ISPI - Istituto per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale

The Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank providing leading research and viable policy options to government officials, business executives and the public at large wishing to better understand international issues. Founded in Milan, Italy, in 1934 thanks to the support of a group of businessmen led by Alberto Pirelli, founder of Pirelli S.p.A., ISPI has always adopted a pragmatic approach in analyzing geographical areas and topics of particular interest to Italy and Europe.

ISPI is the only Italian Institute - and among the few in Europe - combining policy-oriented research with an equally significant commitment to education and training, to conferences and advice on international trends for businesses, Institutions and the wider audience. Its work features an inter-disciplinary approach and partnerships with leading think tanks and universities from all over the world.

History

ISPI’s activities were officially launched on 27th March 1934 by a group of young scholars from the Universities of Milan and Pavia who decided to create a research center – in Fascist Italy – ,  inspired by the examples of London’s Royal Institute of Foreign Affairs and New York’s Foreign Policy Association.

The Institute’s editorial activities began immediately, with the journal “Relazioni Internazionali”, as well as several other publications intended to disseminate information on international affairs. ISPI  also opened a specialized library, becoming an important reference point in Italy for all those interested in international relations.