The CIR was established in 1981 as an independent institution, with no political or state affiliation. It forms an integral part of the research Institute of Social Sciences at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana. In addition to conducting research as its most important activity, the CIR also carries out teaching and other assignments that fall within its fields of interest. The CIR aims to promote co-operation with other similar institutions, in publishing, organising conferences and workshops, consulting and performing other professional activities in the field of international relations. CIR research provides the basis for the graduate and undergraduate courses in International Relations at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana. The research results are widely disseminated, both within Slovenia and abroad.

CIR research is interdisciplinary. Its members include experts in International Relations, International Economic Relations, International Law, International Organisations, Theories of International Relations, Political Science, History, European Integration, International Business, and International Security.

The CIR research projects and other activities are mainly financed by grants from the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia (formerly the Ministry of Science and Technology), and from various international institutions and programmes. Recent CIR research projects have been funded by PHARE ACE, TEMPUS PHARE, and EU TSER.

The CIR co-operates closely with a number of research institutions within the University of Ljubljana, and with other institutions in Slovenia and abroad. The CIR has hosted visiting lecturers and researchers in the past and encourages such co-operation with interested scholars.

The CIR is headed up by Professor Marjan Svetličič. The CIR secretariat is headed by Mrs Jasna Jugovič.

Together with Palgrave, the CIR publishes the Journal of International Relations and Development, the official journal of the Central and East European International Studies Association (CEEISA).