Assigned Blog #9: CSIS Trip - Let Them Eat and Make Policy

In our recent trip to CSIS, Dr. Tapia informed us the amazingly delicious dinner we had at 1789 was not only a perk of our visit and relationship with the think tank but also an important insight into a key component of an actual policymaker’s life. Although, I think from classes and past studies we all seem to be familiar with this idea it wasn’t until we actually experienced it that a fully grasped the concept.

In talking more with people from the trip and friends that work in DC, I am really struck by just how much business goes on over the dinner table or at the bar counter. It’s no wonder why DC has such a lively and well-developed restaurant and night-life scene; this is where a lot of the policy making and business deals happen. I think a big component is the slackened formality we experienced at the business dinner. Although it was still the same people as the day for the most part and despite many discussion relating to school or work, it had a much more relaxed air. To take it to a more psychological pondering, it could also be tied back to the integral role food plays in bring people together in our home lives and upbringings. Either way it is certainly an interesting component of business and policy making that I think goes gross overlooked and undervalued in an academic sense.

I know the School of Hotel & Restaurant Institution Management and possibly the School of Business teaches about the key role business dinners play and more importantly, proper business etiquette, but what about the other schools? I think this should be a key component of every college here at Penn State. Although it mainly applies to the two colleges mentioned, it would certainly be a valuable life skill to any undergrad student. 

Perhaps it is my ignorance and naiveté yet again that is creating the intrigue and novelty at this experience but I think it certainly added a great deal to my understanding and study of the world of think tank and policy. Were you all as struck by me and the role this played in policy life? Also, do your respective colleges and majors teach you about these things? Perhaps it is yet again the tunnel vision of the College of Engineering rearing its ugly head but I’d been interested it so if this is true across the university or even across the country.