Think Tanks
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The Africa Center for Strategic Studies serves as a forum for research, academic programs, and the exchange of ideas to enhance citizen security and democratic accountability in Africa. Interns support the Center’s academic affairs, research, and community outreach teams by conducting policy analysis, drafting reports, and assisting with program logistics. Participants gain direct exposure to the U.S. and African policy nexus, engaging with security sector professionals and scholars on critical governance and defense issues.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The Alexander Hamilton Society constitutes a non-partisan network of students and professionals dedicated to promoting constructive debate on foreign, economic, and national security policy. Interns work directly with national staff to coordinate chapter programming, conduct research on international affairs, and support leadership development initiatives. This role offers students the opportunity to engage with high-level policy practitioners and gain a sophisticated understanding of American grand strategy.
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The American Enterprise Institute is a public policy research institute dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world through independent scholarship. Interns work alongside renowned economists, political scientists, and foreign policy experts to conduct substantive research, edit scholarly work, and assist with high-profile events. The program immerses students in the daily operations of a leading think tank, providing access to exclusive policy briefings and professional development workshops.
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The Asia Society Policy Institute tackles major policy challenges confronting the Asia-Pacific in security, prosperity, and sustainability to present innovative solutions to decision-makers. Interns conduct research on geopolitical trends, draft briefing memos, and support the organization of high-level dialogues and public events. The experience allows students to deepen their knowledge of Asian affairs while building professional networks with experts in diplomacy and international relations.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The Aspen Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Interns assist with research, policy analysis, and the planning of convenings across diverse programs ranging from national security to domestic economics. The internship provides a unique vantage point into non-partisan problem-solving and offers mentorship from leaders in the non-profit and policy sectors.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The Atlantic Council promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic community in meeting global challenges. Interns, referred to as Young Global Professionals, analyze critical issues in regional centers, draft publications, and coordinate events that bring together global leaders. This program is designed to build the next generation of foreign policy leaders through hands-on work and extensive professional development training.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here
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The Bipartisan Policy Center actively fosters bipartisanship by combining the best ideas from both parties to promote health, security, and opportunity for all Americans. Interns provide functional support to specific policy projects, conduct legislative research, and assist with the production of reports and white papers. The program offers students valuable insight into the policymaking process and the mechanisms of consensus-building in Washington, D.C.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The Brennan Center for Justice operates as an independent, non-partisan law and policy organization that works to reform, revitalize, and when necessary, defend our country's systems of democracy and justice. Interns support the Center’s legal and policy advocacy by conducting legal research, drafting memos, and assisting with public education campaigns. Students gain practical experience in the intersection of law and public policy while contributing to work on voting rights, criminal justice reform, and constitutional issues.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The Brookings Institution conducts in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national, and global level. Interns collaborate with expert scholars to analyze data, fact-check publications, and support the execution of public and private events. The internship provides a comprehensive introduction to the think tank environment, emphasizing rigorous inquiry and evidence-based policy solutions.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace advances cooperation between nations and promotes active international engagement by the United States. Interns function as junior research assistants, supporting senior scholars with data collection, editing, and the coordination of briefings and conferences. The program offers a prestigious platform for students to engage with high-level foreign policy research and join a global network of analysts.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy facilitates collaborative research and dialogue between Chinese and international experts on critical global challenges. Interns in the Young Ambassadors Program assist with research on U.S.-China relations, edit scholarly texts, and support the logistical execution of center events. Participants gain rare insight into Chinese foreign policy and the dynamics of international diplomacy in Beijing.
Internships are available in the Summer and Academic Year. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The Cato Institute originates public policy proposals based on the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Interns research policy issues, assist with conference organization, and attend an intensive seminar series on political philosophy and economics. The program is designed to equip students with the skills to communicate libertarian ideas effectively and understand their application to contemporary policy debates.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The Center for American Progress functions as an independent, non-partisan policy institute dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas. Interns engage directly with policy experts to conduct research, draft memos, and support advocacy campaigns across diverse issue areas. The internship provides students with a fast-paced, hands-on experience in the development and communication of progressive policy solutions.
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The Center for European Policy Analysis works to ensure a strong and enduring transatlantic alliance rooted in democratic values and principles. Interns support the organization's research programs by monitoring political developments, conducting background research, and assisting with the coordination of high-level convenings. The role offers students deep exposure to the security, energy, and democratic challenges facing Central and Eastern Europe.
