It was established in 2011 by a consortium of partners including the Municipality of The Hague, an academic coalition of Hague-based organizations and with support from the Dutch government.

[1] Its stated aim, to "contribute to, and further strengthen, the global framework for preventing and resolving conflict and promoting international peace.

"[2] Nico Schrijver, academic director of the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies at Leiden University, served as the Institute's first dean between January and August 2011.

[9] In June 2022, the Institute requested observer status with the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

[10] The Institute's leadership is supported by a panel of advisors consisting of individuals who have previously held political, diplomatic and legal positions in various countries.