Military & Political Power Research Fall 2026 Internship
About The Position
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 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 to strengthen U.S. national security. The Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) is seeking interns to promote understanding of defense strategies, policies, and capabilities necessary to deter and defeat threats. Interns will work closely with the CMPP Senior Director on projects related to U.S. defense strategy and policy, providing rigorous, timely, and relevant research and analysis. FDD offers meaningful professional development through a speaker series and collaboration with scholars and experts. Stipends are available, and academic credit assistance can be provided. Both hybrid and remote internship options are available. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is recommended. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Requirements
- 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.
- 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.
- Resume/CV
- 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.)
- Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
- Unofficial transcript copy
- Specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered in your cover letter.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with CMPP Senior Director Bradley Bowman on a variety of projects related to U.S. defense strategy and policy.
- Provide rigorous, timely, and relevant research and analysis.
- Strengthen academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts.
Benefits
- Stipends are available.
- Can assist students seeking academic credit.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
