The International Law, Institutions and Diplomacy program seeks to examine and understand the changing nature of international cooperation through research on the roles and effectiveness of international actors, institutions, and legal frameworks within the current and evolving global architecture. The research agenda of the group focuses on the changing nature of governance at the international level beyond traditional state-based diplomacy, with special emphasis on new and emerging forms of cooperation and diplomacy.

To assess and enhance the efficacy, representativeness and legitimacy of international organizations, multilateral institutions and forums such as the UN, IMF, G8 and G20, experts within the International Law, Institutions and Diplomacy group explore questions relating to when and why existing institutions fall short of their mandate, when reform or the creation of a new institution might be justified, and the activism and influences of different actors within the international system. To that end, the group convenes forums, participates in strategic collaborations, develops extensive networks of experts and intellectuals, holds high-level meetings, carries out research to influence the policy process and academic debates on pressing international issues.