Founded in 1971 in Rome, the “S. Pio V” Institute of Political Studies has long been committed to research in the fields of political, humanistic, and social sciences.
In 1996, the Institute established the Free University “S. Pio V” (now UNINT), with which it maintains a close scientific partnership, offering strategic guidance and contributing to its academic development.
The Institute’s scientific activity is structured around the following types of initiatives:
Research Areas
The Historical-Political Studies Area is dedicated to the advancement of scholarly research in the fields of history and political science, with a particular focus on the analysis of international relations and geopolitical processes. Central to its mission is the comprehensive study of the Mediterranean region, approached through a multidimensional lens that encompasses its historical evolution, social structures, political developments, and strategic significance within broader international dynamics. Since 2013, the Institute has overseen the publication of the Geopolitical Atlas of the Mediterranean, an annual compendium that offers a systematic, evidence-based examination of the most salient events and trends shaping the region. This publication pays special attention to the political and institutional transformations taking place in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East, highlighting the complex interplay of internal dynamics and external influences that affect regional stability and governance. In response to the evolving challenges of the international system, the Area has in recent years launched and supported a series of research initiatives addressing issues of growing relevance in global academic and policy debates. These include investigations into the development of a common European defence and security architecture, the proliferation of disinformation and its impact on democratic institutions, and the shifting configurations of power within the context of renewed strategic competition among global powers.
The Social and Humanistic Studies Area is committed to the advancement of multidisciplinary research – both historical and contemporary – on the cultural and social transformations shaping Italian and broader European societies. Grounded in the methodologies of the social sciences and the humanities, this research area aims to critically explore the evolution of societal structures, cultural identities, and patterns of collective behaviours, while engaging with current theoretical debates and empirical challenges. Among the core thematic priorities that have emerged over time, particular emphasis has been placed on the study of migration processes, which represent a pivotal area of inquiry due to their profound impact on demographic, social, economic, and political configurations across Europe. The Area’s research activities investigate both the structural determinants and the lived experiences of migration, with a focus on integration dynamics, policy responses, public discourse, and the intersections between mobility and social cohesion. In this context, the Area has, for several years, coordinated – together with the IDOS Study and Research Centre, a leading Italian institution in the field of migration studies – the production of the Immigration Statistical Dossier. This annual publication constitutes a key reference in the national and international academic debate, offering a rigorous and comprehensive analysis of migration flows to Italy. The volume not only presents up-to-date statistical data, but also provides interpretative frameworks that illuminate the complex social, cultural, and economic implications of migration, thereby contributing to informed policy-making and public understanding.
The “Territory and Society” Research Area focuses its scientific activity on the analysis of social phenomena concerning urban spaces, adopting an interdisciplinary approach that integrates methodologies from the social sciences, urban studies, and human geography. Its primary objective is to investigate the transformations affecting the contemporary urban context, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of social inclusion, civic participation, and cultural change within cities. A transversal and increasingly prominent line of research concerns the theme of sustainability, understood not only in environmental and economic terms but also – and above all – in relation to digital sustainability. The latter is examined as a key component in the development of smart, inclusive cities capable of integrating new technologies while safeguarding digital rights, promoting social equity, and fostering territorial cohesion. In this context, the Research Area has maintained for several years a close collaboration with the Foundation for Digital Sustainability, one of the leading national institutions in the field of research and promotion of best practices related to sustainable digital transition. This synergy results in joint research activities, academic dissemination, and the advancement of public policies aimed at fostering responsible innovation.
Each Sector is entrusted to a Coordinator (Senior Research Fellow of the Institute), who also serves as the lead supervisor for the individual projects developed within the Sector.
Observatories
The Institute’s research activity is conducted not only through its research areas but also through three Observatories, which have been progressively established over the years as integral components of its scientific infrastructure:
- The Mediterranean Observatory (OSMED)
- The Global City Observatory (OSCIT)
- The Legality Observatory (OSLE)
These structures contribute to the Institute’s broader mission by promoting specialized, interdisciplinary research on strategic themes of national and international relevance.
The Institute maintains well-established and structured collaborative relationships with numerous academic and research institutions, both in Italy and abroad.