About the role#
The Russia Program is seeking interns to support research projects focused on the Russian military, the war in Ukraine, and Western economic warfare. You will work under the deputy director of the program. This role is open for the Fall 2026 term and offers both remote and hybrid work options. Interns also take part in a twice-monthly speaker series with senior staff.
What you'll do#
- Conduct research on assigned projects related to Russia.
- Assist with analysis of military developments and economic policy.
- Participate in regular speaker sessions to build analytical skills.
- Collaborate with scholars and experts on ongoing research.
What you'll need#
- A minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Coursework in International Relations, History, Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Computer Science, or a relevant STEM field.
- Previous research experience and strong writing skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and basic Excel skills.
- A commitment of at least 22 hours per week.
- Eligibility to work in the United States.
- Proficiency in Russian or Ukrainian is helpful but not required.
Location & details#
- This position is based in Washington, DC, with remote and hybrid options available.
- The internship is paid.
- This role does not offer visa 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.
