understandingwar

understandingwar

Russia Occupation Research Internship Fall 2026

Washington, District of Columbia · Intern · Internship

Work authorization requiredDetected 20 days ago
Data VisualizationBusiness DevelopmentResearchLeadershipCommunicationMentoring

About the role

  • ISW Internship Program Overview ISW is offering in-person, remote, and hybrid internships for Fall 2026.
  • Instructions to apply for the scholarship are below.
  • The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is committed to training the next generation of national security leaders through its innovative educational programs.

Requirements

  • Candidates must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, independent, and capable of working in a constantly changing and fast-paced professional environment.
  • Candidates should have demonstrated professional or academic experience in using foreign languages (preferably Russian and/or Ukrainian) to conduct primary source research.
  • If you attend a US university on a student visa, you must be eligible for and obtain a CPT authorization before beginning at ISW.
  • Ability to contribute as a member of one of ISW's research, operations, business development, or external relations teams
  • Why do you believe you are qualified?
  • Competitive candidates should also have professional or academic familiarity with open-source intelligence methodologies, including analysis of social media sources, government statements, satellite imagery, and local-level reporting. Experience with mapping and data visualization and organization tools is also a plus.
  • Candidates must show commitment to-and interest in-the core mission and values of ISW.
  • Fall 2026 Internship Program Dates: ISW internships starts on September 8, 2026. The program will run until December 11. 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 July 24, 2026.
  • Instructions: Please upload your resume, cover letter, and writing sample. Your cover letter and writing sample should be no longer than five pages combined
  • the writing sample can be excerpted from a longer paper.
  • ISW will work with students to gain academic credit for internships where applicable.
  • ISW Scholarship Application
  • 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 July 24, 2026.

Nice to have

  • 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 US and international 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 trained to use innovative technologies to conduct open-source collection and analysis in a fast-paced environment.
  • Interns will be expected to collect, process, and analyze data from a wide-variety of open-sources and write sections of the Russian Occupation Update to publishable ISW standard.
  • This is a full-time internship (five days per week), but part-time work may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Candidates must have a demonstrated interest in war studies, national security, or regional studies, particularly related to Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and the post-Soviet space.
  • Candidates must also have a demonstrated interest in military occupations, irregular warfare and coercive activities, humanitarian and human rights issues in conflict zones, and international and human rights law.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • Interns must both be authorized to work in the United States and be physically present in the United States during their internship tenure.
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