Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Spring 2027 Internships: Fully Funded National Security, Intelligence, Communications, GIS, Multimedia, and Research Opportunities in Washington, DC

Students and recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in national security, intelligence analysis, communications, geospatial technologies, multimedia production, and international affairs now have an exceptional opportunity to join one of the world’s leading conflict research institutions. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has officially opened applications for its Spring 2027 Internship Program, offering a broad range of specialized internships designed to train the next generation of analysts, communicators, researchers, and policy leaders.

Based in Washington, DC, ISW is internationally recognized for producing open-source intelligence (OSINT), military assessments, geospatial analysis, strategic reports, and communications products that inform policymakers, defense professionals, journalists, and the wider public. Through its internship program, ISW provides students and recent graduates with direct exposure to cutting-edge research, analytical methodologies, and real-world national security challenges.

The program is hosted under The General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders and offers opportunities across several fields, including intelligence analysis, communications, multimedia production, cognitive warfare, geospatial intelligence, and regional conflict research.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with the final deadline set for November 13, 2026.

About the Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

The Institute for the Study of War is a non-profit research organization dedicated to producing accurate, timely, and evidence-based analysis of global conflicts and security issues. ISW’s work focuses on understanding warfare, military operations, foreign policy, information operations, occupation strategies, and geopolitical developments that affect international security.

ISW’s analyses are regularly consulted by:

• Policymakers
• Defense institutions
• Military leaders
• Journalists
• Academic researchers
• International organizations
• Security professionals

The organization’s commitment to rigorous open-source intelligence analysis has made it one of the most respected institutions in defense and conflict studies.

Interns become active contributors to this mission, working alongside senior analysts and communications experts while receiving mentorship, leadership training, and professional development.

Why Apply for an ISW Internship?

ISW internships offer much more than traditional work experience. Interns participate directly in projects that contribute to real-world policy discussions and global security analysis.

Benefits include:

1. Hands-On Professional Experience

Interns engage in:

• Open-source intelligence collection
• Research and analysis
• Data visualization
• Mapping and GIS work
• Strategic communications
• Multimedia production
• Social media management
• Writing and editing
• Event support

2. Mentorship from Experts

Participants work directly with:

• Senior intelligence analysts
• Communications professionals
• Geospatial specialists
• Multimedia experts
• National security researchers

3. Scholarship Support

ISW offers a scholarship program providing:

• Up to $1,000 monthly living stipend

Scholarship recipients are selected based on:

• Potential contribution to ISW teams
• Demonstrated financial need

4. Academic Credit Opportunities

ISW works with universities to help students obtain academic credit where applicable.

5. Career Development

Former interns have:

• Published research
• Developed professional portfolios
• Transitioned into ISW staff positions
• Advanced into careers in government, academia, communications, research, and international affairs

ISW Spring 2027 Internship Opportunities

ISW is offering internships across multiple departments and research portfolios.

Intelligence and Research Internships

These internships focus on regional security issues and intelligence analysis:

• China & Taiwan Intelligence Analysis Internship
• Korean Peninsula Intelligence Analysis Internship
• Middle East Intelligence Analysis Internship
• Russia & Ukraine Intelligence Analysis Internship
• Russia Occupation Research Internship

Interns will:

• Analyze open-source information
• Work with foreign language materials
• Produce intelligence products
• Support publications and briefings
• Assist senior analysts

Preferred language skills include:

• Mandarin
• Korean
• Russian
• Ukrainian
• Arabic
• Hebrew
• Turkish
• Kurdish
• Farsi
• Japanese
• Taiwanese Hokkien
• Tagalog

Cognitive Warfare Project Internship

This opportunity focuses on:

• Information warfare
• Disinformation studies
• Artificial intelligence
• Cognitive security
• Strategic communications
• Data analysis

Applicants with interests in:

• AI
• Information technology
• International affairs
• Media studies
• Data visualization

are highly encouraged to apply.

Geospatial Intelligence and National Security Technologies Internship

Students interested in:

• GIS
• Satellite imagery
• Mapping
• Data visualization
• Remote sensing

will gain practical experience using:

• ArcGIS
• GIS platforms
• Remote sensing tools
• Mapping technologies

Experience in:

• SQL
• Python
• Arcpy

is an added advantage.

Communications Internship

This internship provides training in:

• Media relations
• Digital communications
• Social media management
• Writing and editing
• Content creation
• Website management
• Communications strategy

Interns may work across:

• X
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• Threads

Competitive applicants are encouraged to submit:

• Writing samples
• Editing samples
• Graphic design portfolios

Multimedia and Video Production Internship

Ideal for students interested in:

• Video editing
• Multimedia storytelling
• Social media content
• Graphic design
• Scriptwriting
• Visual communications

Preferred skills include:

• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Photography
• Video production
• Social media content development

Internship Dates

Spring 2027 internships will run:

• Start Date: January 12, 2027
• End Date: May 14, 2027

Note: The Russia Occupation Research Internship lists a separate program timeline:

• Start Date: September 8, 2026
• End Date: December 11, 2026

Scholarship Details

Selected interns may receive:

• Up to $1,000 monthly scholarship support

Applicants must submit a separate scholarship application answering:

1. Why they selected their preferred internship.
2. Their views on key national security challenges.
3. Career goals.
4. Reasons for applying for scholarship support.
5. Financial circumstances and aid status.

The scholarship is considered taxable income.

Eligibility Requirements

General eligibility includes:

• Current college students
• Graduate students
• Recent graduates

Applicants should possess:

• Strong writing and communication skills
• Research abilities
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently
• Interest in national security and international affairs

Additional technical skills may include:

• GIS
• Foreign languages
• Data visualization
• Social media
• Video editing
• Open-source intelligence research
• Graphic design
• Programming

Work Location

Location:

• Washington, DC, United States

Formats available:

• In-person
• Hybrid
• Select remote opportunities

Applicants must:

• Be physically present in the United States during the internship
• Be authorized to work in the US

International students studying in the US must obtain CPT authorization before beginning the internship.

Required Application Materials

Applicants may need:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing sample
• Editing sample
• Graphic design portfolio
• Multimedia portfolio
• Scholarship application (optional)

Application Deadline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until November 13, 2026. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

APPLY HERE

How to Apply

Interested applicants should visit the official ISW careers page and apply directly for their preferred internship opportunity.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Spring 2027 Internships.

Conclusion

The Institute for the Study of War Spring 2027 Internship Program offers a rare opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience at the intersection of national security, intelligence, communications, geospatial technologies, multimedia production, and international affairs. With mentorship from leading experts, opportunities to contribute to influential research, and scholarship support of up to $1,000 per month, ISW provides an outstanding platform for emerging professionals seeking careers in policy, defense, media, research, and global security.

Applicants with strong analytical skills, communication abilities, technical expertise, and a passion for understanding global conflicts should consider applying before the November 13, 2026 deadline.

For more global internship opportunities visit OFY HERE