About the role#
The Middle East Research Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers an opportunity to assist on projects concerning Israel, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon. You will work alongside FDD scholars and experts to produce analysis on regional developments, politics, and national security. Interns also participate in a twice-monthly speaker series with senior staff members.
What you'll do#
- Conduct research on regional politics, international relations, and economic relations.
- Collaborate with the research team on critical projects.
- Engage with senior staff through a regular 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, Computer Science, or a related STEM field.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including basic Excel skills.
- A commitment to at least 22 hours per week.
- Eligibility to work in the United States.
- Ability to conduct research in languages such as Persian, Arabic, or Hebrew is helpful but not required.
Location & details#
- Term: Winter 2027.
- Modality: Remote or hybrid options available.
- 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.
