About the role#
The Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) offers an internship for students interested in U.S. defense strategy and policy. Interns work directly with the CMPP Senior Director on various research projects. This role is designed to help you build analytical skills through collaboration with FDD experts.
What you'll do#
- Work closely with the CMPP Senior Director on projects concerning U.S. defense strategy and policy.
- Participate in a twice-monthly speaker series with senior staff in a small-group setting.
- Strengthen your academic and analytical research capabilities.
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 Office and basic Excel skills.
- Ability to commit to at least 22 hours per week.
- Eligibility to work in the United States.
Location & details#
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Location: Washington, DC, with hybrid and remote options available.
- Status: Paid, full-time or part-time.
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.
