CSIS Internship Spring 2026 In Defense Sector: Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program (Paid Hybrid Role)

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is accepting applications for its Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program Internship for Spring 2026. This is a prestigious, paid research opportunity based in Washington, DC, offering a hybrid work schedule (virtual and in-person).

This internship is specifically focused on a high-impact project funded by the Russia Strategic Initiative (U.S. European Command). Interns will research Russia's key defense firms and industrial manufacturing capacity. If you have advanced Russian language skills and an interest in defense economics, this is your chance to contribute to critical global security research. The application deadline is December 30, 2025.

Internship Overview & Key Details

Role Responsibilities: What Will You Do?

As an intern in the ERE program, you will not just be observing; you will be analyzing data that informs policy. Your core responsibilities will include:

• Defense Sector Analysis: You will research Russia's defense industry, focusing on internal and external factors impacting production rates and product quality.
• Data Management: You will discover, clean, organize, and analyze various Russian-language data sources related to defense firms.
• Media Monitoring: You will monitor relevant Russian-language papers and press releases to track industry developments.
• Research Support: You will provide writing and editing support to staff members on this specific research project.

Eligibility and Mandatory Requirements

CSIS is looking for candidates with a specific skillset suited for deep open-source research. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

Mandatory Qualifications

• Education: You must be currently enrolled in a thematically relevant Master’s or Bachelor’s program. (For undergrads, 3rd or 4th-year students are preferred).
• Language Skills: Advanced knowledge of the Russian language is required to analyze primary sources.
• Subject Interest: You must have a strong interest or experience in Russian domestic/foreign policies, the Russian defense industry, or the Russian economy.
• Academic Record: An excellent record in an academic and research environment is expected.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of data scraping and processing tools (e.g., R Studio, Python) is highly preferred.

Why Apply?

This internship offers a rare opportunity to work on a specialized project with real-world security implications. You will gain experience in quantitative analysis, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and defense economics, all within one of the world's leading think tanks.

How to Apply

The application deadline is December 30, 2025. You must submit your application through the official CSIS careers portal. Ensure you include:

1. A one-page Resume (PDF).
2. A one-page Cover Letter (PDF) highlighting your interest in the research internship and your relevant language/regional experience.

Official Application Link: Click Here to Apply for CSIS ERE Internship