Internship Spotlight: The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies

Katherine Dorrer

International News Editor

For the past two semesters, I have had the privilege of interning with the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies at the International Center for Terrorism Studies (ICTS). ICTS expands its focus beyond terrorism to investigate a broader spectrum of security challenges such as cybercrimes, emerging technologies, transnational organized crime, and hybrid warfare. This comprehensive scope has allowed me to engage deeply with the complex, evolving nature of global security. 

My internship at ICTS has been a highly educational experience that directly complements my academic background in diplomacy and international relations at Seton Hall University. Through coursework in intelligence, homeland security, international security, and global health security and bioterrorism, I developed a strong interest in the field of terrorism and its intersection with national and international policy. This internship has allowed me to apply and expand upon those academic foundations by engaging with real-world research on terrorism and related security threats. 

A significant portion of my role involves conducting research. I have written more than 30 bi-weekly reports analyzing global terrorism trends, with a focus on Central American and Caribbean affairs, domestic violent extremism, radicalization, terrorism financing, as well as cartel activities and regional instability. This work has sharpened my ability to synthesize complex information, identify patterns in threat escalation, and articulate these findings in a clear format. My academic training in research methods has been instrumental, particularly in navigating open-source intelligence, academic literature, primary sources, and governmental documentation. 

One of the most practical tools I have carried from the classroom into my internship is the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) framework, which I learned in my intelligence course. Designed to prioritize clarity and efficiency, BLUF is used by analysts to quickly present their conclusions and recommendations at the beginning of a report. I have found this framework invaluable in my day-to-day work at ICTS, particularly when drafting the bi-weekly reports or synthesizing research. 

This semester, I transitioned to a Senior Research Intern position, building upon the foundational work I did as a Terrorism Research Intern. In addition to my research responsibilities, I also have the opportunity to lead my pod team, which has been an invaluable part of my professional development. As the team leader, I am responsible for coordinating our efforts, ensuring that each member is aligned with our project goals. When creating our fact sheets, I make sure to communicate expectations clearly, set deadlines, and encourage collaboration. This new role has helped me refine my leadership and management skills, where time-sensitive tasks require quick decision-making and problem-solving. 

Last month, I was involved in organizing the “Combating Terrorism: A Review of 2024 and Future Outlook” event. This event focused on the evolving global terrorism landscape, addressing the increasing threat of domestic extremism and the ongoing challenges of state and non-state terrorism worldwide. In the lead-up to the event, I played a role in organizing the introduction portion of the presentation, which set the stage for a panel of esteemed academics and professionals to share their insights on counter-terrorism strategies and the annual threat assessment.

Reflecting on this experience, a significant takeaway is the realization that effectively addressing terrorism requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond military action. It is crucial to understand the technological and cultural drivers of extremism to create strategies that foster stability and peace. This insight has further solidified my commitment to a career in security policy, where I aspire to contribute to developing strategies that enhance resilience and address the root causes of security threats. 

I would highly recommend that any student passionate about security and policy analysis pursue this internship. The opportunity to collaborate with experts in the field, research complex issues, and contribute to meaningful work has provided invaluable professional and academic growth. For those seeking a career in counterterrorism or policy research, the International Center for Policy Studies offers a unique platform to make impactful contributions to shaping a more secure world.