The article outlines three phases in the internationalization of the s
ocial sciences since the 1860s (the middle phase regressive). Major ag
ents in the current phase are listed, together with the characteristic
s and advantages of intergovernmental programmes and reasons for the e
stablishment of the Management of Social Transformations (MOST) progra
mme. The three substantive research themes of MOST and other features
are discussed, as well as its structure, financing and prospects.