About the role#
The Indo-Pacific Security Program offers a full-time internship for those interested in U.S. policy and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region. This program provides exposure to national policy debates and decision makers. You will join a team that conducts research, hosts expert working groups, and manages public events. This is a six-month, on-site position.
What you'll do#
- Support ongoing research efforts.
- Assist with events featuring experts in the field.
- Write content under your own byline.
- Attend professional development and mentorship sessions.
What you'll need#
- A demonstrated interest in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Strong writing skills.
- A self-starter mentality and the ability to work as a team player.
- Experience with detail-oriented work on tight deadlines.
- The ability to balance multiple projects and coordinate across teams.
- Thoughtful judgment when engaging with external experts and policy practitioners.
- Academic background in Political Science, International Relations, or History.
Location & details#
- Location: Washington, District of Columbia.
- Modality: On-site.
- Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week).
- Duration: Six-month term.
- Compensation: $1,900 per month, plus a $75 per month transportation stipend.
About Center for a New American Security (CNAS)
The Center for a New American Security is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. Founded in 2007, it focuses on national security and defense policy research. The organization works with policymakers and the public to provide analysis on U.S. strategic choices. It operates as a bipartisan entity with a staff of approximately 199 people.
How to get in at Center for a New American Security (CNAS)
Securing an internship at the Center for a New American Security requires speed because these roles attract high interest. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role is published, which helps you apply among the first before the candidate pool grows. Applying early ensures your materials are reviewed while the team is still actively building their shortlist. You can improve your response rates by reaching out to the recruiters behind these roles directly. Intern Insider surfaces the specific people managing these positions so you can ask informed questions or request a referral. This direct approach often works better than submitting an application into a general queue.



