Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern - Middle East Program (Summer 2026)

at Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

🏢 About Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

CSIS is a premier bipartisan think tank focused on international policy and security, known for its influential research on global challenges. Working here offers direct exposure to Middle East policy analysis and networking with leading experts in Washington's foreign policy community.

About This Role

This remote contract internship supports the Middle East Program's research and analysis on regional security, politics, and economics. You'll contribute to impactful projects that inform policymakers and public debate on critical issues like Gulf security, Iran, or regional conflicts.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching recent developments in Gulf security for an upcoming brief, attending virtual team meetings to coordinate project timelines, and drafting analysis on regional political trends. You'll likely spend significant time synthesizing information from regional sources and contributing to collaborative documents.

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🎯 Who Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS) Is Looking For

  • A current graduate student or recent graduate with coursework or research focus on Middle East studies, international relations, or security studies
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze Middle East political/security developments through academic work, writing samples, or previous experience
  • Strong research skills with experience using primary sources, policy documents, or regional media in Arabic or Farsi (preferred but not required)
  • Self-motivated and detail-oriented, capable of managing remote work and contributing to team projects with minimal supervision

📝 Tips for Applying to Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

1

Highlight any specific Middle East regional expertise (e.g., Gulf states, Levant, North Africa) and language skills in your resume

2

Include a writing sample that demonstrates policy analysis on a Middle East topic, ideally 3-5 pages with clear sourcing

3

Reference specific CSIS Middle East Program publications or recent events in your application to show engagement with their work

4

Emphasize experience with remote collaboration tools and self-directed work, given the contract nature of the position

5

Connect your background to CSIS's bipartisan approach by showing balanced analysis in your materials

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in the Middle East Program's current research priorities (check their recent reports or events)", 'How your academic or professional background prepares you to contribute to policy analysis on Middle East security issues', 'Examples of your ability to work independently on research projects with minimal supervision', "Why the remote contract format suits your current situation and how you'll maintain productivity"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Recent Middle East Program publications and ongoing projects listed on the CSIS website
  • → The program director's and senior fellows' research focus areas and recent media appearances
  • → CSIS's organizational structure and how the Middle East Program interacts with other regional programs
  • → Recent events or panels hosted by the Middle East Program and their key takeaways

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your analysis of a current Middle East security or political development and its policy implications
2 How you would approach researching a specific regional issue for a CSIS brief or report
3 Your experience with remote collaboration and managing project timelines independently
4 Questions about CSIS's bipartisan approach and how you would maintain balanced analysis
5 Your familiarity with key Middle East Program publications or scholars and how your work would align
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic applications that don't reference CSIS's specific Middle East focus or recent work
  • Overemphasizing advocacy positions rather than demonstrating balanced policy analysis skills
  • Failing to provide concrete examples of independent research or remote work capabilities

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)!

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