The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.
It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP) seeks a full-time or part-time intern. The intern will work closely with the CEFP team to provide research support for critical projects relating to U.S. economic security. Projects may include working on issues related to sanctions and economic statecraft, illicit finance, global corruption risks, supply chain dependencies, digital currencies, and positive economic power projection. CEFP is looking for candidates with research experience, strong writing skills, and an interest in the intersection of U.S. foreign, national security, and economic policy. For more background on CEFP, please visit fdd.org/cefp.
Please apply by midnight on Sunday, November 8, 2026 for your application to be considered. Applications submitted prior to November 8 will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.
FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations.
Founded shortly after the attacks of September 11, 2001, FDD conducts actionable research, prepared by experts and scholars from a variety of backgrounds – including government, intelligence, military, private sector, academia, and journalism. It brings proficiency in foreign languages, law, finance, technology, and other skills to its work.
FDD regularly provides open-source research and analyses to policymakers and the media. Since its founding, FDD has shared its expertise with the Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations and Congressional offices on a bipartisan basis.
In addition to its in-house experts, FDD proudly collaborates with and seeks counsel from a range of distinguished advisors. FDD houses three centers on American power, which include FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power, FDD’s Center on Economic and Financial Power, and FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation.
