The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), was founded in 1996 as an independent think-tank to develop an alternative framework for Peace and Security in South Asia through independent research and analysis. It continues to be one of the leading independent institutes in the region with no affiliation to a particular institution and/or ideology. The core research of IPCS focuses on internal security, nuclear issues and regional conflicts. Since its founding, IPCS has been the cradle of the next generation of strategic thinkers. This focus on youth is reflected both in its faculty and its strong internship programme focussed on building up the next generation of thought leaders.