The ABI is one of Germany’s major research centers in the domain of both comparative area studies and transregional studies.
As an independent, non-profit research institution, the institute cooperates with the University of Freiburg. The Institute was founded in 1960 and goes back to Arnold Bergstraesser, at that time Professor of Political Science and Sociology at the University of Freiburg.
The Institute's academic focus is on transformations of power, state structures and social conflicts in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.