Defense Policy Intern (Volunteer)

The Alliance for American Leadership (A4AL.org) is a grassroots coalition of foreign policy experts, veterans, and young professionals dedicated to revitalizing American leadership. We believe international humanitarian and development assistance strengthens U.S. national security, boosts our economy, and upholds the values that define our country.

Our members support policy changes to bolster foreign aid and elect members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who support diplomacy and development. We recently held a Hill Day at the Capitol with over 130 advocates from across the country. We also held a bipartisan press conference with Reps. Jamie Raskin, Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Conaway, and James Walkinshaw. We're seeking Legislative Interns to help us change Congress’s attitude toward foreign aid, one office at a time. We're seeking Defense Policy Interns to sharpen the strategic case for American soft power.

As a Defense Policy Intern, you will research the national security case for diplomacy and international development. Your work will focus on strategic competition with China, the security consequences of American retreat, and the arguments that move defense-minded audiences on Capitol Hill.

You will research strategic competition with China, including PRC development finance and Belt and Road activity, and analyze how development and diplomacy programs advance U.S. security interests. You will draft memos and talking points tailored to national security audiences, track defense authorization and security assistance provisions relevant to foreign aid, and compile statements from military leaders on the value of soft power. You will also support briefings for congressional offices focused on defense and foreign affairs.

We are looking for volunteers with a strong interest in national security, defense policy, and grand strategy, familiarity with debates over great-power competition, and clear analytical writing skills. Coursework in security studies or international relations is a plus.

The Alliance for American Leadership runs a remote internship program as well as an in-person program in Washington, D.C.; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; West Palm Beach, Florida; and Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Interns can choose to work virtually or in person at any of our locations. Many of our interns work 40 hours per week, and we encourage you to treat this as a full-time job if you can; however, some work part-time.

This is an unpaid, voluntary internship. We’re happy to help arrange academic credit or CPT.

When America retreats, China fills the vacuum. Military leaders across administrations have warned that underfunding diplomacy and development makes conflict more likely and more expensive. Peace through strength includes soft power. Help us make that case where it counts.

We’re also seeking professionals to join our Advisory Board and leadership team. Learn more at a4al.org or connect with us on LinkedIn.