Research Intern - Islamic Studies

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

About the Role

This paid, in-person internship in Washington, DC (25–40 hours per week over 12 weeks) joins Cato’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, working closely with Mustafa Akyol (Senior Fellow)—a leading voice on Islam, liberty, and modernity, named among Prospect magazine’s “world’s top 50 thinkers” in 2021.

You’ll link classical Islamic texts and traditions to modern debates on free speech, religion, women’s rights, and minority protections in today’s Muslim-majority societies and Western settings.

Day to day, you’ll contribute to articles, op-eds, and events grounded in primary sources and current affairs—building on Akyol’s work (e.g., Reopening Muslim Minds) and the Center’s broader commitment to advancing human freedom globally.

Responsibilities

• 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

• Demonstrated interest in—and working familiarity with—Islamic thought and debates on liberty, human rights, and rationality in Muslim contexts (including Muslim minorities in the West), aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Excellent research, writing, and editing; precise use of primary sources with meticulous citation.
• Familiarity with the politics and culture of Muslim-majority societies and/or Muslim minorities in the West.
• Ability to interpret and summarize classical and contemporary religious/legal texts and academic literature for public audiences.
• Cross-cultural judgment, discretion, and clear communication under deadlines; collaborative working style.
• Language skills are a plus (e.g., Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Urdu, Indonesian).

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.