Spring 2027 Middle East Research Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD); Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Hybrid/Remote internship options

Job summary

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) invites interns to work closely with Dr. David Adesnik, fostering research on Israel, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon.

Interns will contribute to projects on regional developments, security, and policy analysis while developing writing and analytical skills. FDD offers hybrid and remote internship options, stipend eligibility, and opportunities to earn academic credit.

Qualifications

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Should have relevant coursework in IR, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, Intl Economics, Political Science, CS or STEM.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office packages including Word and basic Excel.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting research on Israel, Iran, Syria and Lebanon.
• Collaborate with staff to analyze regional developments and national security issues.
• Contribute strong writing for research memos and policy briefs.

Skills

Research experience

Strong writing ability

Microsoft Office

Education

International Relations/ Security Studies/ History/ Communications (relevant coursework)

GPA ≥ 3.2

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

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.

The 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 Vice President 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.