Spring 2027 Russia Program Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 10,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipends

Job summary

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) invites interns to engage in rigorous policy research within a Washington, DC-based program. Interns collaborate with senior staff, participate in the Russia Research Program, and gain exposure to national security and foreign policy analysis.

Opportunities include hybrid and remote formats, stipends, and eligibility for academic credit. Applicants should be prepared to work at least 22 hours per week and demonstrate strong writing and research

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 International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, or a relevant STEM field.

Responsibilities

• Interns will work closely with senior staff and researchers.
• Contribute to projects related to Russia, information operations, and foreign policy.
• Possess strong writing skills and ability to conduct research; Russian or Ukrainian language skills are a plus but not required.

Job description

Internship Opportunities

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartian 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 Russia Research Program

The Russia Research Program is seeking full-time and part-time interns. Interns will work closely with Dr. Ivana Stradner, research fellow and advisor to FDD's Barish Center for Media Integrity, and John Hardie, deputy director of FDD's Russia Program, to conduct research on projects related to Russia. Projects will focus on topics including Russia's information operations, cybersecurity, international organizations, 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

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