The TFAS Public Policy Fellows were treated to a special discussion on international relations with Marine Corps University Professor Dr. Chris Harmon on December 11 at TFAS Headquarters.
During Harman’s talk, “Reflections on U.S. Foreign Policy,” he mapped out the foreign policy landscape in D.C. and discussed current events in international relations that determine U.S. foreign policy.
Dr. Harmon encouraged Fellows to take a creative approach to working in foreign policy. He explained how foreign policy can impact numerous industries, and those looking to serve can pursue careers in civil military relations, public diplomacy, immigration and financial reform.
Frederico Bartel, PPF ’18, a policy analyst for defense budgeting in the Heritage Foundation‘s Center for National Defense, said Dr. Harmon was a thoughtful speaker who was able to walk the fellows through the issues and elements that shape foreign policy.
Dr. Harmon brought a “more holistic” perspective, as he was “able to tie together the different instruments that are available to craft foreign policy, in and out of government,” Bartles said.
Bartels said that, overall, the Fellowship is providing him with an extremely valuable experience, enabling him to become a more well-rounded individual while connecting with other young professionals working in policy.
“All of the Fellows bring different experiences in different areas of policy,” he said. “I think that we are developing a good rapport as a group and understanding each other and the issues better.”
To learn more about the TFAS Public Policy Fellowship, please visit TFAS.org/PPF.