INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Summer Intern: Critical Threats Project - Iran and the Middle East

CompanyAEI
LocationWashington
Work ModeOn Site
PostedDecember 24, 2025
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Interns will support analysis of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Iran’s Axis of Resistance, and Iranian regional activities and domestic politics. Responsibilities include monitoring regional media, translating, conducting research, and contributing to CTP’s daily Iran Update newsletter.
Internship Type
other
Company Size
941
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Who we are: The American Enterprise Institute is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of our scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in our belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society, and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture. How we do it: We are committed to making the intellectual, moral, and practical case for expanding freedom, increasing individual opportunity, and strengthening the free enterprise system in America and around the world. Our work explores ideas that further these goals, and AEI scholars take part in this pursuit with academic freedom. AEI operates independently of any political party and has no institutional positions. Our scholars’ conclusions are fueled by rigorous, data-driven research and broad-ranging evidence. Our work: Our scholars not only engage in research that focuses on today’s most critical challenges but also look ahead to ideas and issues that have yet to be widely recognized. AEI scholars pursue innovative, independent work across a wide array of subjects. From economics, education, health care, and poverty to foreign and defense studies, public opinion, politics, society, and culture, our experts drive the competition of ideas.
About the Role

Overview

The Critical Threats Project (CTP), led by Senior Fellow Frederick W. Kagan, tracks and analyzes current and emerging challenges to American national security with its partner organization, the Institute for the Study of War. Interns will support analysis of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Iran’s Axis of Resistance, and Iranian regional activities and domestic politics. Interns will be responsible for monitoring regional media, translating, assisting with and conducting research, providing oral briefings on CTP analysis, and contributing to CTP’s daily Iran Update newsletter. The internship includes educational modules for developing intelligence analysis tradecraft.

 

Qualifications

  • Strong writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills are required.
  • Previous research experience, specifically related to the Middle East, is highly preferred.
  • The ability to work on a team and independently is required.
  • A demonstrated interest in international relations, Iran, the Middle East, and defense policy is required.
  • Openness to constructive feedback is required.
  • Initiative, dedication to CTP’s mission, a strong work ethic, and creativity are highly valued.
  • The ability to read and research in regional languages (including Arabic, Hebrew, Kurdish, Persian, and Turkish) is highly desired but not required.

Candidates who can intern 40 hours per week in person are preferred. Hours must fall within normal business hours in Eastern time from Monday through Friday. Please include your weekly availability for the position in your cover letter.

 

About AEI Internships

 

AEI internships offer a unique opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates to gain experience in research, writing, business, and communications at one of the nation’s leading think tanks. Competitive candidates will generally have a GPA of 3.5 or higher from a top-ranking college or university. AEI’s internship program runs for 12 weeks, and all related programming will take place in person in Washington, DC. Please see the internship program home page for updates.

 

The summer program dates are either Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, August 21, or Tuesday, June 2, to Friday, August 28.

Key Skills
WritingAnalytical SkillsCritical ThinkingResearchTeamworkIndependenceInternational RelationsDefense PolicyFeedback OpennessInitiativeCreativity
Categories
Government & Public SectorEducationSocial ServicesConsultingScience & Research