Research Intern - Islamic Studies

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

Overview

Mustafa Akyol is a prominent voice on Islam, liberty, and modernity — recognized by Prospect magazine as one of the top 50 thinkers worldwide and the author of several books examining how Islamic thought aligns with individual freedom, human rights, and limited government. 

His work examines classical Islamic texts, contemporary politics in Muslim-majority countries, and the experiences of Muslim minorities in the West. His newest book, No Compulsion in Religion — No Exceptions: Islamic Arguments for Religious Freedom (Cato, 2026), brings together Muslim scholars to develop an Islamic case against religious coercion. 

Interns support Akyol's research and writing by reviewing literature, translating sources, drafting, editing, and assisting with events — helping create work that reaches policymakers, religious communities, and audiences around the world.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews on both classical and contemporary Islamic texts, scholarship, and debates relevant to current research projects.
• Research and monitor ongoing developments in Muslim-majority societies and Muslim minority communities in the West, and synthesize the findings for op-eds, blog posts, and longer publications.
• Assist with drafting and editing various formats such as articles, op-eds, blog posts, and book-related materials.
• Translate or summarize relevant texts in Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Urdu, Indonesian, or other languages.
• Support outreach to news outlets and media contacts on current issues in Islam and Muslim-majority politics.
• Assist with organizing policy forums, events, and conferences, including preparing background materials.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and genuine interest in Islamic thought, history, and contemporary Muslim politics — including debates on religious freedom, human rights, women's rights, minority protections, and the relationship between Islamic law and liberal governance — grounded in and aligned with Cato's principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong research and writing skills, with the ability to engage both classical sources and current affairs accurately and with appropriate nuance.
• Ability to interpret and summarize religious, legal, and academic texts for policy and public audiences.
• Cross-cultural judgment and discretion — this work involves sensitive debates within living religious communities and demands intellectual seriousness and care.
• Familiarity with the politics and culture of Muslim-majority societies and/or Muslim minorities in Western countries.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in sourcing, citations, and written output, as well as consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Academic background in Islamic studies, religious studies, Middle Eastern studies, political science, or a related field with significant engagement with Islamic thought or Muslim-majority politics.
• Proficiency in reading or working in Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Urdu, Indonesian, or another relevant language.
• Familiarity with Akyol's published work is recommended; applicants are strongly encouraged to read Why, As a Muslim, I Defend Liberty (2021) before applying.
• Previous research, writing, or publication related to Islam, religious freedom, or politics in Muslim-majority countries, through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results

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.