Sawyer PlattMy time at The Institute of World Politics has been a great experience overall. I had the privilege of supporting research and analysis on how the CIA and JSOC can pivot from counterterrorism to focus more on great power competition. The varying range of topics covered allowed me to engage in my own research on niche topics such as the rise and implementation of Chinese Private Security Companies into the Belt and Road Initiative.
Through my time here, I was able to develop and strengthen my interpersonal and communication skills, allowing me to convey complex topics and issues clearly. Additionally, when developing these skills, I was met with feedback on ways I was able to improve.
My favorite part of IWP had to be the weekly briefings. The ability to choose topics that I found interesting allowed me to explore further topics that I was not initially aware of, allowing me to learn and find new areas of further research. Simultaneously, engaging in these complex issues encouraged me to engage with my incredibly talented peers, whose knowledge and drive to learn made the program even more exciting.
Sawyer Platt
George Mason University, Class of 2026
Research Intern