We describe a first-principles theoretical formalism for the magnetic response of paramagnetic metals in which all relativistic effects such as spin-orbit coupling are included. In particular, the easy axis and dependence upon wave vector q of the paramagnetic spin susceptibility (q) can be calculated. To illustrate we apply the method to two transition metals, yttrium and scandium. In each case we find (q) to peak at a wave vector qϭ(0,0,0.57)/c, coincident with a Fermi surface nesting vector,

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... and to have an easy axis perpendicular to q. Since (q) plays a key role in determining the interaction between magnetic impurities in these metals, these results are consistent with the helical antiferromagnetic order found in many dilute rare-earth Y alloys. Conversely, the easy axis for the response to a uniform magnetic field, qϭ0, lies along the c axis.