The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is inviting applications for its highly regarded internship programs, designed for students and recent graduates who want to contribute to cutting-edge research on global conflict, intelligence, and U.S. national security. Through its General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders, ISW prepares emerging professionals for impactful careers in government, policy, defense, technology, and international affairs.
Why Intern at ISW?
ISW believes that strategy and policy must be shaped by ground realities. Interns play a key role in advancing this mission. Working closely with expert analysts, interns produce open-source intelligence that directly informs policymakers, military leaders, and security professionals.
Interns gain:
- Hands-on experience analyzing real-time conflicts
- Access to cutting-edge intelligence tools used in government and industry
- Regular training in war studies, analysis, and policy writing
- Weekly seminars, leadership briefings, and structured development programs
- Opportunities to draft and publish research
- A strong national security professional network through ISW’s extensive alumni community
Interns stand at the front line of military research and strategic policy development—working on the crises dominating global headlines.
Available Internship Tracks
ISW offers multiple internship paths to match different skills and career goals:
1. National Security & Intelligence Analysis Internship
- Work with analysts on Russia, China, Middle East, and global conflict zones
- Collect and synthesize intelligence from native-language and open-source platforms
- Support major reports, briefings, and policy publications
- Best for students in international relations, political science, military studies, or regional studies
2. Geospatial Intelligence & National Security Technologies
- Use GIS, remote sensing, Python, and visualization tools
- Contribute to ISW’s globally recognized mapping projects
- Work with leading technology partners (Neo4J, Planet Labs, Babel Street & more)
- Ideal for students in geospatial analysis, data science, engineering, or cybersecurity
3. Cognitive Warfare Internship
- Analyze adversary information operations, influence campaigns, and psychological operations
- Study emerging information technologies and disinformation ecosystems
- Support the new Cognitive Warfare Task Force
4. Communications Internship
- Contribute to media relations, social media, publishing, and content creation
- Work on digital campaigns and policy communication
- Ideal for candidates interested in strategic communications or public affairs
What ISW Offers
- Direct engagement with analysts and leadership
- Two-week intensive training at program start
- Structured education in war studies, policy analysis, and intelligence techniques
- Opportunities to publish research and participate in briefings
- Remote, hybrid, or in-person options (Washington, DC)
- Eligibility for up to $1,000/month living stipend through ISW’s scholarship program
Who Should Apply
ISW seeks motivated students and recent graduates who demonstrate:
- A strong interest in national security, defense, conflict studies, or communications
- Critical thinking skills and intellectual curiosity
- Ability to work in fast-paced, evolving research environments
- Commitment to ISW’s mission
Applicants from diverse and interdisciplinary backgrounds are encouraged—previous defense or security experience is not required.
Application Requirements
All internship applications must include:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample
- (Optional) Additional cover letter for stipend consideration
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis during each intake period.
Questions: internships@understandingwar.org
How to Apply
Visit the ISW internship portal and submit your application for the program that fits your background and career goals.
For more information: Click Here
ISW internships offer one of the most rigorous and impactful training environments for aspiring national security professionals. Graduates join an influential network of analysts, policymakers, and leaders working across U.S. government, international organizations, think tanks, academia, consulting, and beyond.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself and contribute to real-time global security analysis, this is an opportunity not to miss.
