Spring 2027 Military and Political Power Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 13,000 - 20,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipends

Academic credit eligible

Hybrid/Remote options

Job summary

Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), based in Washington, DC, offers internship opportunities designed to develop professional skills in national security and foreign policy analysis. Interns participate in a speaker series, collaborate with FDD scholars, and can receive stipends or academic credit.

The program supports both hybrid and remote internships and welcomes students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Qualifications

• 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 fields such as International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science; Computer science and/or STEM fields also acceptable.
• Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Word and basic Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Interns will work closely with CMPP Senior Director on a variety of projects related to U.S. defense strategy and policy.
• Interns will assist with research, analysis, and writing tasks.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Education

GPA 3.2 (on 4.0 scale)

International Relations

Security Studies

History

Communications

Journalism

International Economics

Political Science

Computer Science

STEM field of study

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

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.

The Center on Military and Political Power

The Center on Military and Political Power is looking for part-time or full-time interns. 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 by providing rigorous, timely, and relevant research and analysis. 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. Additional information on CMPP may be found here.

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