Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Internship Program: Shaping Future National Security Leaders
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of national security leaders through innovative educational programs. ISW offers internships across diverse research portfolios and departments, including Russia, China, and Iran’s Axis of Resistance. ISW seeks motivated and experienced college students or recent graduates to join our intern team. ISW believes that ground realities must drive the formulation of strategy and policy. Interns at ISW have an unparalleled opportunity to analyze conflicts in ways that directly inform policymakers on some of the most pressing issues facing American national security.
Overview of the ISW Internship Program
ISW is offering in-person, remote, and hybrid internships for Summer 2026. The ISW Internship Program is one of three core education programs housed within The General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders, launched to identify, educate, and develop the future cadre of leaders committed to America’s national security. ISW views interns as an integral component of its team. Through close collaboration with seasoned analysts, interns have the opportunity to draft, edit, and publish their own research, gaining hands-on experience that directly contributes to national security discourse. Interns also join a broad alumni community of up-and-coming national security leaders and practitioners upon completing the program.
ISW is currently seeking motivated and experienced students or recent graduates who can demonstrate a commitment to and interest in the core mission of ISW to join our intern team. ISW welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including those in non-traditional and interdisciplinary fields. We seek critical thinkers eager to challenge themselves and tackle complex, evolving problems. ISW is offering remote, hybrid, and in-person internships in Washington, DC unless stated otherwise. ISW accepts applications seasonally at the application links provided for each internship.
Internship Opportunities
ISW offers internships across diverse research portfolios and departments. Some specific internship opportunities include:
National Security and Intelligence Analysis Internship
ISW is a leading source of innovative analysis and intelligence on global conflicts that threaten American national security. ISW publishes regular research reports and graphics to inform policy-makers, warfighters, and journalists in Washington, DC, as well as the general public. Interns provide critical assistance to our analysts and receive hands-on training from their supervisors as well as a formal development program taught by our leadership. Interns will be paired with ISW researchers on subject matter that best matches their skill sets and language capabilities. Interns are expected to collect, process, analyze, and synthesize intelligence from native language sources under the guidance of our staff; collaborate with the wider research team to generate intelligence products; assist with editing, documenting, and compiling materials for publications; and support the planning, preparation, and execution of public events and private briefings held by ISW.
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing Internship
ISW uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to improve research collection, intelligence analysis, and visualizations. Interns will use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite remote sensing, data visualization, and Python coding skills to help refine how ISW’s analysts implement these cutting-edge tools. This internship provides practical hands-on experience using GIS in national security and intelligence applications. Interns will support data collection, analysis, and visualizations that support ISW’s world-renowned maps. Interns may also have valuable interactions with software partners who are transforming the national security space. Interns will receive further training on some of these platforms. ISW’s roster of technology partners includes Neo4J, Babel Street, Ntrepid, and Planet Labs, among many others.
Cognitive Warfare Task Force Internship
Interns support the development of the new Cognitive Warfare Task Force at ISW, which aims to analyze and visualize adversary information operations and warfare against the United States and its allies. Interns are expected to collect, process, analyze, and synthesize intelligence relating to adversary operations in the information environment, psychological operations, emerging information technologies, narratives, and influence campaigns among other related topics. Interns will also support long-term research assignments and may also have valuable interactions with software partners who are transforming the national security space.
Communications Team Internship
ISW’s Communications Team provides a distinctive opportunity for candidates interested in gaining experience in non-profit communications with a focus on national security. Over the course of a quarter, interns will receive guidance from ISW’s professional communications and publishing staff, gradually expanding their knowledge of communications strategy and sharpening their ability to improve written products. Interns will have the opportunity to create and edit videos, graphics, and written material as well as assist in special projects and company initiatives. This internship provides a great opportunity to train alongside a small and flexible external relations team in an engaging and fast-paced work environment.
Internship Structure and Experience
Interns at ISW have the unique opportunity to engage directly with military research and policy development, addressing the most pressing crises currently shaping global events. ISW seeks to prepare our interns for careers in national security. The Institute provides regular, formal education in war studies, analytic methods, policy writing, and more. Our interns participate in weekly briefings, seminar-style sessions, and workshops. Interns undergo an intensive two-week development program at the start of each semester on key concepts and skills.
