Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) - Internships

The Institute for National Security Studies does not respond to unsolicited applications for paid positions. We offer internship positions to graduate students and academics with backgrounds in international relations, strategy, the Middle East, or Israel's national security. Applicants should note that:

• Interns are not paid and do not receive money for expenses.
• Duration of internship is at least six months, and interns are expected to put in at least 20 hours per week.
• INSS cannot guarantee that interns will be assigned to research subjects of their choice, but we will do our best to accommodate their preferences. We fully understand that the relationship between the intern and INSS should be mutually beneficial.
• Internship tasks range from basic data collection to pure research and publication.
• INSS provides third party insurance; interns are responsible for their own medical insurance.

Beyond the customary c.v, applications should include:

1. A short introductory email, which lists expected dates and duration of stay.
2. An explanation of what you hope to achieve in an internship, and why you would like an internship in Israel.
3. A list of all courses taken that are relevant to fields studied at INSS.
4. Your best writing sample, again dealing with a relevant issue.
5. Preferred research field.
6. Priority will be given to M.A. students.

ABOUT US

Mission

The Institute for National Security Studies launches and engages in innovative, relevant, high-quality research that shapes the public discourse of issues on Israel’s national security agenda, and provides policy analysis and recommendations to decision makers, public leaders, and the strategic community, both in Israel and abroad. As part of its mission, it is committed to encourage new ways of thinking and expand the traditional contours of establishment analysis…

Research Disciplines

INSS conducts research in the multiplicity of fields that comprise security studies and impact on strategic issues relating to Israel’s national security. Basic research complements analysis of issues of the day. The practical application of INSS research takes the form of “out of the box” thinking and the design of policy options for decision makers in government, the defense establishment, the strategic community, and the private sector…

History

In a reaction to the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Tel Aviv University decided sometime in 1975 to establish a center for security studies. A number of individuals within and outside the University community posited that one possible reason for Israel’s thorough surprise on October 6, 1973 was that no institution outside the Israeli “establishment” had assumed the responsibility of evaluating the premises on which government policy was based – premises that also guided the planning and conduct of Israel’s defense establishment. Had such a research institute existed prior to the 1973 War, it might have questioned the assumptions leading to the intelligence assessment that war was unlikely…