Founded in 1996 as an independent think tank, by former IAS officer PR Chari and Major General (Retd.) Dipankar Banerjee, the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), is one of the premier research institutes and think tanks on South Asia. It continues to be one of the leading independent institutes in the region with no affiliation to a particular institution and/or ideology.
Alternative Opinions. Young Voices
As an independent think tank, the Institute believes in promoting alternative approaches to security issues. More importantly, it provides a platform for different voices and promotes serious debate based on informed opinion. In particular, apart from regular commentaries and essays, the Institute also hosts a monthly column for scholars from across South Asia.
The IPCS believes in providing a substantial space for the views and opinions of the young generation. The Institute not only has the youngest profile in terms of its faculty, but also invites young scholars from other regions to host them as Interns and Visiting Fellows. IPCS�s �New Issues, Young Voices� initiative provides a platform for young voices from various regions in South Asia to discuss and on contemporary issues and solutions. Since 2013, the Institute has organised three such dialogues for the young generation from Ladakh, Northeast India and Nepal.
Research and Programmes
The initial charter of the Institute focussed more on non-military security issues and threats to the region. However, the nuclear tests in 1998 and developments in the post 9/11 period in South Asia impinged on the focus of the Institute; and today, the Institute is again attempting to strike a fine balance between military and non-military security issues. Research at the Institute is carried out through its six programmes:
