Middle East Research Internship

Quincy Institute • Washington, DC

6d

About The Position

The Quincy Institute seeks an intern to support the work of its Middle East program during the spring semester of 2027, with the possibility of renewal. The internship is part of the Quincy Institute Internship Program, which provides undergraduate and graduate students and recent graduates from diverse backgrounds with meaningful, practical work experience related to their studies or career interests. Interns may attend internal meetings and external and Quincy Institute events, online or in person.

The intern will primarily research U.S. foreign policy and military strategy in the Middle East and South Asia, focusing particularly on Israel/Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Iran, the Gulf states, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Research may contribute to original policy research, rapid analysis, and op-ed writing. The intern will also support Institute staff, track relevant news and political developments, assist with congressional outreach and communications, and perform general administrative work.

Interns may work remotely or from the Quincy Institute's Washington, D.C. office. The position averages 19–20 hours per week and pays $18.40 per hour, based on Washington, D.C.'s minimum wage. Applications, including a CV/resume and short cover letter, are due by close of business on December 2, 2026. The Institute will contact candidates selected for further consideration by email.

Requirements

• Knowledge of and interest in issues related to the Greater Middle East.
• Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy issues and ongoing policy debates in the United States.
• Familiarity with realism as a theory of international relations, military restraint, and restraint literature.
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in political science, international relations, economics, law, or a related social science or humanities field, or be a recent graduate in one of these areas.
• Strong writing and research skills, including basic familiarity with writing guidelines such as AP style and citation styles such as Chicago style.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite applications.
• Understanding of data analysis and presentation, including creating graphics, maps, and other charts.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency (not merely proficiency) in Turkish, Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, Pashto, or Urdu; candidates with such fluency will receive heightened consideration.
• Strong understanding of economics or statistics.

Responsibilities

• Research issues related to U.S. foreign policy and military strategy in the Middle East and South Asia, particularly Israel/Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Iran, the Gulf states, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
• Contribute research to products including original policy research, rapid analysis, and op-ed writing.
• Provide research support to other Quincy Institute staff.
• Closely follow daily and weekly news and track issues relevant to ongoing research.
• Assist with congressional outreach, communications, and tracking political developments relevant to ongoing research.
• Assist with general administrative work for the Quincy Institute.
• Demonstrate interest in the Quincy Institute's foreign policy work and in working in a dynamic and ambitious environment.

What This Job Offers

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