Forward Defense - Fall 2026 Young Global Professionals Program

Forward Defense (FD), housed in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, develops actionable strategies and operational concepts to ensure the United States and its allies can deter and, if necessary, prevail in conflict. Our work spans US defense strategy, emerging technologies, nuclear and space security, and the revitalization of the defense industrial base. In doing so, we aim to tackle foundational challenges, from two-peer nuclear deterrence to maritime industrial decline, with seriousness, urgency, and innovation.

FD is looking for a motivated, energetic individual to become a core member of our fast-growing team. FD interns support our public and private events; reports, papers, and memos; and digital public communications. Through their work, they interact with senior US and allied defense officials and are exposed to logistical and event planning; research, writing, editing, and publishing; and the inner workings of a Washington, DC think tank.

FD also provides regular professional development opportunities for our Young Global Professionals (YGPs), such as workshops on career skills and technical knowledge, exposure to and interaction with our Non-Resident Senior Fellow network, and introductions to military and defense concepts, based on our fellows’ expertise.

This internship is based in our Washington, DC headquarters , requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in the office. Interns will be compensated at a rate of $18.50 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to support the activities of Forward Defense.
• Manage Forward Defense contacts and knowledge.
• Draft correspondence and take notes at roundtables and strategy sessions for program archives.
• Handle logistical and operational functions of Forward Defense issues for events and activities.
• Help draft policy briefs, blog posts, memos, articles, and other publications.
• Support Forward Defense’s development as needed.
• Conduct media outreach to promote FD’s events, publications, and writings.
• Support Forward Defense in creating and updating content on its website using WordPress.
  
  

Qualifications

• Must be at least a college junior in good standing, a graduate student, or college graduate, although a range of academic backgrounds may qualify you for this position. Candidates should articulate why their backgrounds are relevant to our work in the fields of international relations and national security in a cover letter.
• Must demonstrate proven interest in the core mission of the Atlantic Council.
• Interest in and knowledge of a range of core topics related to Forward Defense’s themes and priorities, such as Chinese and Russian security, military technology, space security, nuclear deterrence and arms control, national security applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning, hybrid warfare, homeland security, defense industry, and wargaming.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written – live and virtual), including the ability to identify and work through challenges, underscored by strong judgment and emotional intelligence.
• Must be proficient in MS Office suite. Mention proficiency in other software (such as WordPress, Salesforce, and Marketo) in your application.
• Strong analytical, planning, time management, and organizational skills required.
• We welcome applications from candidates who can commit to work full-time (forty hours per week) from the Council’s Washington, DC headquarters. We require candidates to be in the office four days a week.
  
  

Applications close Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET (4:59 am GMT) and require a resume and cover letter. Due to the large volume of applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.