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The Center for a New American Security develops strong, pragmatic, and principled national security and defense policies to shape and elevate the national security debate. Interns work directly with research programs to write reports, support event logistics, and analyze defense strategies and global security trends. The program is designed to mentor the next generation of national security leaders through substantive work and professional development sessions.
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The Center for Strategic and International Studies defines the future of national security by providing strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision-makers. Interns support specific research programs by compiling data, summarizing briefings, and assisting with the production of multimedia content and publications. The internship includes a structured leadership development curriculum that complements the substantive policy work.
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The Council on Foreign Relations serves as an independent, non-partisan membership organization and think tank dedicated to helping citizens better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States. Interns conduct research for fellows, track relevant legislation and news, and assist with the planning of roundtable meetings and symposia. This opportunity allows students to interact with leading foreign policy authorities and gain insight into the analysis of global affairs.
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The Foundation for Defense of Democracies conducts in-depth research to strengthen U.S. national security and reduce threats posed by adversaries and enemies of free nations. Interns work closely with center experts to conduct open-source research, draft policy briefs, and monitor legislative developments related to foreign policy and defense. The program features a speaker series and mentorship opportunities designed to prepare students for careers in national security.
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Freedom House works to defend human rights and promote democratic change, with a focus on political rights and civil liberties. Interns support the organization’s advocacy and research teams by collecting data on global freedom, drafting country reports, and assisting with programmatic logistics. The internship offers students the chance to contribute to the global struggle for democracy and gain expertise in human rights monitoring.
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The Hudson Institute challenges conventional thinking and helps manage strategic transitions to the future through interdisciplinary studies in defense, international relations, and economics. Interns conduct rigorous research, edit scholarly manuscripts, and assist with the coordination of policy events and conferences. The program provides a stimulating intellectual environment where students can engage with forward-looking policy analysis and strategic forecasting.
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The Institute for the Study of War provides real-time, independent, and open-source intelligence on ongoing military operations and insurgent threats. Interns serve as research assistants who track military developments, translate foreign language sources, and contribute to daily intelligence updates and maps. This role offers an immersive experience in conflict analysis and open-source intelligence collection for students interested in military affairs.
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The International Peace Institute promotes the prevention and settlement of conflicts between and within states by strengthening international peace and security institutions. Interns conduct background research on peace operations, assist with the drafting of meeting notes and reports, and support the organization of high-level panels. The internship provides direct exposure to the work of the United Nations and the multilateral system of conflict resolution.
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The McCain Institute for International Leadership fights to defend democracy, human dignity, and security, reflecting the legacy of Senator John McCain. Junior Fellows collaborate with staff on program design and implementation, conduct policy research, and support the Institute’s events and communications efforts. The program emphasizes character-driven leadership and offers students a professional foothold in the Washington foreign policy community.
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The National Bureau of Asian Research conducts advanced independent research on strategic, political, economic, and health issues affecting U.S. relations with Asia. Interns provide essential support to research teams and the publications department by editing manuscripts, formatting citations, and assisting with project management. The position offers students practical training in the publication of policy research and a deeper understanding of Indo-Pacific affairs.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The Pew Research Center informs the public about the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the world through public opinion polling, demographic research, and content analysis. Interns work with research teams to process data, perform statistical analysis, and fact-check reports for publication. The program offers a rigorous introduction to social science research methods and data-driven storytelling in a non-advocacy setting.
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The Stimson Center promotes international security, shared prosperity, and justice through applied research and independent analysis of global challenges. Interns support specific programs by conducting literature reviews, writing news summaries, and assisting with the logistical execution of events and projects. The internship provides students with a professional environment to explore issues ranging from nuclear proliferation to environmental security.
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The Washington Institute for Near East Policy provides a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East and promotes the policies that secure them. Interns support research assistants and senior fellows by gathering data, drafting summaries of regional developments, and assisting with the planning of policy forums. The program serves as a training ground for future policymakers, offering deep immersion in the politics and security of the Middle East.
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The Wilson Center acts as the nation’s key non-partisan policy forum for tackling global issues through independent research and open dialogue. Research Assistant interns work one-on-one with visiting scholars to conduct in-depth analysis, locate source materials, and edit academic papers and book chapters. The internship offers students a unique mentorship opportunity and intimate access to high-level scholarship on contemporary public policy.