The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) in New Delhi, a well-regarded independent think tank on security and foreign policy in South Asia, has an Interns & Visiting Fellows program for budding postgraduate students. The program focuses on developing your research, policy analysis and writing for publication skills. IPCS accepts applications throughout the year and is relatively flexible in accommodating your own research interests.
The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies
The IPCS publishes widely on contemporary foreign policy and security issues in Asia, with a particular focus on India. Its comprehensive publications span armed conflict, counter-terrorism, disarmament, energy security, human security, nuclear non-proliferation, and regional peace processes and strategies security sector reforms.
There is international recognition for the IPCS work – it has worked collaboratively with or received funding for research projects from, among others, the Ford Foundation, International Crisis Group, the Japan Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation and the United Nations’ High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change.
Internships at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies
The IPCS offers three-month internship programs throughout the year at its office in New Delhi. The internships are research focused, providing you access to the IPCS research networks and publishing opportunities. The IPCS also gives you the flexibility to work on topics relevant to your own research interests as well as those of the institute.
During the internship you will be able to write and contribute to articles, briefs and essays; attend conferences, and participate in roundtable discussions with dignitaries and experts visiting the institute. You will also help organise IPCS events and contribute to the IPCS’s ongoing research programs and dialogues. As a minimum requirement for an internship, the IPCS asks that you produce two 800-word articles per month on relevant topics as well as one brief or essay per quarter.
You can apply at any time during the year by simply specifying the time period in which you would like to undertake the internship with a minimum of six months notice. The IPCS hosts up to three interns per quarter.
Before you apply
The IPCS asks that you have completed a graduate/post graduate degree in international relations, security studies, political science or a related area.
The internships are unpaid and you will need to organise your own accommodation, flights and visa and cover additional expenses.
The IPCS advises that interns will be selected based on their areas of research interest and internship availability, with a preference given to applicants interested in working on nuclear issues and Southeast Asia.
How to apply
You can apply for an internship at the IPCS by submitting the online application form. The application requires you to write about your academic history, current research interests and the research topics you propose to undertake as part of an internship. The IPCS also requests that you submit your CV and two letters of reference directly with your application.