Internship - Defense Budget Analysis Program (Fall 2026)

The CSIS Defense Budget Analysis Program is seeking an intern to support its research and administrative needs. The Defense Budget Analysis Program explores trends in the overall defense budget, military readiness, force structure, defense acquisitions, and military compensation in a broader effort to assess the alignment of the country’s defense strategy and its resources.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience.  

Essential duties and responsibilities 

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following 

RESEARCH AND WRITING (70%) 

• Conduct literature reviews, and compile and analyze data for ongoing research projects;
• Provide other research, writing, and editing support for various reports and documents;
• Support written products through background research, copy-editing, and editing citations as necessary;
• Collaborate with and support multiple staff members on different research projects on topics including U.S. and international defense spending, defense acquisition and the industrial base, military force structure, and security cooperation. 

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES (30%) 

• Assist in preparation for meetings, private and public events, and conferences; 
• Tracking relevant legislation and public announcements in the defense funding sector; 
• Perform ad hoc requests and other duties as necessary in support of staff members. 

Knowledge, education, and experience 

• Either currently enrolled in a master’s or Ph.D. program; or has recently graduated with a B.A., B.S., M.A., Ph.D. or equivalent; 
• Interest or experience analyzing U.S. and/or international defense budgets, defense acquisition and the industrial base, or national security; 
• Excellent record in an academic or research environment; 
• Strong writing, organizational, communication, and time management skills; 
• Ability to work independently; 
• Preference for applicants with statistical and quantitative analysis skills; 
• Mandarin language skills are a plus, though not required. 
• Eligible to work in the United States.