Islamic Studies Intern
*To be considered for an internship, you must apply directly through our online application here.*
Participate in a unique project at the Cato Institute: the study, articulation, and advancement of human liberty in Islamic thought and contemporary Muslim societies. You will work with senior fellow Mustafa Akyol, one of the “top 50 thinkers in the world,” in connecting ancient religious texts to contemporary affairs, focusing on key discussions about freedom of speech, religion, women, or minorities in today’s Islamic world.
Workload
- Conduct literature reviews on certain academic or classical texts on the intersection of Islam and freedom
- Assist in writing and editing for books, blogs, and op‐eds
- Research and outreach for news publications on contemporary issues in Islam or the politics of the Muslim world
- Organize policy forums and conferences for the department
Qualifications
- Interest in religion, in particular, Islam, and the theological or legal discussions in the religious tradition that relate to human liberty, human rights, and rationality
- Strong research, writing, and editing skills
- Familiarity with the politics and culture of Muslim‐majority societies or Muslim minorities in the West
Cato scholars seek to promote a better understanding around the world of the benefits of market-liberal policies and institutions, openness and engagement in the global economy, and a principled and restrained foreign policy. Those benefits include notable improvements in human well‐being as countries increase their levels of economic, civil, and personal freedoms. The United States should thus engage the world, trade freely, and work with other countries on common concerns, but avoid trying to dominate the globe militarily.
About the Cato Internship Program
Cato’s paid internships are for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who have a strong commitment to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that, taken together, constitute libertarianism, known alternately as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, just “liberalism.”
All Cato interns attend the same intensive seminar series, which covers a broad range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also aid with events and occasionally help Cato staff with other day-to-day needs.
Interns receive competitive compensation. Part-time positions are adjusted accordingly and carry a minimum of 25 hrs./wk. Program participants must be available in person in Washington, D.C.
For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Cortez Bartolome, Programs Coordinator, at studentprograms@cato.org