Danny Thiemann: Reflections on India
Delhi helped me see the world in a new way. For example, I’ve been working on how to prevent conflict related to resource extraction in Latin America. This work has mainly been theoretical and has involved surveys of successful programs elsewhere that may be adapted for Central American countries. However, India brought the urgency of energy problems and their impact on the environment before my eyes every day.
Several times throughout my Milt Stewart fellowship, I was asked to help counsel who were arguing for changes in public policy before the India Central Electricity Commission and before the Supreme Court. I am extremely thankful for this opportunity because it not only sharpened my legal research and writing skills but also let me see firsthand some of India’s top lawyers work through problems and respond on their feet to tough questions. It also gave me perspective and a sense of urgency to continue working on these issues in other regions of the world, such as Latin America. Delhi was able to expand my thought and vision for my work in Latin America and renew my sense of urgency.