Spring 2027 Military and Political Power Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD); Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipends

Hybrid/Remote internship options

Professional development

Job summary

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a Washington, DC-based think tank, offers a robust internship program through the Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP). Interns collaborate with CMPP senior staff on defense policy research, sharpen writing and analytical skills, and participate in a speaker series.

Programs include stipends and hybrid or remote options. Applicants should plan for a minimum of 22 hours per week and must be eligible to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Should have coursework in International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, or a STEM field.
• Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Word and basic Excel.

Responsibilities

• Assist CMPP on defense strategy and policy research projects.
• Contribute to writing analyses and preparing briefing materials for senior staff.

Skills

Research

Writing

Time management

Education

GPA 3.2 on 4.0 scale

Coursework: IR, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, Intl Economics, Political Science, CS

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft 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.

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

• 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 apply by midnight on Friday, November 6, 2026 for your application to be considered. Applications submitted prior to November 6 will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

In your cover letter, please specify if you are available part-time (20-34 hours weekly) or full-time (35-40 hours weekly) to include the number of hours you are available. Please include 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.

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