Understanding Washington
Details
CSIS is pleased to offer Understanding Washington, a real-time virtual course. We look forward to continuing to offer you high quality professional development opportunities in this format.Overview
Understanding Washington offers embassy, business, and nonprofit professionals the tools and knowledge necessary to better navigate the Washington policy ecosystem.
Participants will learn how formal structures and informal networks interact to advance policy interests. The course will sharpen the skills necessary to manage crises, assess breaking developments, and engage both government and nongovernment actors.
Course instructors include CSIS experts with prior experience as senior government officials and government relations professionals. CSIS in-house expertise will be augmented by "Washington insiders" who will share their extensive knowledge about navigating the city's distinctive culture, policy dynamics and political constructs.
Curriculum
The Understanding Washington curriculum is comprised of a series of seminars that address a range of topics, including:
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- The dispersal of power among the political branches
- The legislative process and the mechanics that drive the executive branch agencies
- How a wide range of interest groups in and outside of Washington work to shape the federal policy environment
- The policy ecosystem of Washington and strategies for engagement
- The role and function of regulatory agencies
Case studies will be used to help illustrate how the Washington ecosystem deals with tangible problems. Small-group exercises will reveal the challenging dynamics embedded in policies and institutions as well as revealing techniques for advancing an organization’s objectives in various situations.
An immersive simulation will require participants to apply skills developed throughout the program to a real-world situation. Participants will work in teams to analyze a fast-moving issue and develop and implement an effective response.
Eligibility
This course is open to anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of how Washington, D.C. functions.
How to Apply
Registration for the November course is now open. Please complete a registration form by selecting the button below.
Alumni
Previous and current participants include representatives from:
Aramco Services Company, Central Japan Railway Company, Department of Energy, Duke Energy, Edison International, Embassy of Australia, Embassy of Canada, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Embassy of Mexico, Embassy of New Zealand, Embassy of Norway, Embassy of the State of Qatar, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Fujitsu Limited, General Dynamics, Government of Haiti, ITOCHU Corporation, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Japan Science & Technology Agency, The J.M. Smucker Company, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Mexican Evaluation Academy, Mitsubishi Corporation, NEC Corporation of America, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pure Hands, SK Hynix, Sojitz Corporation of America, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Thales Group Canada, Thales USA, Inc., Total S.A., UAE Executive Affairs Authority, U.S.-Angola Chamber of Commerce, West Virginia University
Contact
For more information, please contact Joel Martinez, Program Coordinator, at jmartinez@csis.org.
