Tsinghua University founded the Institution of International Studies in 1997 and established the Department of International Relations in 2008. In 2009, Tsinghua restructured the Department of Political Science. Consolidating the institution and the two departments, the Institution of Modern International Relations (IMIR) was established in 2010 and Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, former State Councilor, was named the honorary President. In 2015, the IMIR merged with Institution of International Studies, renamed as Institute for International Relations, Tsinghua University (TUIIR), which forms a comprehensive institution that combines research and teaching. Currently, there are ten research centers, three research projects and two editorial offices. The faculty of the institution acts as both teachers and researchers.

The number of teachers and students has been rising steadily over the years. In 2017, the faculty consist of 21 professors, 5 researchers and 4 post-doctors, with 6 administrative staff. Student number in 2017 is 80 PhD candidates and 40 masters, half of which were international students.

The TUIIR has four academic characteristics. Firstly, the focus on the quantitative methods and building a system of teaching and research in scientific methods. Secondly, the study on international security strategy with an emphasis on science and technology research. Thirdly, the focus on faculty and student internationalization, with teachers from different countries and Taiwan region. Half of the postgraduates are international students. Fourthly, the combination of theory with policy analysis while maintaining a working relationship with government departments. Many of our teachers have experience conducting research for the government.

The TUIIR organizes a variety of academic activities every year, such as forums, seminars and lectures. Founded in 2012, the World Peace Forum (WPF) is the first high-level international security forum initiated by a Chinese institution. It is organized by Tsinghua University and co-organized by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA), with TUIIR undertaking the operational work. Institutionalized in 2013, the WPF has been held for 6 consecutive years. As a non-governmental annual summer event, it aims to offer an opportunity for international strategists and think-tank leaders to discuss international security issues and develop constructive approaches to dealing with threats to international security.

As of 2017, TUIIR also organizes the Chinese Community of Political Science and International Relations (CCPSIS) meeting 10 times, in which more than 750 young scholars participated each year. Other long-term academic activities include the Tsinghua International Relations Forum (17 times), the Theory Seminar Youth International Relations Scholars (15 times), the Summer School of International Relations Research Methods and Arms Control Seminar (9 times). The first Theoretical Innovation Seminar was held in June 2017, which made a major impact academically.

There are four journals edited by TUIIR: the Chinese Journal of International Politics (English, quarterly published by the Oxford University Press, 2017 Impact Factor 1.406), Quarterly Journal of International Politics (Chinese, quarterly), the US-China Relations Briefing (quarterly) and Chinese Economic Diplomacy (quarterly). In addition, TUIIR releases the Report of Tsinghua International Security Forum annually. Academic monographs and textbooks are published every year.