About the role#
The Middle East Research Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) focuses on national security and foreign policy. This internship offers professional development through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series with senior staff in a small-group setting.
What you'll do#
- Conduct research on projects related to Israel, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon.
- Analyze regional developments, politics, international relations, economic relations, and national security.
- Work closely with the director of research and team members.
- Participate in a twice-monthly speaker series.
What you'll need#
- Minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Relevant coursework in International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, or a STEM field.
- Previous research experience.
- Strong writing capabilities.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and basic Excel skills.
- Proficiency in Persian (Farsi), Arabic, or Hebrew is a plus.
Location & details#
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Modality: Hybrid or remote options available.
- Schedule: Full-time.
- Compensation: Paid internship.
- Location: Washington, DC.
- Note: Sponsorship is not provided.
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.
