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List of U.S. Based NGOs and Think Tanks
List of U.S. Based NGOs and Think Tanks
The Arms Control Association, founded in 1971, is a national nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to promoting public understanding of and support for effective arms control policies. They are based in Washington, DC.
Internships are available in the Fall, Spring, and Summer.
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Since its inception in 1999, the Africa Center has served as a forum for research, academic programs, and the exchange of ideas with the aim of enhancing citizen security by strengthening the effectiveness and accountability of African institutions.
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies internship program provides a valuable opportunity for aspiring Africa security scholars and practitioners. Internships are available in the Africa Center’s Academic Affairs, Research, and Community and Alumni Affairs departments. All candidates are required to have access to reliable internet and a personal computer with MS Office 365. Interns must be U.S. Citizens. The position is unpaid and remote. Applications appear to be accepted on a rolling basis.
The American Enterprise Institute is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of our scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in our belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society, and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture.
AEI offers internships in the fall, spring, and summer for undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates.
The Atlantic Council is a U.S. Think Tank headquartered in Washington D.C. It was founded on the mission of encouraging the continuation of cooperation between North American and Europe and does research on a variety of topics including diplomacy, international security and defense.
The Atlantic Council offers a 19-week program in the Spring and Fall for junior and senior undergraduate students and graduate students. International students are eligible to participate if they are authorized to work in the United States, with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) as part of their student visa. International students with visas sponsored by an external organization, foundation, or funder are welcome to apply. The Atlantic Council does not directly sponsor visas for interns.
The CATO institute is a public policy research organization that promotes libertarian ideas in policy debates. Their mission is to originate, disseminate, and advance solutions based on the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
The CATO institute offers paid internships in the fall, spring, and summer. Applicants living abroad and international applicants are encouraged to apply but will need to be authorized to work in the United States and must be able to work in person in Washington, DC to participate. The Cato Institute will sponsor a limited number of J‑1 visas.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
From its main office in Washington, DC, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace provides analysis on key topics and regions, including East and South Asia, Africa, Europe, Russia and Eurasia, the Middle East, democracy and governance, nuclear, sustainability and geopolitics, global institutions, technology, and subnational regions, such as California.
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace offers part of full-time paid internships. There are both U.S. based and international internship opportunities available.
The Carter Center is guided by the principles of our Founders, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Founded, in partnership with Emory University, on a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering, the Center seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.
The Carter Center Fall and Spring internships are 15 weeks long with a stipend of $4,500 and the Summer internship is 10 weeks $3,000. Interns work 20 hours per week. Internships are not restricted to U.S. citizens however international interns must have U.S. work authorization. Internships are available with the Carter Center’s Peace Programs, Health Programs, and Operations.
Center for International Policy
CIP provides cross-cutting analysis that examines the true causes and unforeseen consequences of conflict. The examination of three factors in particular is central to their unique analytical approach: the role of non-state actors, corruption, inequality, and the various forms of discrimination (xenophobia, racism and sexism). By interrogating these elements and their intersections in each of our programs, they work to expose the reasons underpinning the perpetuation of militarism with impunity no matter how consistently disastrous the result. This strategic analytical approach is integrated into all of CIP’s programs, which also offer alternative solutions to security challenges that are effective and sustainable for our nation, our global community, and our planet.
Center for Strategic and International Studies
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges.
They have a wide range of research areas covering most regions of the world and most security issues. Offers fall, spring, and summer internships. For college juniors or above.
Center for New American Security
The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is an independent, bipartisan, nonprofit organization that develops strong, pragmatic, and principled national security and defense policies. CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative, fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. A key part of our mission is to inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow.
Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation is a Washington DC based organization that seeks to reduce nuclear weapons arsenals, halt the spread of nuclear weapons, and minimize the risk of war by providing policy research, education, and analysis to the public and policymakers.
Center for Strategic and Budgetary Analysis
The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) is an independent, non-profit, Washington, D.C.-based think tank specializing in US defense policy, force planning, and budgets. Their vision is to set the terms of debate for the future of national defense and drive change in concept development, force structure, and resources to prepare the US and its allies to compete and win in an era characterized by great power competition and conflict.
