The institute was founded in 1968 by the Government of SFR Yugoslavia.

It in fact developed out of the research unit of the High School of Political Science.

After separating from the Faculty of Political Science in Belgrade,[1] the Institute for Political Studies was given the status of independent scientific institution under the Government of Republic of Serbia.

[2] Activities of the institute are conducted by a competent and diverse team of researchers, encompassing scientific fields and disciplines such as political science, international relations, law, economy, history, philosophy, psychology and social work.

Research results are disseminated externally or through one of seven scientific journals published by the Institute.