About the role#
The Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers an internship for the Winter 2027 term. This role focuses on U.S. defense strategy and policy. You will work directly with CMPP Senior Director Bradley Bowman and collaborate with FDD scholars to build your analytical skills. Interns participate in a speaker series held twice a month with senior staff. This position is paid and available in both hybrid and remote formats.
What you'll do#
- Assist with research and projects concerning U.S. defense strategy.
- Collaborate with experts to strengthen your academic and analytical work.
- 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.
- Strong research and writing abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and basic Excel skills.
- A demonstrated record of excellence.
Location & details#
- Location: Washington, DC.
- Modality: Hybrid or remote options available.
- Schedule: Full-time commitment required.
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.



