[2] Founded in 2000 by the Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, the Institute aims to enhance global peace and stability through its projects, publications, and commentaries.

It addresses, not only the set of proposals and technical requirements for the so-called Liechtenstein Initiative, but it also considers the structure of a treaty as a legal instrument for future cases.

Founding Director Wolfgang Danspeckgruber remarked that LISD aims to "reduce the tumultuous and frequently violent process inherent in the search for increased autonomy.”[8] The early projects at LISD included one on state power, borders, and self-governance in the former Soviet Union, and another that sought to analyze tensions among separatist groups in Kashmir.

More recent projects include LISD's focus on conflicts in the Balkan region, especially in states such as Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

[14][15] In October 2018, LISD co-sponsored a new online edX course with Tel Aviv University entitled "HOPE: Human Odyssey to Political Existentialism".

[17] Outside of coursework, students are able take part in various initiatives such as the Emerging Foreign and Security Dimensions (EFSD) Fellowship or the Program on Religion, Diplomacy, and International Relations (PORDIR).