[1] The research axes include: analysis of the contemporary Latin American and North American world; territorial mutations; social actors; cultural, political and juridical transformations in the region.

It is now located on the Campus Condorcet, as part of the “Cité des humanités et des sciences sociales” (City of Humanities and Social Sciences) in Aubervilliers.

Is one of the most complete and specialized collections in Europe on Latin America and the Caribbean,[3] including publications on history, anthropology, sociology, politics, arts and literature.

IHEAL's publishing house produces multidisciplinary research works.

Its former directors include: anthropologist Capucine Boidin (2019-2022); historian Olivier Compagnon (2015-2019); geographer Sébastien Velut (2011-2015); sociologist Polymnia Zagefka; former education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer (1998-2004); political scientist Georges Couffignal (1993-1998); as well as Jacques Chonchol and Christian Gros (1982-1993).