On Friday, February 26^th a group of eight IRCers visited the Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS) headquarters to engage in an informal discussion about a variety of topics, including the workings of a think tank, the competitive and collaborative relationships between different think tanks, and how to obtain an internship. Even on a Friday afternoon, the group brought interest, energy, and a multitude of questions to the conversation.

After arriving, the IRCers were welcomed by Russ Oates, the Deputy Director of External Relations at CSIS. Mr. Oates provided a background on CSIS, its various functions and responsibilities, including departments and budgeting, and then allowed time for general questions and an open discourse about CSIS and its fellows.

After general information about the Center, the group was joined by Richard Downie, a fellow with the CSIS Africa program. Mr. Downie only recently joined CSIS after a long career in journalism in the United Kingdom, working for several newspapers there before joining the BBC. Mr. Downie provided interesting insight into the juxtaposition between journalism and think tank work, as he discussed both past and present projects he has undertaken. Mr. Downie left most of his time to answer questions and discuss topics of interest to the group, ranging from the countries in Africa he feels should receive greater attention, to the question of foreign aid to Africa.

After Mr. Downie, Nitzan Goldberger, a research associate with the CSIS Energy and National Security Program and an alumna of Georgetown’s MSFS program, addressed the group. Ms. Goldberger had previously worked in the private sector before coming to CSIS, and so discussed the difference between the two sectors, the path to working at a think tank, and her daily tasks at CSIS . Ms. Goldberger’s main interest lies in alternative energy and renewable fuels, which provided for an interesting discussion of what projects she is currently working on and many questions from the group.

Afterwards, several of the IRCers enjoyed coffee with former IRC Chair and CSIS employee John Tincoff (SFS 09) and current CSIS employee Owen Sanderson (COL 08).

Overall, the visit was an informative and interesting use of a Friday afternoon! Much thanks to Russ Oates and the IRC Development Committee for organizing the event, to Richard Downie and Nitzan Goldberger for sharing their time and insights, as well as to all of you who showed up!

-Elise Barry, External Relations Officer
GIRC Development Committee

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