About the role#
The Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP) at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies is seeking an intern for the Winter 2027 term. This position offers an opportunity to work alongside scholars and experts to support research on U.S. economic security. Interns will participate in a twice-monthly speaker series with senior staff members to build analytical skills.
What you'll do#
- Provide research support for projects concerning U.S. economic security.
- Investigate topics such as sanctions, economic statecraft, and illicit finance.
- Analyze global corruption risks, supply chain dependencies, and digital currencies.
- Explore methods for positive economic power projection.
- Collaborate directly with CEFP team members on critical initiatives.
What you'll need#
- A minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Enrollment in a relevant field such as International Relations, History, Communications, Journalism, Economics, Political Science, or Computer Science.
- Prior research experience and strong writing skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including basic Excel skills.
- A commitment to work at least 22 hours per week.
- Eligibility to work in the United States.
Location & details#
- This internship is based in Washington, District of Columbia.
- Remote and hybrid work options are available.
- This is a paid position.
About Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies is a nonpartisan research institute located in Washington, DC. It focuses on national security and foreign policy. The organization employs a team of experts from fields such as intelligence, law, and technology to produce research for policymakers and the media. It operates three centers that examine military, economic, and cyber power.
How to get in at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)
Securing an internship at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies requires staying ahead of the application queue. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role is published, which helps you apply among the first before the candidate pool grows large. Applying early ensures your materials are seen while the team is still actively reviewing initial submissions. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the specific recruiters behind these roles. Reaching out directly to ask about the position or to request a referral often improves your response rate compared to submitting an application into a general portal.
