About the role#
The Israel Program at FDD offers an internship for students interested in regional developments, politics, foreign relations, and national security. You will work alongside the research team to conduct analysis on Israel, Palestinian politics, and international organizations. This position is available for the Fall 2026 term.
What you'll do#
- Conduct research on Israel, Palestinian politics, and international organizations.
- Focus on regional developments, foreign relations, and national security.
- Collaborate directly with the FDD research team.
- Participate in a twice-monthly speaker series with senior staff.
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 relevant STEM field.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and basic Excel skills.
- Strong writing capabilities and prior research experience.
- A minimum commitment of 22 hours per week.
- Eligibility to work in the United States.
Location & details#
- This internship is based in Washington, DC, with both hybrid and remote options available.
- The position is full-time and paid.
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.



