Founded in 1959, ISA has been headquartered at the University of Connecticut in Storrs since 2015.

[3] ISA has more than 7,000 members in over 100 countries and describes itself as "one of the oldest interdisciplinary associations dedicated to understanding international, transnational and global affairs.

"[4] ISA encompasses six geographic subdivisions (regions), 29 thematic groups (sections), and four caucuses, providing opportunities to exchange ideas and research with local colleagues and within specific subject areas.

[5] ISA's annual convention routinely draws over 6,000 attendees.

[8] In 2014, ISA came under criticism for a proposed ban on blogging by its journals' editors.