to military, economic, and diplomatic competition. Research tasks will cover primary source data collection, literature reviews, and analysis of China's competitive orientation toward the United States and US allies and partners globally. Those with an interest in China, East Asia, and the intersection of national security and economic affairs are strongly encouraged to apply. The China Research Program is looking for interns with empirical research experience, strong writing capabilities and/or data analysis expertise. The ability to conduct research in Mandarin 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.