About the role#
The China Research Program is seeking an intern for the Fall 2026 term. You will work alongside FDD Senior Fellow Craig Singleton and the research team to study the Chinese Communist Party. The role focuses on how China approaches military, economic, and diplomatic competition. You will examine China's competitive orientation toward the United States and its global partners.
What you'll do#
- Collect data from primary sources.
- Conduct literature reviews.
- Analyze Chinese primary sources and various perspectives on CCP strategy.
- Collaborate with scholars and experts on research projects.
What you'll need#
- A minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Completed coursework in International Relations, History, Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Computer Science, or a related STEM field.
- Empirical research experience.
- Strong writing skills and data analysis expertise.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including basic Excel skills.
- Ability to conduct research in Mandarin is preferred.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Location & details#
- This is a paid, full-time internship.
- Options include both hybrid and remote work arrangements.
- Candidates must commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
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.
