James Bowen, who began working at the International Peace Institute (IPI) in New York in 2015, left three years later, but his reflections on that period have resurfaced as he examines the Epstein documents in Australia. He questions the environment of the office, especially regarding the presence of many young and attractive female interns, some of whom he now believes may not have been qualified for their roles. Bowen's background was ideally suited for his role as editor of the Global Observatory, an IPI newsletter focusing on peace negotiations and geopolitical analysis, yet he suggests that the hiring practices at IPI may have been problematic.

Bowen mentions an anonymous alert submitted to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry in December 2019, indicating that not all interns at IPI had the necessary qualifications for their positions. Some interns seemed highly qualified, but others raised concerns regarding their capability. This raises questions about workplace dynamics and practices regarding recruitment, particularly in organizations that deal with significant global issues like peace and diplomacy. Such revelations can lead to broader discussions about the appropriateness of hiring practices in sensitive sectors.

The implications of Bowen's reflections could be profound, as they not only touch on individual experiences within IPI but may also reflect larger issues of gender dynamics and the influence of powerful figures in international organizations. These considerations are particularly pertinent in light of the scrutiny surrounding the Epstein case and the treatment of women in positions perceived as subordinate. Bowen's statements could prompt further investigations into organizational cultures in similar institutions worldwide, potentially reshaping how such workplaces address hiring practices and the treatment of interns.