Interns at ISW have an unparalleled opportunity to analyze conflicts in ways that directly inform policy-makers on some of the most pressing issues facing American national security. Our interns work directly with analysts. Interns receive classroom education, regular leadership engagement, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technologies employed in business and the intelligence community.
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Program Dates and Requirements
ISW is only offering remote internships for Spring 2026. The internship begins on January 13, 2026, and ends on May 15, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until November 14, 2025.
Summer 2026 Internship Program Dates: ISW internships starts on June 2, 2026. The program will run until August 21.
Interns must both be authorized to work in the United States and be physically present in the United States during their internship tenure. Working remotely outside of the United States is not authorized. If you attend a US university on a student visa, you must be eligible for and obtain a CPT authorization before beginning at ISW. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until April 17, 2026.
Application Process
ISW accepts applications seasonally at the application links provided for each internship. To apply, upload your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample (max five pages combined).
Instructions: Please upload your resume, cover letter, and writing sample. ISW will work with students to gain academic credit for internships where applicable.
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Scholarship Program
The Institute for the Study of War also has a scholarship program in which candidates may submit an additional cover letter to be considered when applying for one of the internship positions. Intern candidates may be eligible for a monthly scholarship of up to $1,000, designed to support living expenses.
The Institute for the Study of War will offer intern candidates up to a $1,000 monthly living stipend as part of a scholarship program. To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must upload a scholarship application as part of their internship application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until April 17, 2026.
Within the scholarship application, candidates should upload a 2- to 3-page cover letter which answers each of the following questions:
- Which ISW internship is your top choice?
- What do you believe to be the most pressing national security problem the US faces today?
- Where do you see yourself in your future career?
- Are you currently receiving federal financial aid and/or need-based aid from your university?
Why Intern at ISW?
ISW’s internship program was unlike any other program that I’ve seen or experienced. It provided me with a structured education and introduction to national security, including seminars in structured analytic techniques, writing and briefing conditional assessments, military jargon…and advanced weaponry. Every day of the internship was jam-packed with responsibility and tasks. But in the first few weeks and throughout the summer, we received a lot of support from analysts and staff throughout the organization. Everyone was approachable and willing to help us throughout the summer with our projects, but also happy to chat about their career paths as well.
During my two-semester internship at ISW, I gained invaluable insights into the fundamentals of warfare, including battlefield tactics, military technological advancements, and their applications to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Throughout the internship, I gained a great appreciation for how my daily action items were contributing to the weekly products of the China team… Perhaps most importantly, I also learned a great deal about how to help cultivate a strong team dynamic of individual responsibility and cooperation that made producing work both rewarding and enjoyable. I’m incredibly proud to have the opportunity to create graphics for the Institute for the Study of War’s educational programs for their social media.
ISW is a premier provider of cutting-edge analysis and intelligence on global conflicts that pose a threat to American national security. Through regular research reports and visual content, ISW informs policymakers, military leaders, journalists in Washington, DC, and the broader public. Interns play a crucial role in supporting our analysts, receiving hands-on training from experienced supervisors and participating in a structured development program led by our leadership team.
ISW depends on charitable tax-deductible donations to make our vital work possible. Our internship program is supported by people who care deeply about the future of America’s defense and national security. The education and hands-on training of students and future leaders are essential to ensure America’s success both at home and abroad.
A Mission-Driven Organization
At the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), we are dedicated to providing policymakers, military leaders, and the public with the high-quality analysis needed to understand and navigate the complex world of modern warfare. As a member of our team, you will join a prestigious organization at the forefront of military analysis, contributing directly to global security and shaping the future of defense strategies.
Your work will directly influence global affairs and military policy. Our analyses are regularly used by decision-makers at the highest levels, from Capitol Hill to international defense agencies. We are driven by a strong sense of mission: to provide accurate, timely, and actionable information on conflict zones worldwide. Our research is grounded in open source intelligence, evidence and objectivity, ensuring that our findings support critical defense strategies.
As an employee of ISW, you will be working alongside some of the brightest minds in the field of military and conflict studies. Our organization is renowned for pioneering research, expert analysis, and the development of new frameworks for understanding warfare. We pride ourselves on fostering a work environment where innovation thrives. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are at the heart of our success. We are proud of our diverse, inclusive, and dynamic team. We believe that a variety of perspectives strengthens our analysis and drives our success. We offer competitive compensation packages, including comprehensive healthcare, retirement plans, and generous paid time off.
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