Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) Is Hiring A Middle East Research Program Internship Spring 2026

Explore Exciting Internship Opportunities at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Join a dynamic policy institute dedicated to advancing democratic values and countering threats to liberal societies through research, journalism, and strategic communication.

About FDD's Internship Program

Based in downtown Washington, D.C., The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) offers valuable internship opportunities for students interested in foreign policy, security studies, and democracy promotion. Interns gain exclusive access to a twice-monthly speaker series featuring high-level officials and senior staff, fostering an engaging learning environment. FDD encourages interns to build on their academic knowledge by collaborating closely with experienced professionals. Additionally, FDD supports students seeking academic credit for their internship experience. Please note, all internships are unpaid.

🚨 Important Update: FDD will offer both hybrid and remote internship options for the Spring 2026 semester.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is recommended. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Middle East Research Program: Internship Opportunities

The Middle East Research Program is seeking full-time and part-time interns to work alongside Dr. David Adesnik, FDD's Director of Research, and the team. Interns will engage in research projects focused on:

• Israel, Iran, Syria, Lebanon
• Regional developments, politics, international relations
• Economic relations, national security

Candidates with an interest in the Middle East and foreign policy are encouraged to apply. Relevant research experience and strong writing skills are essential. Knowledge of foreign languages such as Persian (Farsi), Arabic, or Hebrew is a significant advantage but not mandatory.

Eligibility Criteria

• GPA of at least 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Relevant coursework in International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, or STEM fields
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word and basic Excel skills)
• Availability to commit at least 22 hours per week
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States

Required Application Materials

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter: Please detail why you're interested in FDD projects and issue areas, indicate where you discovered this internship, and specify your availability for the semester.
• Writing Sample: No more than 3 pages
• Unofficial Transcript

For each position you wish to apply for, clearly specify your preferred department(s) in your cover letter. While you may submit multiple applications, ensure a separate application for each position. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

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