Summer Intern, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies
This summer, I got to live in New Delhi, India and work for the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. This was my first ever experience not only in international security, but also in a think tank environment. I was able to be
published three times, one article of which has been republished on Indian Defense Review and Eurasia Review. I also learned how to participate in peer edits and how to write a concise and original argument about complex topics. The most rewarding thing about this summer though was the ability to live in India and learn about the India-Pakistan conflict from a domestic perspective.
Working in an Indian think tank changed they way I saw the conflict and taught me about terms preferred in the nuclear community concerning India’s nuclear program. I also traveled to the Wagah border between India and Pakistan in Punjab where I got to see the fence and Indian bases. But the most rewarding part of this trip was attending the Wagah border ceremony between India and Pakistan. It was a wonderful instance of track 2 diplomacy at work and an incredible cultural experience.
My time in India was incredible and the IPL funding was a huge part of making that happen. I encourage other MIIS students to consider the IPCS internship especially if they are interested in South Asia. The IPCS actually publishes your work true to their word. They help shape you into a political writer and help masters students like me, who have little experience coming into the NPTS program, establish a profile of expertise beyond work at MIIS.
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