China Research Program Internship Spring 2026

Internship Opportunities

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a nonpartisan policy institute dedicated exclusively to promoting pluralism, defending democratic values, and fighting the ideologies that threaten democracy. The organization was founded shortly after 9 / 11 by a group of visionary philanthropists and policymakers to engage in the worldwide war of ideas and to support the defense of democratic societies under assault by terrorism and militant Islamism. FDD combines policy research, investigative journalism, strategic communications, and democracy and counterterrorism education.

About FDD's Internship Program

Based in downtown Washington, D.C., the Foundation for Defense of Democracies has a number of internship opportunities available. All FDD interns will have the opportunity to participate in a twice-monthly speaker series, which brings high-level DC officials and senior staff members to engage with interns in an intimate setting. FDD interns will be encouraged to build on their academic skills by working closely with senior staff. FDD is also happy to assist students who wish to earn academic credit for this internship. All internships are unpaid.

• FDD will move forward with both hybrid and remote internship options for the Spring 2026 semester.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The China Research Program

The China Research Program is seeking a part or full- time intern. The role will provide an opportunity to work closely with FDD Senior Fellow Craig Singleton as well as other members of the research team analyzing Chinese primary sources and perspectives on the Chinese Communist Party's approach to military, economic, and diplomatic competition. Research tasks will cover primary source data collection, literature reviews, and analysis of China's competitive orientation toward the United States and US allies and partners globally. Those with an interest in China, East Asia, and the intersection of national security and economic affairs are strongly encouraged to apply. The China Research Program is looking for interns with empirical research experience, strong writing capabilities and / or data analysis expertise. The ability to conduct research in Mandarin is a plus but not required.

Eligibility

Application Materials Required

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.

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