All who are selected to participate in CFR’s Blavatnik Internship Program and Robina Franklin Williams Internship Program receive training in the field of foreign policy and international affairs as well as skills training in writing, research, program planning, and much more.

The intern will have the opportunity to improve knowledge of conflict-related trends by conducting research related to the Center for Preventive Action's (CPA) ongoing projects, including on regional conflicts and on great power competition and cooperation, and by attending events at the CFR and at other institutions in Washington, DC. In support of CPA's mission, the intern will develop writing and editing, event management, and communication and social media skills. The intern will also gain a more global understanding of international conflict dynamics.

The Center for Preventive Action’s mission is to help prevent, defuse, or resolve deadly conflicts around the world and to expand the body of knowledge on conflict prevention. Information about CPA can be found at: www.cfr.org/programs/center-preventive-action.

CFR internships are paid, require a 14 - 18 hour commitment, and are filled on a rolling basis.

• Conducting research as requested by the research associate and/or fellow on a variety of conflict-related topics, including great power competition and regional conflicts, for publications and interactives
• Assist with writing and editing content, including research memos and briefs, blog posts, book chapters, and other publications, as needed
• Provide updates for CPA's Global Conflict Tracker interactive by synthesizing news and reports
• Assist with the social media presence and marketing strategy for the department, including drafting tweets and brainstorming outreach ideas, as needed
• Track daily news reports that are relevant for the department
• Attend relevant meetings and take notes to be shared with the research associate

• Undergraduate or graduate student (preferred) with background in Political Science, International Relations, International Security, Peace and Conflict Studies, or related field
• All applicants should have completed the equivalent of four semesters of college coursework (not including AP classes in high school) by the time they begin an internship
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills on subjects related to CPA research area for short-term and long-term projects
• Administration and Upkeep of a major website
• Event Planning and Support
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel and Word), Adobe, web-based research skills, and familiarity with social media and marketing
• Ability to work independently and consistently produce high-quality work

Pay Rate

$17.50 per hour

Founded in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a leading nonprofit membership organization, research center, and publisher, with headquarters in New York, an office in Washington, DC, and programs nationwide. It is dedicated to increasing America's understanding of the world and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy. CFR's 5,000+ members are leaders in international affairs and foreign policy. CFR also publishes Foreign Affairs, the preeminent magazine on global issues, and provides up-to-date information about the world and U.S. foreign policy on its award-winning website, CFR.org.

CFR’s Internship Program is made possible through the generous support of the Blavatnik Family Foundation, the Robina Foundation, CFR members, and the family and friends of Franklin Williams.

The Council on Foreign Relations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Quality, diversity, and balance are the key objectives sought by the Council on Foreign Relations in the composition of its workforce.