PARI is an inter- and transdisciplinary research institute that conducts and promotes research in three fields:

• the Cold War and its Implications for Today
• Border Studies
• Democracy and the Global Order

PARI unites junior and senior researchers in the social and cultural sciences, carries out research projects, organizes symposia, conferences and workshops, and offers doctoral, postdoctoral, and senior fellowships as well as conference grants.

PARI also organizes public discussion events. PARI is active in citizen science and aims at fostering exchange and debate between academics, politicians, and citizens.