Introduction

Since its launch in 2002, the Elcano Royal Institute’s research activity has been structured around 14 main areas: Europe, Latin America, Mediterranean & Arab World, US-Transatlantic Dialogue, Asia-Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, Security & Defence, International Economy & Trade, International Cooperation & Development, Spain’s International Image & Public Opinion, Demography & Population, Language & Culture and International Organisations & International Terrorism. However, in accordance with the 2007 Action Plan approved by the Board of Trustees in December 2006, the Institute’s priority lines of action will henceforth consist of a series of ‘Programmes’ spanning a number of years.

While not completely forgoing its traditional structure, in 2007 the Institute has started a series of Programmes that focus its human and material resources on questions that, because of their particular import and significance, are considered to be of priority interest.

What are the Elcano Royal Institute Programmes?

The Elcano Programmes aim to examine –based on strict standards of quality and the use of a wide range of methodologies– aspects and problems relating to the current international situation on which the Institute is expected to offer an especially qualified response.

Each Programme is headed by a Director. By their very nature, the Programmes are generally defined on the basis of thematic criteria rather than geographically, allowing the participation of analysts from other fields of research that might somehow be related. Similarly, research assistants and interns will work on the Programmes as required.

Programmes approved under the 2007 Action Plan

The 2007 Action Plan comprises three Programmes:

1. Energy Geostrategy

Director: Paul Isbell, Senior Analyst for International Economy and Trade, Elcano Royal Institute.

2. Migratory Flows and their Impact on Spain

Director: Rickard Sandell, Senior Analyst for Demography, Population and International Migrations, Elcano Royal Institute.

3. Global Terrorism

Director: Fernando Reinares, Senior Analyst for International Terrorism, Elcano Royal Institute, and tenured professor in Political Science at Madrid’s Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.