The Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS) was founded in 1981 as the Southeast Asian Security Studies Program within the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University. In February 1982, its status changed when it became an institute officially sanctioned by Chulalongkorn University, entrusted with the task of conducting independent research and disseminating knowledge on international and security issues.

The objectives of ISIS are:

To benefit teaching and research at the university level by promoting knowledge and understanding of international and security issues, both traditional and non-traditional, with particular emphasis on those as they directly and indirectly affect Thailand.

To help pin-point problems, pose questions, and identify policy options for Thai government agencies on security matters that may directly and indirectly affect Thailand and Southeast Asia.

To enhance the general public's awareness and understanding of security and international issues in a comprehensive manner.

To promote cooperation at the international level with other regional institutes with similar objectives.