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher dedicated to being a resource for its members, government officials, business executives, journalists, educators and students, civic and religious leaders, and other interested citizens in order to help them better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries. Founded in 1921, CFR takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.
CFR offers remote/hybrid internships for the Fall, Spring and Summer.
Application timeline: Fall internships are posted in June, Spring internships in October, and summer internships in February.
Chicago Council on Global Affairs
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs. The Council is based out of Chicago, IL. The Council offers internship opportunities and occasionally has some entry level job openings posted on their site.
Application timeline: Application for Fall open in May, applications for Spring open in September and applications for summer open in January.
Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect was established in February 2008 as a catalyst to promote and apply the norm of the “Responsibility to Protect” populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Through its advocacy, programs and publications, the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect acts as a resource for governments, international institutions and civil society on prevention and early action to halt and respond to mass atrocity crimes.
Interns are accepted on a rolling basis and the internship is unpaid.
The Heritage Foundation’s mission is to formulate and promote public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values and a strong national defense.
The Heritage Foundation offers paid Fall, Spring, and Summer internships and they offer assistance finding housing. International students who have obtained work-authorization in the United States may be considered.
Founded in 1961 by strategist Herman Kahn, Hudson Institute challenges conventional thinking and helps manage strategic transitions through interdisciplinary studies in defense, international relations, economics, energy, technology, culture, and law. Hudson seeks to guide policymakers and global leaders in government and business through a robust program of publications, conferences, policy briefings, and recommendations.
Internships are available for the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Applications for Spring 2026 are open.
Institute for the Study of War
The Institute for the Study of War advances an informed understanding of military affairs through reliable research, trusted analysis, and innovative education. We are committed to improving the nation’s ability to execute military operations and respond to emerging threats in order to achieve U.S. strategic objectives. ISW is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy research organization.
The International Peace Institute (IPI) is an independent, international not-for-profit think tank dedicated to managing risk and building resilience to promote peace, security, and sustainable development. To achieve its purpose, IPI employs a mix of policy research, strategic analysis, publishing, and convening. With staff from around the world and a broad range of academic fields, IPI has offices facing United Nations headquarters in New York and an office in Manama.
The International Peace Institute offers internships in a variety of positions. These internships are paid and typically last three months. Check their website for the most up to date information on what positions are available.
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
The lab serves as a technical resource for the Department of Defense, NASA, and other government agencies. APL has developed numerous systems and technologies in the areas of air and missile defense, surface and undersea naval warfare, computer security, and space science and spacecraft construction. While APL provides research and engineering services to the government, it is not a traditional defense contractor, as it is a UARC and a division of Johns Hopkins University. APL is a scientific and engineering research and development division, rather than an academic division, of Johns Hopkins.
Meridian International is a nonprofit, nonpartisan diplomacy center focused on creating greater understanding and collaboration between the United States and the world.
Internships are available for Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer and are located in DC.
Application timeline: Winter – Spring: October/November, Summer: March/April, Fall: June/July.
The National Bureau of Asian Research
NBR is an independent research institution based in Seattle and Washington, D.C. We bring world-class scholarship to bear on the evolving strategic environment in Asia through original, policy-relevant research, and we invest in our future by training the next generation of Asia specialists.
Offers internships in Seattle or Washington DC and is focused on training and educating America’s future Asia specialists.
The North Star Group (NSG) is a group focused on navigating social challenges related to resource development and community self-governance across Alaska, the Arctic, and beyond.
The Stimson Center promotes international security and shared prosperity through applied research and independent analysis, global engagement, and policy innovation. Stimson organizes its work in cross-program research areas: Trade & Technology, Security & Strategy, Climate & Natural Resources, Human Security & Governance, and Pivotal Places.
United States Institute of Peace
The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world.
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
The mission of The Washington Institute is to advance a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East and to promote the policies that secure them.
Chartered by Congress, the Wilson Center provides nonpartisan counsel and insights on global affairs to policymakers through deep research, impartial analysis, and independent scholarship.
The Wilson Center offers a wide range of part-time, paid internship opportunities to current, recent or returning college students. They offer positions in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. The center only accepts individuals who are eligible to work in the United States. The Center will not sponsor visas for interns. International students studying in the U.S. are eligible, but they must hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and appropriate work authorization especially if they are receiving compensation for the internships.
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