I interned at The Institute of World Politics (IWP) this fall after graduating from the University of Denver.
My primary role during this internship was conducting research on behalf of Dr. Nathan Hodge, alongside fellow intern Nina Maitland. We worked together to provide the background information Dr. Hodge requested to support the development of an online format for the U.S. intelligence history course currently taught at IWP. Through looking over the official historical documentation of key figures, events, and actors, we were able to create an extensive set of notes for Dr. Hodge to reference in his creation of course modules and in the development of the curriculum. This research helped me further develop my skill set in combing through and processing information as well as further developing my knowledge of the history of the IC and the U.S.
Furthermore, during my internship at the IWP, I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and professional network through participation in various events and engagements with established professionals and practitioners. The Institute regularly hosted lectures and events featuring experts in the fields of intelligence, national security, and international affairs. Attending these events allowed me to gain valuable insights into the realities of the field and expand my knowledge and comprehension of the IC. It also, at times, provided context for the research I conducted from the firsthand experience that some of these professionals shared during these talks and events.
Engaging with professionals enabled me to get a better sense of not only the IC and its past, but also how it might look in the future with the emergence of new challenges and helped me to see what my role might be in helping to tackle those challenges. Such was the case with Shane McNeil and his talk to our cohort on the challenges surrounding China and its influence and how there was a need for a shift in addressing challenges surrounding them.
We also had the chance to take on graduate coursework at IWP and gain experience with professors and learn from them. In my case, I took this opportunity to work with Professor John Tsagronis by taking his class on irregular warfare. The course on irregular warfare allowed me to learn more about COIN, counter-terrorism, and much of our defense operations over the past two decades that have been conducted in countering terror threats. Professor Tsagronis further helped by supporting my writing of an essay that looks at counter-propaganda efforts in the current Israel-Hamas conflict.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the internship program at IWP. This experience has been instrumental in developing my academic and professional skill set while broadening my understanding of key issues in the field of intelligence and national security. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Missy Pratt for her exceptional dedication and leadership in running the intern program. Her efforts and work ensured that this cohort had access to meaningful opportunities for learning, growth, and connection throughout the semester.
Mark Hausman
IWP Research Intern, Fall 2024
From the University of Denver Class of 2024