SPL was established in 2003 by Prof. William C. Banks with the goal of supporting an interdisciplinary approach to national security and counterterrorism law and policy.

SPL consists of several full-time fellows and graduate research assistants, and dozens of affiliated faculty members at Syracuse University.

The Institute publishes analytical policy papers, journal articles, and books; it develops courses and other academic opportunities for graduates (like the certificate of advanced study); and it hosts conferences and seminars at Syracuse University and at its collaborating institutions.

[citation needed] The mission of the Institute for Security Policy and Law is to perform interdisciplinary research, teaching, public service, and policy analysis in the fields of national and international security and counterterrorism.

[citation needed] From 2013–2018, SPL, as part of a larger Program on Security in the Middle East, began offering a graduate study abroad fellowship, in collaboration with the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism at Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya in Israel.