About the role#
This internship offers a chance to work at the intersection of research, strategy, and legislative action. You will be embedded in projects that analyze national security challenges and track policy debates on Capitol Hill. The role focuses on issue areas such as Iran, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, China, sanctions, and defense policy. You will gain experience in communicating complex policy objectives to stakeholders and policymakers while receiving mentorship from issue-area experts.
What you'll do#
- Contribute to the NatSec Roundup, a weekly publication for congressional staffers.
- Support the advocacy team in producing Action Alerts and Policy Alerts for legislation and letters.
- Draft social media content that reflects policy priorities.
- Monitor and track national security developments and breaking events.
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, or Political Science.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and basic Excel skills.
- Ability to commit to at least 22 hours per week.
- Eligibility to work in the United States.
- Prior experience on Capitol Hill is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: Washington, DC.
- Modality: On-site.
- Term: Winter 2027.
- This is a paid internship.
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.
