Shaping Future Leaders: War & Peace Fellows' Transformative D.C. Experience

For 14 War & Peace Fellows, spring break offered a unique immersion into the world of international security, as they traveled to Washington, D.C. to engage directly with practitioners shaping global policy. Led by Professor Katy Powers, Faculty Coordinator Thomas Candon, Postbaccalaureate Fellow Madeline Sawyer, and Dickey Center Director Victoria Holt, the students embarked on a three-day schedule designed to bridge academic understanding with real-world application.

During their time in D.C., the Fellows engaged with officials at key institutions such as the Pentagon, gaining insights into defense policy; the State Department, exploring diplomatic strategies; and the World Bank, examining the intersection of development and security. Their schedule also included meetings with policy practitioners across various offices, as well as a discussion with Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander and journalists at The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

The intensive schedule provided the Fellows with unparalleled access to over 14 different offices and agencies, offering firsthand encounters with individuals and spaces previously confined to textbooks. This direct engagement fostered a deeper understanding, as exemplified by War & Peace Fellow Hrishik Roy '27, who noted the value of being "able to speak to these people in their work environments," leading to refreshingly candid conversations that broadened their perspectives on current issues and introduced novel topics.

A significant aspect of the D.C. experience was the opportunity for the Fellows to connect with Dartmouth and War & Peace alumni working in the city. Over dinner, alumni shared reflections on their time at Dartmouth and offered invaluable insights into their diverse career trajectories in Washington. These engagements facilitated meaningful connections and provided students with tangible examples of potential career paths. The Fellows had the chance to meet with over 20 alumni, each offering unique perspectives on navigating the policy world.

For Tess Bowler '25, the conversations with alumni provided valuable clarity for her future aspirations. She noted that these interactions "helped [her] envision [her] future in a more salient way," especially when considering the variety of opportunities that utilize their common skill sets. The trip also fostered a strong sense of community among the Fellows. Arif Sulimani '26 highlighted this aspect, sharing that he was able to "connect and build relationships with other War & Peace Fellows [which are] moments you build strong and deep relationships."

The annual D.C. trip exemplifies the War & Peace Fellows Program's commitment to providing transformative experiential learning opportunities that complement academic study. By facilitating direct engagement with practitioners and fostering connections with alumni, the program empowers students to develop a nuanced understanding of international security and cooperation. This was evident in the experience of Sam Brook '25, who was able to "draw on [his] past coursework in international relations to ask informed questions and then gain valuable takeaways for [his] future career." This firsthand engagement, interacting directly with its professionals and organizations, is crucial in enabling students to better understand global issues and prepare them to lead in a complex world.

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