About the role#
The Russia Program offers interns the chance to support research fellows and program directors on national security and foreign policy projects. You will work with experts like Dr. Ivana Stradner and John Hardie to produce analysis and identify policy options. This position provides professional development through a speaker series and direct collaboration with scholars.
What you'll do#
- Conduct research on projects related to Russia.
- Analyze information operations and cybersecurity trends.
- Study the Russian military and international organizations.
- Examine Russia's war in Ukraine and Western economic warfare.
What you'll need#
- A minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Relevant coursework in International Relations, History, Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Computer Science, or a STEM field.
- Prior research experience and strong writing abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and basic Excel skills.
- Availability to commit to at least 22 hours per week.
- Legal eligibility to work in the United States.
- Knowledge of Russian or Ukrainian is a plus, though not required.
Location & details#
- Term: Winter 2027.
- Modality: Remote or hybrid options available.
- Compensation: This is a paid internship.
- Employment: Full-time and part-time roles are available.
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.
