The School has been conceptualised to encourage diversity in the constitution of knowledge of international affairs in India. Its current focus is on creating new and relevant knowledge in the core IR areas such as International Politics and Security Studies. In the coming years, the School intends to pursue research in history, theory and sociology of modern India's international relations and all areas of Security Studies. Aware of the Gujarat's historical connections with the larger world, it will pursue research on maritime influences on India's trade, culture and security. These relatively new areas would be pursued alongside more conventional research areas such as International Relations Theories, International Organisations, International Trade and Development, International Law, and Globalisation. Among geographical area studies, the School's immediate area of focus is the India immediate and extended neighbourhood. Programmes and the Centres of the School are interdisciplinary to the extent possible in the Indian context. All programmes of the School equally emphasise theory and policy and train students to contribute meaningfully to the society, country and the world at large.