DIIS conducts and communicates multidisciplinary research on globalization, security, development, and foreign policy.
DIIS contributes to the education of researchers at home and in developing countries, and work with relevant ministries for prolonged periods to qualify their knowledge of how DIIS research is used outside academic circles.
The Institute performs and communicates basic research, research-based consulting, and commissioned work by the Danish Parliament, Ministries, NGOs, and other clients.
[2] The legal foundation for DIIS states that the Institute must continuously assess Denmark's foreign policy and political situation and inform the Danish media, politicians, and the public about its findings.
[1] DIIS is led by a board primarily from academia to ensure the Institute fulfills its scholarly obligations.