Democratizing Foreign Policy Research Intern

Quincy Institute • Washington, DC

2d

About The Position

The Institute is seeking a research intern for its Democratizing Foreign Policy program. The intern will research Pentagon spending, money in politics, and efforts by foreign governments and Pentagon contractors to influence U.S. foreign policy. The role includes research and writing for articles, op-eds, reports, and policy briefs, as well as general administrative work as needed. Interns may work remotely or from the Quincy Institute’s Washington, DC office. The position pays $18.40 per hour for an average of 19 hours per week. The initial internship term is three months and may be extended based on performance. Interns hired for this position will begin work in mid-January 2027. The Quincy Institute Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students and recent graduates practical work experience related to their studies or career interests, with opportunities to attend internal meetings and Institute or external events online or in person.

Requirements

• Interest in Pentagon spending, money in politics, and foreign government and Pentagon contractor influence on U.S. foreign policy.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to work with and interpret primary documents.
• Basic skills in data collection, database management, and statistical analysis.
• Exemplary attention to detail and excellent writing skills.
• Keen interest in the Quincy Institute’s restraint-oriented approach and ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in political science, international relations, regional studies, or a related field, or be a recent graduate in these areas.
• Proficient in basic technical skills, including Google Suite.

Nice To Haves

• A record of published writing is preferred.
• Advanced understanding of data analysis.
• Experience using generative AI for research.

Responsibilities

• Research and write op-eds and articles as needed.
• Research U.S. policies relating to arms transfers, including the consequences of U.S. sales and statistical research on major arms suppliers.
• Research foreign governments and Pentagon contractors lobbying for arms sales, U.S. military bases abroad, and the militarization of U.S. foreign policy.
• Research U.S. national security strategy and force posture to help craft alternative approaches.
• Conduct primary research on Pentagon contractors and the economic impacts of Pentagon spending, including tradeoffs with other forms of government spending, for reports and policy briefs.
• Investigate the influence of the military-industrial complex on U.S. foreign policy.
• Perform general administrative work for the Quincy Institute as needed.

What This Job Offers

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