Required #12(Late) - CSIS Trip

This week we had the opportunity to travel to the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C. I would like to thank CSIS for the accommodations they provided on our three-day trip. Between the various speakers, the policy simulation, and dinner at 1789, there was not a part of the trip I did not enjoy. After this trip, I would definitely consider working at CSIS in the future if offered the opportunity.

The guest speakers from CSIS dominated most of the time that we spent at CSIS. Prior to departing for CSIS, I was concerned that listening to guest speakers for eight hours would be exhausting. After listening to the various speakers, I can safely say that I was never bored or mentally exhausted. Every speaker that we listened to was engaging and an expert in the field that they worked in. Some of our guest speakers included James Lewis, Arnaud de Borchgrave, Heather Conley and Richard Jackson. These speakers covered a wide range of topics from Cyber security to Global Aging to Prospects on Africa.

Arnaud Borchgrave was one speaker that specifically stood out to the class. Arnaud Borchgrave is an award-winning journalist who has been around the world covering the most important issues since 1947. Throughout his career, Arnaud interviewed a wide range of world leaders that included Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, and Pham Van Dong. Instead of speaking one a specific issue, Arnaud answered our questions for an hour. I am thankful that Arnaud chose this method, as the various stories he had from his career were fascinating. Perhaps the greatest quote that Arnaud Borchgrave said was regarding the budget super committee. "The super committee is like two drunks arguing about the bar tab as the Titanic is sinking." 

On the second half of the second day, we began our Cyber Security Policy simulation. Going into the simulation, no one in the class had any idea what was going to happen. While we had read about cyber security issues, no one would tell us what would happen in the simulation. This year's simulation began when all power in to the City of Chicago was shutdown. Our job was to design a response to the situation, as well as create a three-pillar United States Cyber security Policy. Our team's response to the Chicago simulation was to begin providing immediate relief to Chicago, while avoiding the blame game internationally. Our three-pillar cyber security revolved around the issues James Lewis discussed in his talk as well as the class readings. After briefing the president, we received feedback as well as an update to the situation. The situation update involved the crash of the Chinese stock markets. Finally, we had to present our final policy as well as the United States response to the Chinese stock markets. When it was all finished, our team ended up winning the competition.

Overall, this trip was a great experience and helped me learn more about how think tanks help shape public policy. I would definitely recommend anyone interested in working in this field take this class next fall. The experiences gained during this semester are impossible to replicate outside of an internship. After this class, I am definitely going to explore obtaining an internship at CSIS this summer.