Throughout much of history, the Institute of International Relations
(IIR) has been perceived as a Kuomintang think tank. Based on the perspective
generated by personal contributions before its formal establishment
in 1975 as part of National Chengchi University, the author traces
the IIR’s foundation and key staff as far back as 1937 to argue that it
was constructed during a national crisis because the state leader needed
professional opinions that could be used strategically. Thus, rather than
considering the IIR as an organization subject to a political party, it
should be regarded as an institution charged with gathering scholars to
defend the country.