Clements Funding Recipient Annika Rettstadt talks about her internship at the the Institute for the Study of War

Jul 21, 2016

This summer, the Center funded thirteen students and here is Annika Rettstadt’s story.

“I am interning for the Institute for the Study of War in Washington, DC. ISW is a nonprofit think tank that focuses on military operations in high risk regions throughout the world. Analysts at ISW use open source research and analysis to develop a higher level of public understanding and enhance the policy debate around specific regions of interest.

I have spent my time at ISW as part of the Counterterrorism Team, which focuses on Islamic State’s activity outside Iraq and Syria. Daily tasks include open source research, analysis, and writing a daily briefing that details important events pertaining to Islamic State and is passed on to local policymakers. Most recently, I contributed to a map depicting Islamic State’s recent activity in Europe that was published on ISW’s website. My internship has given me the opportunity to use my advanced Arabic language skills on a daily basis. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to participate in discussions with noted scholars and military figures.”

Annika is a student at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, pursuing a Masters degree in Global Policy Studies. 

Photo: Annika with the Counterterrorism Team at ISW