Research Internship for Southeast Asian Security and Defence

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is the world's leading independent authority on global security issues, providing information and analysis on a wide range of international security and political risk questions. The Institute conducts research on the problems of conflict, hoThe International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo-economics in a global context. Its international researchers provide best-in-class independent and impartial analysis and provide insights on strategic challenges and priorities to governments and the private sector. It is expert at bringing together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security promoting dialogue and facilitating effective and influential bilateral and multilateral consultations.

The research intern will focus on supporting the IISS Southeast Asian Security and Defence research programme based at the IISS-Asia office in Singapore. Examining security challenges and defence policy trends across Southeast Asia, the programme seeks to advance a deeper understanding of the strategic risks and vulnerabilities confronting regional policymakers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

The research intern will provide research assistance and administrative support for the Southeast Asian Security and Defence programme and its activities in four areas:

• Defence partnerships and capability development.
• Armed violence and transnational security.
• Regional crisis readiness and architecture.
• Strategic competitive pressures and fault lines.

Requirements:

The successful candidate must:

• Have a research interest and background in Southeast Asian security affairs and regional geopolitics.
• Be comfortable with using Excel and other tools for data collection.
• Proficiency with multiple Southeast Asian languages is desirable.

Educational qualification

• Preferably a postgraduate degree in related studies. Applicants pursuing a Bachelor's degree will be considered fairly. Those in the humanities or STEM fields are welcomed to apply.

Remuneration:

The internship will be in-person and full-time from September 2025. This position is for a fixed term of 3 months. More information about the IISS can be found at .

Application:

Candidates should submit two documents with their applications: a cover letter, indicating period of availability and research interests and a Curriculum Vitae or resume with a short, policy-driven writing sample.

Due to the expected volume of applications, only those applicants selected for interview will receive a reply following the acknowledgement email. The IISS is an equal opportunities employer.