Cognitive Warfare Task Force Internship Summer 2026

Institute for the Study of War • Washington, DC

7d

About The Position

Interns will support the development of the new Cognitive Warfare Task Force at ISW, which aims to analyze and visualize adversary information operations and warfare against the United States and its allies. Interns are expected to collect, process, analyze, and synthesize intelligence relating to adversary operations in the information environment, psychological operations, emerging information technologies, narratives, and influence campaigns among other related topics. Interns will also support long-term research assignments and may also have valuable interactions with software partners who are transforming the national security space. Interns will learn to analyze the information environment and how it impacts policymaking, kinetic activities, and strategy. This is a full-time internship (five days per week), but part-time work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

• Demonstrated interest in information warfare and operations; disinformation/misinformation; artificial intelligence and information technology; international affairs; propaganda and media studies; or strategic communications
• Demonstrated interest or expertise in national security or cultural issues, particularly relating to Russia, Ukraine, Europe, China, or the Middle East
• Strong critical language capabilities in Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Korean, Arabic, French, or Spanish
• Excellent writing, editing, research, and oral communication skills
• Ability to conduct complex tasks in a timely and efficient manner
• Self-motivated, independent, creative, and capable of working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Commitment to—and interest in—the core mission and values of ISW
• Must both be authorized to work in the United States and be physically present in the United States during their internship tenure

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting research using primary sources in a foreign language is a plus
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, or HTML; and data visualization tools such as Adobe, Excel, ArcGIS and photoshop are a plus
• Experience with Excel and other data management systems is a major plus

Responsibilities

• Collect, process, analyze, and synthesize intelligence relating to adversary operations in the information environment
• Support long-term research assignments
• Analyze the information environment and how it impacts policymaking, kinetic activities, and strategy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed