Intern - Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program (Summer 2026)

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) • Washington, DC

1d • $18 - $20

About The Position

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism (WITT) Program seeks candidates for a full-time (35 hours per week), three-month (with the possibility of extension to six-month) internship beginning in summer 2026.

To learn more about the WITT Program, please visit: https://www.csis.org/programs/warfare-irregular-threats-and-terrorism-program [https://www.csis.org/programs/warfare-irregular-threats-and-terrorism-program].

The ideal candidate for this job thrives in a fast-paced environment, is highly organized, and enjoys a wide variety of research, analytic, and logistics work. Interns will gain first-hand experience in public policy and national security by assisting in research tasks, event planning and execution, and general administrative support. Interns also participate in professional development activities.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.00/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.00/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.00/hour for hires with a master’s degree).

Requirements

• Completed (or near-completed) bachelor’s degree.
• 0-2 years of relevant work experience (including internships).
• Prior academic or professional experience conducting research on terrorism, irregular warfare, and/or the military activities of U.S. competitors.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Demonstrated success working in collaborative team environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously under strict deadlines.
• Availability to work full-time (35 hours a week) starting in summer 2026.

Nice To Haves

• In pursuit of a master’s degree.
• 1-3 years of experience in a professional office environment.
• Quantitative data research experience, including creating, maintaining, and analyzing large Excel spreadsheets.
• Familiarity with databases such as Janes Terrorism and Insurgency Centre, Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), or ADL Hate, Extremism, Antisemitism, Terrorism (H.E.A.T.) Map.
• Creating and manipulating geodatabases, including working with QGIS, CARTO, Mapbox, Google Earth, and other open-source mapping platforms.
• Experience copyediting and reviewing long-form (10-50 pages) written products such as commentaries, op-eds, and reports.
• Overseas travel or academic/professional experience in Africa, Asia, Europe, or the Middle East.
• Language proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Arabic, Farsi, Korean, French, Mandarin, Russian, or Ukrainian.

Responsibilities

• Conducting qualitative and quantitative research to analyze terrorist and non-state actor group activity as well as irregular and conventional military activity by U.S. competitors like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
• Using cutting-edge research methods to support written analysis, including but not limited to creating original maps, analyzing satellite imagery, and building original datasets.
• Creating, maintaining, and utilizing datasets to perform data analysis and create data visualizations.
• Preparing detailed background briefs on a broad range of security issues for research staff.
• Provide scheduling support to coordinate calls, in-person and virtual meetings, and travel for events and projects.
• Assist in all aspects of event planning and logistics, including for public and private panels and conferences.
• Assist in the publications process, including liaising with the CSIS Dracopoulos iDeas Lab, drafting webpage language, and assisting in social media promotion.
• Other similar duties as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees