FSI Faculty Mentor:

Stephen Krasner, Senior Fellow, FSI, Professor, International Relations

About the International Center for Defense and Security:

The International Center for Defense and Security is a non-partisan, non-profit public policy research organization devoted to developing cutting-edge knowledge and analysis of international security and defense issues. ICDS' independent expertise helps its state’s institutions develop more effective policies, and raise the general public’s awareness of issues that influence Estonia’s security and defense. 

The ICDS Mission aims to: 1) strengthen Estonia’s defense sector by identifying best practices; 2) sharpen strategic thinking in NATO and the EU on security issues in the Baltic-Nordic region, and 3) deepen appreciation for Estonia’s contributions to Euro-Atlantic security through Estonia’s participation in international military operations; leadership in cyber security, and experience with national reforms (security, political, and economic).

Project:

The FSI Global Policy fellow will work for a period of about ten weeks during Summer 2017. The fellow’s project may include research on security challenges facing the Baltic-Nordic region, from armed or cyber attacks to threats against social cohesion and energy security.  Other current and planned ICDS projects are focused on Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltic states, Russia’s foreign and security policy, as well as defense sector reforms in Ukraine. The exact project will be developed with the fellow and ICDS’ program staff.  

Eligibility and Skills Required:

The internship is open to continuing undergraduate students. Students from any department are welcome to apply. Applicants must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.3 or higher. Applicants should have an interest in issues related to international security and defense issues, specifically in the Baltic-Nordic region.

Additional Requirements:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Superior research and analytical skills

Language Requirement:

None.  Although Russian language skills are not required for this fellowship, students studying Russian may find this position particularly useful for gaining practical language skills, as some projects are focused on Russia, Ukraine, and Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltic states. (See above.)

Location:

The internship is located in Tallinn, Estonia.

Visa Requirements:

Student must be eligible to travel to Estonia and must have a passport valid until March 2018. A visa is generally not required unless the student has been studying abroad in Europe in the preceding quarter, or will be studying abroad in the following quarter. FSI will help finalists with the visa process.

Stipend:

FSI is committed to providing its opportunities to students regardless of financial constraints. FSI’s Global Policy Fellows are provided with a stipend to cover travel and living expenses during the summer. These stipends average $6,400 per student. Students must submit a budget with their estimated costs along with their application. If you have additional financial constraints that you think may prevent you from participating in this program, please contact Katie Kuruc directly.

Application:

Applicants will be asked to submit:

• Application Form
• Name of faculty reference (letter of recommendation is not required)
• CV/Resume
• Unofficial Transcript
• Budget