Institute for the Study of War Is Hiring A National Security and Intelligence Analysis Internship Spring 2026

The ISW Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for motivated students and recent graduates to engage in national security research and analysis, with a focus on conflict zones and emerging technologies. Remote positions are available for Spring 2026, with applications open until November 14, 2025.

🌍 ISW Internship Program Overview

ISW is only offering remote internships for Spring 2026. Instructions to apply for the scholarship are outlined below.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of national security leaders through innovative education. We seek motivated college students and recent graduates to join our diverse research teams, covering topics such as Russia, China, Iran's Axis of Resistance, Geospatial Intelligence, and more.

🎯 Why Work for ISW?

At ISW, we prioritize ground realities to shape effective strategy and policy. Our interns play a vital role in conducting open-source intelligence analysis that provides timely insights on conflicts and security threats to policymakers and warfighters.

Interns here have a rare opportunity to analyze global conflicts, work directly with experienced analysts, and engage with the latest technologies used in intelligence and defense sectors. It’s a front-row seat to military research and policy development, especially during pressing international crises.

As part of The General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders, our internship program is foundational in developing the future national security leadership. Many interns have contributed to research, publishing, and even joining our staff full-time.

📝 Internship Details

National Security and Intelligence Analysis Internship

Our leading analysis team provides insights on global conflicts threatening U.S. security. Interns assist analysts with research, analysis, editing, and publication preparation, gaining hands-on experience with innovative open-source collection tools.

Interns are matched with researchers based on skills and language capabilities, which may include:

• Collecting, processing, and analyzing intelligence from native language sources
• Collaborating on generating intelligence products
• Supporting publication editing and documentation
• Assisting with event planning and briefings

This is a full-time internship (five days/week), with some flexibility for part-time arrangements.

🎓 Qualifications

• Motivated and organized college students or recent graduates with relevant expertise
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
• Proficiency in languages such as Arabic, Hebrew, Russian, Mandarin, Turkish, Kurdish, Farsi, or programming languages like Python
• Strong ability to manage complex tasks efficiently
• Self-motivated, independent, creative, and adaptable to dynamic environments
• Committed to ISW’s mission and values

📅 Internship Timeline & Eligibility

The internship begins on January 13, 2026, and ends on May 15, 2026. Applicants must:

• Be authorized and physically present in the United States during the internship
• Not be working remotely outside the U.S.
• Attend a U.S. university and have CPT authorization if on a student visa

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until November 14, 2025. To apply, upload your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample (max five pages combined). We can assist with academic credit arrangements where applicable.

💼 ISW Scholarship Program

Intern candidates may be eligible for a monthly scholarship of up to $1,000, designed to support living expenses. To be considered, applicants must submit a separate scholarship application, reviewed on a rolling basis until November 14, 2025.

Criteria for assessment include:

• Contribution potential to research, operations, business development, or external relations teams
• Financial need to justify the scholarship aid

Within the scholarship application, candidates should submit a 2-3 page cover letter addressing:

• Top internship choice and qualifications
• Perceived pressing U.S. national security issues and proposed solutions
• Future career aspirations and how the internship aligns with them
• Motivation for applying for the scholarship
• Current financial aid status

Note: The scholarship stipend is considered taxable income.

📧 Questions?

For more information, contact us at internships@understandingwar.org.