Research Intern (International Relations/Strategic Studies)

Job Title: Research Intern

Vacancies: 1

Stipend: Rs. 2000/month

Internship Tenure: 3 months

Department: Phadke Journal of Strategic Studies (PJSS)

Notification Release Date: 20th April 2025

Deadline: Rolling basis

About the Organisation

The Phadke Journals is a pioneering open-access collection of journals, born from a vision to create an inclusive and authoritative platform for research and analysis across range of disciplines. Established initially to elevate scholarship in international relations, with a special focus on defence/strategic studies, The Phadke Journals is evolving to address the growing demand for accessible, high-quality research across diverse academic fields.

The Phadke Journals (subsidiary of The Viyug) is registered as Proprietor (Sole) with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India (GoI) bearing the registration number UDYAM-TN-26-0041512.

About the Journal

Phadke Journal of Strategic Studies (PJSS) aims to foster a rich intellectual environment where scholars, practitioners, students, and enthusiasts converge to explore the ever-evolving landscape of international relations and defence/strategic studies. The journal aims to contribute to the global understanding of complex geopolitical issues and military dynamics through rigorous and thought provoking research publications.

About the Internship Programme

Our internship programme is designed to attract motivated students, research scholars, and recent graduates with a keen interest in strategic studies, international relations, security affairs and geopolitics. The programme offers:

• An immersive introduction to the journal’s mission and publishing model, with an emphasis on how open-access, peer-reviewed academic publications contribute to policy discourse and the strategic studies community
• Exposure to the operational workflow of a scholarly journal, including editorial management, peer review coordination, publication ethics, content curation, and digital publishing practices
• Opportunities to enhance their academic and professional portfolio by engaging in editorial tasks, research assistance, article reviewing support, author coordination, and academic event management
• Practical experience in a deadline-driven, research-oriented environment, contributing towards advancing public knowledge, fostering academic dialogue, and promoting evidence-based analysis on critical issues of international affairs and national security

This programme aims to equip interns with valuable skills in academic publishing, research communication, and strategic policy analysis — serving as a foundation for future roles in academia, think tanks, media, and government advisory positions.

About the Intern Role/Objectives

Throughout the internship the selected applicant will undertake the following objectives:

Conducting Original Research

• Draft an original research paper or an issue brief or a monograph of 7,000 – 10,000 words for publication. This will be the primary track of objective to be completed by the end of tenure and structured guidance along with checks at regular intervals will be done.
• Research and draft 1 article (in form of analysis or commentary) and 1 newsletter issue a week for The Viyug (parent body of The Phadke Journals).

Editorial Support

• Participate in monthly call for papers (CFP) and special issues arising during the tenure by contributing an analytical piece or commentary for it.
• Contribute book chapters or assist regarding the collection/processing for it
• Contribute to any other academic projects that might arise during the tenure which is of research oriented.
• Collaborate with the editorial team to ensure clarity, accuracy and adherence to Web edition’s publishing standards.

Requirements

All candidates will be assessed on the under mentioned requirements

Educational Qualifications

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate diploma or Master’s, or have graduated with Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University/College within the past one year on the date of submission of their application.
• Studying PG Diploma or Master’s degree or have graduated with Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Defence/Strategic Studies, Political Science, Geopolitics, Security/Intelligence Studies and War Studies.

Languages

• Professional fluency in English is required

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools is required
• Working knowledge of Social Media is required
• Working knowledge/proficiency towards research tools would be a strong asset
• Proficiency with the use of data analytical tools would be an asset
• Familiarity with citation methodologies

Abilities Required

• Strong research and analytical skills with enthusiasm to critically evaluate and synthesise information from various sources
• Able to cope with adherence to deadlines
• Passion for international affairs with a strong desire to contribute to research initiatives
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively when required

Application Process

Only applications submitted in response to a specific internship vacancy will be considered. Interested and eligible candidates are invited to submit their CV/Resume, 2 – 3 abstracts and a cover letter (not more than 2 pages) and including in it;

• Your motivation to join this internship programme
• Your areas of focus and research interests
• Your expectations for this internship programme

Refer to the end of this webpage to check the journal’s area of focus. Interested candidates are requested to check and tailor the proposal accordingly.

Send in the required documents (in PDF format) via email to hr@viyug.org.in. Please include “Application for Internship – PJSS” in the subject line. All applications will be assessed against the requirements indicated in this call for internship. Applicants who meet these requirements closely will be contacted by HR coordinator directly for further consideration and assessment. Queries can be sent via email to editor@viyug.org.in.

“The Phadke Journals” and “The Viyug” do not discriminate on any grounds and candidates will be treated under conditions of equality. The Viyug and its subsidiaries is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified/eligible candidates, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions, or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation and disabilities.

Additional Information about the Journal

Journal’s Area of Focus

The journal’s area of focus includes but not limited to the analysis of defence/security policies, the evolution of strategic thought, military humanitarianism, terrorism and counterterrorism, national security, religiously motivated terrorism (issues and challenges), arms-race in the Asia-Pacific, information and cyber warfare, quantitative methods in the study of international politics, maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, comparative politics of Asia, China studies (foreign policy & strategic issues), violence and peace-building in Islam & other world religions, international politics of money & finance, contemporary European security, India’s foreign policy, US-China relations and other traditional & non-traditional security issues.