About the role#
The Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP) at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers an internship for students interested in the intersection of U.S. foreign, national security, and economic policy. You will work closely with the CEFP team to support critical research projects and develop your analytical skills. Interns also participate in a twice-monthly speaker series with senior staff members.
What you'll do#
- Provide research support for projects related to U.S. economic security.
- Analyze issues involving sanctions and economic statecraft.
- Research topics such as illicit finance, global corruption risks, and supply chain dependencies.
- Examine trade enforcement, digital currencies, and positive economic power projection.
- Attend a twice-monthly speaker series.
What you'll need#
- A minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Completed coursework in International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Data Analytics, or a relevant STEM field.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and basic Excel skills.
- Ability to commit to at least 22 hours per week.
- Eligibility to work in the United States.
Location & details#
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Location: Washington, DC.
- Modality: Hybrid or remote options available.
- Compensation: This is a paid position.
- Sponsorship: We do not provide sponsorship.
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.
