The institute has a broad research and educational scope, the largest library in the country in the field of international relations, including the licensed depository library of European Union publications and its own publishing house.

After the prevalence of the democratic forces in Yugoslavia in October 2000, IIPE is trying to change its orientation and priorities.

The IIPE's focus of research shifts to specific issues of integration of the country into the international community and a redefinition of Yugoslavia's international strategy. Its programme and visions of further activities are entirely dedicated to revive independent and critical research in the field of international relations.

IIPE's programme is based on the presumption that a foreign policy grounded upon a genuine respect for democratic principles both in internal and external relations should lead Yugoslavia into the European Union and other international and European structures.